POST FALLS — Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey came from a part of Pennsylvania that Billy Joel immortalized in the song “Allentown” as the work dried up and the factories shut down.  

Dailey looked around, as a young man, for a way to make something of his life, but he couldn’t find any opportunities. 

Then he learned about the Army and saw the American dream he had long wished for. 

“What I found is family. What I found is a life. I found a group of individuals just like me,” Dailey said.  

On Monday evening, he addressed 22 new Army recruits at Post Falls American Legion 143, telling them a little about what they can hope for during their service.  

As the new soldiers prepare for basic training, some in weeks, some in a few months, Dailey told them to bear through their apprehension of the unknown.

He pledged that their Army family will be there for them.

“It’s a land of opportunity like no other in this nation,” Dailey said. 

At a table of four new Army recruits, the consensus was that they joined up because they wanted to “do great things” and saw the military career as a way to achieve them. Two of the recruits will make their way to Fort Benning, Ga., and two will go to Fort Sill, Okla.   

With his life in transition after a breakup, Jose Pedroza, 20, said he left school in Cheney, Wash., and was looking for something new. 

“I didn’t want to be in college anymore, I kinda wanted to just restart,” Pedroza said.

When the recruiter got back in touch with him, he felt it was time to make the leap and join.  

William Klemme, 18, comes from a military family and said he wanted to serve his country and learned from his recruitment officer that he’ll be able to set himself up for the rest of his intended career. 

“I learned they paid for college and they give you experience that will lead to the job I want in the future,” Klemme said.  

Steven Stacey, 18, had one reason for joining up.   

“I want to be a badass,” Stacey said.  

For Iwugo Martins, 31, he said it’s been a dream of his to serve in the military.    

“I just want to have that purpose in life,” Martins said.   

Post 143 Commander Tim Shaw said this was the second year the American Legion has participated in a send-off honoring recruits.  

He also sees it as important to give them information about the resources and community the American Legion can provide after they serve. 

At the end of the day, no matter a person’s heritage, religion or family background, Dailey sees the Army as a true melting pot.

“If you’re willing to give, you’ll receive,” Dailey said.   

    Retired Army Sergeant Major Daniel Dailey addresses 22 new Army recruits Monday at the Post Falls American Legion Post about what they'll experience when they serve their country.