A new Army campaign focusing on training is being led by a Wilmington native

Javon Starnes joined the Army as a way to serve and protect the ones he loves.

And he is now making a difference, speaking on training for leadership in the Army.

But life wasn’t always easy for Starnes.

“I grew up rough,” Starnes said.

The Wilmington native’s life story has been about grit and determination,  and he uses those lessons as a leader in the U.S. Army’s new marketing campaign, “Decide to Lead,” which focuses specifically on officership, a specialized path of service for aspiring leaders.

“I’m glad I was selected for the campaign,” Starnes said. “I wouldn’t have been in this position had I not decided to lead.”

‘Part of my story’

Starnes was born in Atlantic City, N.J., but moved to Wilmington at an early age. Starnes and his brother were raised by a single mother, who he said was literally running for her life. The family was homeless, having to live in domestic violence shelters – bouncing from one to the next.

Source: From homeless to Army officer, Wilmington man perseveres to lead ‘something special’