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It was an emotionally tugging scene last Thursday when 19-year-old Ockeem Clarke marched off the parade square after completing the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) intake 2024/01 passing-out parade and walked into the arms of family members.

Cheers quickly gave way to sobs as Clarke's relatives couldn't contain their emotions seeing him in uniform, standing tall, polished, and poised after months of military training. But it wasn't just those on the ground who were in tears. His mother, Stephanie Johnson, though overseas, joined in the emotional outburst via a video call, bawling tears of joy.

"We're keeping her in the loop, sending pictures and telling her our every move," said Mitzie Gayle, Clarke's grandaunt, who was also moved to tears.

"Mi proud bad," she added, using her hand to wipe her eyes. Clarke's deportment put his training on display as his posture, precision, and politeness during interviews bore the clear marks of military moulding.

"I was up from 3 o'clock this morning, Ma'am," Clarke told THE STAR respectfully. "March pass was nothing too hard, because during training, we learn to withstand long periods of standing, heat, and pressure. It becomes natural over time."

Although very humble, Clarke didn't just graduate, he emerged as the Overall Best JNSC recruit for his intake.

"In the training, I showcased mental resilience, discipline, and leadership qualities," he said proudly. "I was a cadet at Lacovia High School and also the head boy, so I just came here to fulfil my dream of being a soldier."

Clarke, who hails from the 12th Battalion, credited both the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) for laying his foundation.

"The JDF partnered with JCCF to help train us, so some parts of the training were familiar. But trust mi, it still tough. This training breaks you and builds you," he said.

When asked why he chose the military route straight out of high school instead of heading to university, Clarke said he always wanted to become a soldier.

"One day I was in class and saw the cadets marching [outside]. I liked how things were done in a timely and disciplined manner. From then I knew I wanted to join the army," he said. "I see myself becoming an instructor in the army."

But for Clarke, it's not just about rank and recognition. When asked how he plans to maintain his discipline and patriotism, he answered with certainty.

"It has to do with passion and reminding yourself why you joined. My mantra is, 'You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.' So I remind myself every day why I love this." His father, 53-year-old Odel Clarke, was visibly proud of his son.

"During training, him tell mi seh, 'Daddy, when dem a rough mi up, a your voice mi hear.' He did not live with me fully, but I still made sure mi had an impact on him. When him come a Cayman to visit, mi rough him up same way but always with love," said the elder Clarke. He advised Jamaican fathers raising sons that though it may be hard "because boys will be boys", you have to put in the work.

"Show dem tough love, but dem must not feel neglected. Train the boy right, and everything will work out good. If you're never there with the boy, you haffi deal with the man later on," he said.

As Clarke stood surrounded by tearful relatives, including cousins, aunts, and his grandmother, there was no denying he had made his family and himself proud.

"My family has been really supportive, all of them. I am glad I have made them proud and I won't stop here."