May 13, 2009

Anne Houghton was in seventh grade when her older sister, Kate, broke the news about her college intentions.

"One day she came home and said, 'I really think I am going to go into the Army,'" Anne recalled. "I was like, 'OK, funny, Kate. What's going on?'"

Six years later, it was Anne Houghton who headed to West Point, her tennis racquet in tow. By that time, the younger Houghton was enamored with the Academy, having spent time with Kate and their brothers, John and Rick -- all became West Point cadets and Army tennis players. Kate and John graduated in 2007, and Rick is a senior on the men's team.

"I always knew, watching them and looking up to them, that I wanted to make this a part of my life, too,'' Anne said. "I would go to other colleges and see the college life -- it seemed fun for a little bit, but I really wanted to make some goals for myself, and I think it will be fun to be an officer and become a leader.''

That's not to say the new military and academic life has been easy for Houghton.

For the complete article by Ken McMillan of the Middletown (N.Y.) Times Herald-Record click here