Anthony Carli-Pociask, 18, is scheduled to leave for the Air Force in November, his family said.
Carli-Pociask graduated from St. Daniel the Prophet School in 2022 and St. Rita of Cascia High School in 2026. He is one of seven St. Rita graduates in his class who committed to the armed forces, and one of the four who chose the Air Force, according to St. Rita’s official Instagram.
At St. Rita, he played four sports over his high school career: football for four, lacrosse for three, basketball and wrestling for two each, and volleyball for one. He was also involved in Campus Ministry, Big Brothers, Student Ambassadors, Kairos Leadership, and Advice Beyond the Classroom.
Anthony is a well-rounded young man who has grown up with a strong foundation in family values, faith, good morals, values, and discipline. When incorporating those characteristics with being an athlete, he has focused on hard work and dedication. Family, faith, and athletics have prepared him for his next journey of serving the United States, according to his family.
From a young age, Anthony talked about serving his country. He dressed up in military costumes, ghillie suits, and in the second grade he gave a class presentation on the life of Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL sniper whose memoir became the film “American Sniper.”
So when he told his family he wanted to enlist in his senior year of High School, no one was surprised; they said. He could have chosen any branch, but after much research, he decided the Air Force was the best fit.
Public service runs in the family. Carli-Pociask’s parents are both retired Chicago Police Sergeants.
In a joint statement, the Carli-Pociask family expressed pride in his service while also acknowledging apprehension. They also recognized and appreciated all military veterans and active-duty members for their sacrifice and dedication to ensure the freedoms and safety of Americans, and expressed gratitude to the newly enlisted and the families of the troops for their sacrifices and endless support.
They said: “Choosing to serve takes a confident, independent, and strong person. We know this is the best decision Anthony could have made, and as much as we will miss him, we have to let him soar.”
Carli-Pociask hopes to see the world, further his education, and expreicnes opportunity of seeing the world, building his education, and experienceas much as possible during his enlistment. He says he feels honored to represent his country and wants to make the best of this opportunity. Putting on the USAF uniform will give him a sense of pride and respect.
