KERENS, W.Va. (WBOY) — One Tucker County resident decided to reach for the stars to serve the United States, and he just learned of his acceptance.

Cody Petrillo of Tucker County enlisted and has been accepted to the United States Space Force under Cyber Operations. He has made a six-year commitment to serving.

Petrillo comes from a family that has served in the military and looks forward to continuing the tradition.

“I think a lot of it does come down to patriotism,” he said. “I would love to serve this country for just even giving me the right to live here.”

The Space Force looks out for America’s strategic interests and controls all the Department of Defense’s satellites. It was established in 2019, making it the first new Armed Services branch since 1947.

His family said they are proud of Cody, who leaves for basic training on April 30.