Former Hynix worker enlists in 'recession-proof' Army
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EUGENE, Ore. - Sixteen-month-old Allison Pomerleau is the picture of contentment as she giggles on her toy horse and exchanges high-fives with her father Aaron Pomerleau.
Little Allison doesn't know these fun times with dad will go on a hiatus very soon.
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What's up with Hynix? The Hynix factory in west Eugene remains idle, and there's no word on talks that could revive the plant. Discussions began last year between Hynix and the Uni-Chem company from South Korea. Uni-Chem wants to buy the Hynix plant to make solar cells, but Hynix spokesman Bobby Lee told KVAL News Monday that there's no update on the progress of those talks or how close a deal may be. |
Laid off along with 1,000 others in the summer of 2008 when Hynix Semiconductor shut down in Eugene, Pomerleau's 17-month search for a job is over: He decided to try the Army.
"I've done enough unemployment," he said. "I'm done."
The future private first class says losing his job at Hynix was devastating. He tried for positions with the federal Border Patrol and state police but didn't meet their education requirements.
Rejections came also in the medical field.
He sees enlisting in the Army as recession-proof.
"We hope the Army can get us enough of a nest egg and so we can use a VA loan. We can buy a house," Pomerleau said.
His wife, Angela, told KVAL News, "I'm very proud in his decision. I'm definitely looking forward to being an army wife and opening a new chapter in our life."
Timing, of course, is everything. Pomerleau flies to Fort Jackson, South Carolina a week from Wednesday -- his 26th birthday.
"No regrets about doing it," he said. "I just wish I would have looked into it probably a year earlier."
Sunday night, friends held a going away party for Pomerleau in Eugene for what they hope will be a brighter future.
"You can't really think about the bad things that could possibly happen," Angela Pomerleau said. "You just have to think of it in a positive light and put it in God's hands."
Aaron Pomerleau plans to be an Army mechanic after the end of basic training. His enlistment is slated to last 3 1/2 years.
