TAVARES, Fla. — Military recruitment is at an all-time low since the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2019, the Army had over 68,000 recruits — now, that number is about 7,000 nationwide.

Kim Smith lives in the competitive world of bowling. The sport created a bond between Kim and her brother. He is currently serving in Germany with the U.S. Army, but soon, Kim will follow in his footsteps.

“I originally wanted Air Force, (but) they started ghosting me mid-way through my freshman year when I was just trying to get information on their careers,” said Smith.

She soon met Sergeant First Class Wesley Swanson and fell in love with the Army. He signed her brother, soon after he took on another role.

“Swanson definitely took on more of that mentor role, a more fatherly mentor role,” said Smith. 

Smith and her brother grew up without a dad. Meeting Sergeant First Class Swanson changed their lives in more ways than one.

“Swanson went the extra mile for me and my brother,” said Smith. 

The feeling is mutual. Sergeant First Class Swanson sees Smith as an extension of his family. He said it’s even more special seeing Smith grow throughout her high school career. And even throw around a bowling ball now and then.

“She knew what she wanted to do. She was excited about what she wanted to do, so I didn’t have to show her all the options,” said Sergeant First Class Swanson.

But over the past few years, Army recruitment has gone down. Back in 2019, Lake County had 122 regular Army recruits. Currently, that number is 16. The nationwide issue is something Army officials are still figuring out today.

“During COVID, we probably missed somebody who was going to be a super important leader along the way and we’re trying to find that person now,” said Swanson.

Smith told Spectrum News she’s one of three Army recruits at Tavares High.

“Probably because everyone says, ‘Oh the military is just playing mind games, they’re gonna brainwash you, or they’re going to ruin your life.’ No, you just need to have the heart and soul for it,” said Smith.

As her senior year ends, so does Swanson’s time at Tavares High, Smith being his last recruit before moving to another high school in Iowa.

Smith will go off to bootcamp in July, where she’ll still be able to bowl on base. After bootcamp, she’ll be stationed in Hawaii as a military police officer.