The Marines are getting a few good triplets.
Andrew, Sam and Elizabeth Foltz of Cadillac may have disagreed now and then growing up, but they're taking the same post-high school path -- enrolling in the U.S. Marine Corps.
"I always told the kids to find a way to make it through college," their mother, Denise Vaughan, told the Cadillac News during the triplets' graduation open house Sunday.
"For a time I was a single mom. I told them there was no way I could help them. This is very important to them."
The siblings made their decisions separately -- Andrew first.
"I've been planning to join the military for a long time," he said. "But the Marines, the few ... the proud, I wanted to be one of them."
Andrew joined under a plan calling for him to attend college and participate in ROTC for four years. After receiving his degree in aviation and flight science, he will spend two years in active duty. His goal is to become a pilot.
He left for basic training after the open house and plans to attend Western Michigan University this fall.
After his brother enlisted, Sam visited a Marine Corps recruiter.
"I knew I would eventually join the military," Sam said. "I just didn't know which one. So I talked with the recruiter, and he guaranteed me the job I wanted, computer technology. I'll be in military aviation."
He heads to San Diego for basic training in August, to be followed by four years of active duty and two years in the reserves.
Unlike her brothers, Elizabeth was a late convert to the idea of military service. A high school athlete, she was busy with volleyball and track, hoping for an athletic scholarship.
"They are all really smart, bright kids," Vaughan said. "But Elizabeth couldn't get the money she wanted for college."
She joined Andrew and Sam at pre-boot camp workouts, then chatted with the recruiter herself.
"Everyone is hassling me -- saying I just joined because my brothers joined," she said. "But I like challenging myself in a new adventure."
Elizabeth will attend community college and play volleyball for one semester before leaving for basic training.
"The good part is that we will all go through this together," she said.
The triplets' mother is proud.
"I think it's wonderful they are taking the bull by the horns and making decisions for their lives," she said. "I think it takes a lot of guts, and hopefully they will all be in a safe position that will keep them out of harm's way.