The Army is looking for new recruits. A 27-year-old Independence man wants to join, but his past is keeping him out. "I just want a chance like everybody else gets a chance," Kevin Kimerer told KMBC's Chris Nagus. "I'd like to join and serve the country." The problem is that Kimerer spent two years in prison for attempting to distribute drugs. The Army makes some exceptions for felony convictions, but not when it comes to murder, violent sexual crimes or drug dealing. "They take some felons, but the crime I was convicted of they don't mess around with at all," Kimerer said. "Right now, it seems nobody ever forgets. Nobody ever lets it down." Kimerer said he believes that his 2002 conviction and time in prison might make him a better soldier because he's used to a hostile environment. "I think I have more steadiness under pressure than an 18-year-old out of high school. People change and they can," Kimerer said. He said the Army won't accept him, even though he has letters of recommendation from his employer, parole officer and even a master sergeant in the Air National Guard. "Have people open their eyes -- just because you have been in trouble doesn't always mean your always going to be that way," Kimerer said. An Army representative said that convicted felons are looked at on a case-by-case basis. Ten military members must approve the applicant, including a general.
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