middle-class kid. oh, he is. he was dedicated and very dedicated and focused. very focused. to me, he s very goal oriented. reporter: bryant was 18 on september 11, 2001, 9/11. the terrorist act inspired one of bryant s friends to join the marines. another one joined the army and two joined the coast guard. bryant wanted in, too. reporter: what was he talking to you about what he wanted to do with his life? he just said he wanted to go to the military, you know, and just come out and just live happy. reporter: join the army? join the army. reporter: did he say why he wanted to join the army? no. he felt proud and wanted to join the army. reporter: in march 2002, bryant enlists. according to military records cnn obtained he signed up for