I remember stepping on the tarmac for the first time. I was nervous about leaving my family, but I wasn’t too worried. After all, I only planned for two weeks. Then I could return to the comforts of being high whenever I felt like it and having no plans for my future aside from who I would hang with that weekend. That was a year ago. As of today, I’m a year sober, and on track to be a soldier in the United States Army. I’m a high-school graduate who’s off of probation. So, to the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, who helped myself and so many others get passed the darkest part of their life, I thank you. Whether you were a teacher or a Cadre, a Guardsman or an Admin, medical staff or DFAC, thank you for guiding me on the journey that brought me to where I am today. On behalf of 23-1, I salute every one of you. I would not be where I am today without you.
A special thank you to Deputy Director Brouwers, Mr. Bonner, MSgt Rowland, TSgt Mitchell, and TSgt Pinque; each one of these individuals helped to remind me why I came to the Academy in the first place, and where I was going if I gave up.