My commitment to youth education and engagement spans over 15 years, actively working with high school students in the Civil Air Patrol, JROTC programs, ROTC Programs, high school military clubs, and the ARNG Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). Through these roles, I have dedicated myself to mentoring and preparing students for both military and civilian success, fostering leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility.
After identifying a critical gap at a high school that did not qualify to establish a JROTC program, I took the initiative to implement a "military club" that offered students a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of military life (with permission granted by the principal, vice principal, and school district). Through this program, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences, including drill and ceremony, military time, and communication protocols such as the phonetic alphabet. I also instructed in-class courses covering ARNG history and nutrition and led outdoor fitness sessions incorporating physical fitness tests. One of the highlights of the club was securing a HUMVEE for practical learning, allowing students to familiarize themselves with its features and functions. To further enhance their understanding of military life, I provided MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat), giving students the chance to taste and experience field rations. Additionally, I organized a field trip to the Colorado State Capitol, fostering civic engagement by exposing students to the inner workings of government. This initiative not only filled a gap in the school's offerings but also cultivated a sense of leadership, learning, and community. The military club attracted around 15 students annually, with 2-3 enlistments each year, demonstrating its impact on youth education and development.
Civil Air Patrol
(St. Mary's Composite Squadron,
MD-09)
H.S. Military Club
(Estes Park H.S., CO)
JROTC
My dedication to youth education and engagement is evident through my commitment to mentoring JROTC high school students and actively supporting their development. Over the years, I have guided and mentored students in JROTC programs, helping them build leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of purpose. In addition to mentoring, I have also served as a judge at several JROTC competitions, where I evaluated the students' performances in various military drills and ceremonies. This experience has allowed me to contribute to their growth and recognize their achievements, reinforcing my passion for fostering the next generation of leaders. Through these efforts, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to empowering young people and helping them succeed.
ROTC
(University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)
As a cadre instructor for the ROTC department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), I played an integral role in shaping future Army officers by contributing to cadet operations, class instruction, physical fitness training, orientation sessions, ruck marches, and land navigation exercises. This position was pivotal in supporting the Army’s mission of developing well-prepared leaders who embody the values and skills necessary to lead effectively. Beyond advancing the Army’s goals, my work positively impacted cadets by enhancing their leadership abilities, physical resilience, and confidence, setting them on a path to success both within the military and in their personal lives.
RSP
My dedication to youth education and engagement extends to my role as a Cadre Instructor for the Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program. In this position, I was responsible for educating high school enlistments on the military lifestyle and preparing them mentally and physically for the rigors of BootCamp. Through hands-on training and instruction, I provided these young recruits with the foundational skills and knowledge they needed to succeed in their military journey. By fostering a supportive and challenging environment, I helped them build confidence, resilience, and discipline, ensuring they were well-prepared for the next phase of their military careers. This role allowed me to make a meaningful impact on their development, reinforcing my commitment to empowering and guiding the next generation.
RSP Water Survival Training
Video filmed and edited by Charles M. David, Adobe Premiere
[Underwater footage provided by instructors' GoPro]
