It is amazing how fast the school year went by.  Twice a week, every week, the LET IV class conducted sessions on everything from physical fitness to financial planning.  We discussed life and things that can alter life at the blink of an eye.  We discussed careers and aspirations, and how to lay out individual road maps.

We even talked about “the handshake.”  If you did not know, cadets at Riverside know that I do not give a handshake until they walk across the stage at graduation.  This is my way of showing the cadets that there is a difference in the life of a teenager and crossing into manhood.  Now all students look forward to getting a handshake. 

Throughout the school year, many students try to sneak a handshake by trying to catch me off guard or distracting me into giving them one, but I tell them that “I am NOT the dullest knife in the drawer” so don’t even try it!

But I also talk to them about not being so quick to call someone a friend.  A friend is someone who knows you just as well as your siblings do.  It takes a long time to get the stage of calling someone a true friend.  A friend will never turn its back on you, or run when you need them, or do negative things behind your back.  A friend can finish your sentence because they know you inside and out.  They know you, your ways, your family, and many times they know the moves you make before you do.

I tell them to be careful in all they are going to do, but make the right decisions and keep God first in all they do.  I further tell them to not let others talk them out of something they feel is right because just because they don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it’s wrong, they just have to be able to explain it for it to make sense.

The biggest conversations this year have been wrapped around making their roadmap to success.  Many times we do not make a change because we are unsure of ourselves or let others dictate our life for us.  Society has a tendency to do that. 

Cadets:

What you should do, how you should act, how you should talk, or how you should dress. 

But your success comes from not being afraid to make a step.  If you make one step, the other two will come.  This does not mean to be aggressive, but to be in control of your life and what you want to achieve.

I have had a great time this school year.  It is heartwarming to see the cadets now who first came here as little seventh graders and are now young men of courage, ready to walk across the stage and shake my hand.  Cadet Larry Harris, Max Weiner, Gage Bolden, I remember when you first arrived at Riverside and was knee-high to a grasshopper.  Look at you know.  Cadet Mike Hilton can to us in a wheelchair and now look at him. 

I am proud of each and every one of you.  It seems only yesterday that I was shaking my son’s hand the same way, and it was a tremendous feeling.  All 96 of you are my son's and I am proud to say that I have gotten to know you and your families.

I know how you feel parents, but you have done a great job and I want to say, thank you for being who you are to these fine young men.

Be Blessed!

Cadets have been registering in large numbers for our JROTC Summer Camp. To date, more cadets have registered for camp than any other year.  Congratulations to those who have chosen to go the extra mile and learn the trait of a leader. 

Registration is now closed for camp because we are out of slots for RMA cadets.

The following post is from my annual talk with the senior class at this time of year.  I stand in the hallway every class change and the atmosphere is one that continually brings me back to this.  There has got to be a remedy for this time of year.

As we nudge closer to the completion of another school year, the time has come for me to give my “life” class to my group of seniors.  I always use the analogy “imagine you were with a tour on the streets of New York City.  During this entire tour, you remained on the same side of the street.  All of a sudden, you came to a major intersection and had to push the button on the pole indicating you were waiting for the signal to change before crossing the street.  The light flashed “Don’t Walk” “Don’t Walk” Don’t Walk!”  You waited and waited and waited and waited until the light finally changed and flashed “Walk!”  Now you have to get across the street.

The thought is, after twelve long years, it seems that the time has finally come. When the light turns, graduating cadets will have to know how to get across the street without getting run over by life.  There will be no more hand holding and no more “I forgot!” No more “it slipped my mind!” No more “you didn’t tell me that part!” Excuses don’t count for much, but results do.

Even though seniors are now reaching the end of another chapter in their young lives, the next chapter is already being written in this book called “Life.”  They must be able to make the right decision in a world where wrong is socially accepted in some circles.  They must be able to recognize right from wrong, understanding the importance of each while reaching out and leaving their mark on others.  They must be willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in themselves and possibly someone else.  They must be willing to give more than they take, love more than they hate, and smile more than they frown.

I told them that their mark on society can be whatever they want it to be, whether positive or negative, whatever it is, it will leave an impression.  They must be able to except the consequences for their actions at all times understanding that nobody will be holding their hand. 

Life is not easy.  Nobody ever said it was!  As the blinders come off, they must understand that society will not give them anything, they must earn it.  There are no free rides and nobody will care about them, their feelings, or what they do.  This is not meant to be a scare tactic, but to make them aware of the battles to be faced. 

It is time to understand that their friends are usually friends either because of what they have or who they are.   People will become attracted to them because of the impressions they leave or how they feel about you.  Some will use you until they get what they want or use you up.  It is a competition like no other that can either make you or break you.  You’ll have to make the decision for yourself to be a survivor.

I left them with this bit:

Now that another chapter is about to be completed, look forward to the next chapter and what it will bring.

Make an effort to smile; others will smile back and things will start to happen.

I am sure when the other birds knew it was time to fly from the nest, they knew they could always come back to the nest, if needed.  There will always someone in the nest willing to help, through thick and thin.

“Just a Thought!” from the SAI

       As the end of the school year approaches, the JROTC Department is preparing for its annual JROTC Summer Camp (JCLC) to be held here at Riverside Military Academy 3-6 June 2013.  This camp has grown in numbers with students attending from schools throughout the state of Georgia.  This year, 21 JROTC Programs from across the state are scheduled to attend with a maximum capacity of 500 attending the camp. 

       Riverside Military Academy has 18 slots reserved for registration.  Cadets attending camp must have at least 1 year in JROTC and be a 9-11^th grade student.  Here at Riverside, an 8^th grade student who plans to return the following year and wishes to attend JCLC, must:

• Be recommended by his TAC Officer
• Meet with SGM Chandler, the Senior Army Instructor, for evaluation and authorization to attend
• Fill out registration packet, if approved.

       Students will be able to participate in various events during the camp session:

• Canoeing on the Chattahoochee River
• Travel to North Georgia College to participate on their Leadership Reaction Course
• Participate in rifle marksmanship training
• Rappel from the various towers located on campus
• Conduct drown-proofing safe swimming exercises
• Conduct first aid survival training
• Conduct land navigation and map reading training
• Be evaluated in one or two leadership positions

       Cadets completing the JROTC camp will earn the following badges:  Camp completion badge, rappel badge, rifle marksmanship badge, physical fitness badge, orienteering badge, and will compete as part of a squad in the overall best at camp award.

       Cost of attending camp is $25.00 per student attending.  This fee covers the camp insurance, canoe trip, 1-camp t-shirts, and the Bruster’s Ice Cream social.   

       Students interested in attending must pick up a registration packet from 1SG Gaines in the JROTC Department at pgaines@riversidemilitary.com or phone at x2118.  Deadline for registration is 10 May 2013.

       For more information about this camp, please contact SGM Chandler at 770-532-6251, ext 2127 or email at jchandler@riversidemilitary.com.

It has been a moment since my last post.  Seems that I have been busy with so many different things, and the train continues to get faster and faster.  Sometimes it seems as if I just passed myself coming to work when I am going home.

Things have happened so fast since the Cadets got back from Christmas break that we are already looking at Spring Break in the face.  It is staring us down hard.  I stand in the hallway every class period change and I can hear it in their voices, the excitement of something great is getting ready to happen here.  They are even talking about the upcoming parade-----something they NEVER do or at least I never hear it.  Strange.

We had a very successful Military Ball this month.  The Cadet Leadership did a great job planning the entire event during their LET IV class sessions.  They actually began to plan the event back in November and finally had a chance to enjoy the success of their efforts when it came time to execute the mission.  The Cadets looked great and their dates were as glamorous as they could be.  It always makes me proud to see a young man be a gentleman and treat his date with respect and admiration.  It reassures me that their generation is not lost.  They just see things differently in some respect.

Classes have been very interesting as we push towards the end of the school year.  The LET IV class have been challenging the financial planning class for the last four weeks.  They have discussed such things as money management, shopping for insurance, building a household, and of course methods of saving and investing for the future.  We will now start on the practical exercises next week and play a game we call “Life.”  It always is fun to me to be able to see their face when reality sets in and they realize the efforts that Mom and Dad put in to ensure they have all the things they need. 

LET III class has been conducting Basic Rifle Marksmanship Training.  This class gives cadets a chance to learn rifle and range safety.  It also gives them a chance to learn the art of acquiring a target.  Some of the boys get this class and even decide to join the rifle team.

LET II class is still discussing the value of effective leadership, what it means to them and how they can benefit from it.  This is always good.  They understand that leadership is a skill that needs to be continually enhanced to make it better.

Finally the LET I class continues to get the Introduction to Leadership class.  This is the fun class  I think because they get the chance to analyze a movie and discuss the leadership factors they see in the movie.

While I am writing, I must give a big congratulation to the Drill Team and the Rifle Team.  The Drill Team competed in the State competition this past weekend.  Though they did not win this year, they still worked hard all year and represented the Academy well.

The Rifle Team is still fighting.  They are headed to the State Rifle Team semi-finals.  This is by far the best team that has been put together in recent memory.  Over the last five years, the team has gotten better and better.  I have no doubt they will be a force for a while.

Though the Raider season is officially over, they have continued to practice, voluntarily I might add, to get ready for next year.  Talk about motivation! 

Okay, I guess you can see why I sometimes pass myself going home when I am coming to work.  Spring Break is coming!  Be Safe and have fun next week.

“Just a Thought!”

SGM

I was just sitting here thinking of a conversation I had with a student at school this past week. He came by my office and asked if I had time to speak with him. In my book, there is always time to speak with a student, no matter what I am doing. I told him to come into my office and then asked him what was on his mind.
He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said that he was tired of school and wanted to quit. I said "quit what?" He said "school."
I told him that quitting school would be the worse thing he could ever think about doing at this point in his life.
He said that he was tired of all the mess that goes with school and he just wanted to go home. As he began to cry, I asked him to think about the 8 years he had invested in his education so far, and he only had a few more years to go. I told him that his parents didn't enroll him in this school because they hated him, but because they wanted the best for their son. They wanted to give him the advantage they thought he should have.
I told him that quitting school would put him in an even more difficult situation in that he would never be able to find a good job, take care of a family,or have the things in life that he wants the most.
I told him that the thing he should be doing now is find a way to make his life better and making his parents proud.
Then after all that conversation, he said that he really missed his mom and dad, and just wanted to talk to them.
(As a new cadet at the school, he hadn't talked to his parent yet).
So I said, "call your mom now dude." Right here from my phone.
My heart melted when I heard him speak to his mom, and as I watched him begin to smile, I couldn't help but to think of what my mom means to me.
I don't know why I do what I do, but I know it’s for the children.
"Pray for the Children!"

"Just a Thought!"

From the SAI

Now that I have your attention!  This is the same reaction I got when I had the chance to step into the LET 1 classes this past week as 1SG Gaines had several important appoints to attend.  As we get closer to the Military Ball, this class becomes more important.  In teaching the boys how to act in various situations and circumstances, they must be able to recognize when they are crossing the line or see someone else crossing the line.

The discussion is opened by defining the topic.  As noted in the curriculum, sexual harassment is “any action, verbal or non-verbal, of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable.”

In the discussion, we talk about how boys typically behave in the presence of young ladies and how, many times, the young lady will not say anything because of various reasons to include being somewhat intimidated or not wanting to be the unpopular person. Of course the cadets become very vocal during the conversation, but that is what we want is to develop an open dialog in the presence of others to broaden the conversation in developing an internal awareness among them.

As we transitioned from harassment to misconduct, the conversation continued to grow and the laughs became more serious as the cadets visually drew the lines in their minds of what is acceptable and what is not.

But the most exciting conversation came when we began to talk about the types of discrimination each student experiences in society and defined these as cultural discrimination.  When asked why they thought they had been discriminated against, the majority replied that the news media has displayed their generation as troublemakers.  They continued to say that every time the news is on television, it seldom provides information on the good things being done, it continues to focus on the negative things of this generation.  Because of this, others see this generation as a group of troublemakers.  Interesting views were presented by the cadets and I must say it was a real pleasure to be involved in this type of dialog with them.

I continue to facilitate conversations with cadets that make them think and articulate what they are thinking in a meaningful conversation.  This is a smart generation; we just need to find ways to understand them better.

"Just a Thought!"

by the SAI

I invited a special guest to the JROTC Department this week to talk to cadets from a different perspective.  Sometimes I get the same treatment as many parents do at home when you talk to your son until you are blue in the face and he seems to not be listening to anything you are saying.  Then when someone else talks to him about the same thing, it seems like the greatest thing since sliced bread.  I know you can relate.

This week, as we continue our class discussions on leadership and how it relates to their effectiveness when they leave Riverside, I invited Captain Dan Hudalla to be our guest speaker in the classroom.  Captain Hudalla is the Commander of the Athens, Georgia recruiting station.  He looks like he could be the same age as some of the seniors, so that made things a little interesting to say the least.

Captain Hudalla talked to the cadets about leadership and how it has affected his approach to life when he got out of high school.  A UGA grad, Captain Hudalla spoke about making a decision now of what direction you wanted to go in life and start making a plan for how you planned to get there.  Very important stuff.

He then went on to talk about the choices we make when we do not think through a process; ultimately making decisions that we regret or have to alter our plans.  One of those decisions was having a plan in place where students get away from depending on their parents for college.  He spoke of opportunities, recognizing opportunities, and taking advantage of opportunities, if you find the opportunity is one that you can gain a positive benefit from.

Finally, Captain Hudalla spoke of looking ahead at job opportunities and what it takes to get to the level of success desired, discussing various scholarship opportunities and alternative educational methods that could provide the valuable education needed.

Many cadets wanted to stay in the class after the presentation to ask more question.  I said to myself “it is amazing how I tell them the same thing all the time.”  I don’t get the same reaction; they are ready to run out of the class when the horn sounds.

Then I stood in the hallway and gave them “happy food.”  Twizzler pieces.  That’s just me… and my cadets.

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI

It has been an exciting time getting cadets back on campus after a long holiday break.  I know that many of them really got into a rut while away and need a little friendly persuasion to get back on track.  After a couple of weeks, I think we are back into the routine of training.

For the last couple of weeks, we have been addressing the Core Values and Principles of Leadership as it pertains to students and their lives.  Students are currently doing powerpoint presentations about the subject and we will discuss them in depth next week.  The goal is to get them to understand the magnitude of the subject on their lives as they begin the early transition from high school to life after, whether it be college, work, or married life.

It is important for students to form a foundation for who they are or at least understand who they are in every aspect of how they will best be able to fit into the demands of what society demands of them.   They must understand that in this society, it is not all about them, but about helping others, either directly or indirectly.   The values and principles they hold, not only benefits them, but their association with others.

It is not hard to see how success surrounds those with these inherited traits. 

I continually stress to the students how valuable their experience at Riverside is to them, even though they do not realize it at the moment.  One exercise we conducted was for each student to do an essay on how JROTC has benefitted them over the past four years.  Students must have been in JROTC 3 years in order to be in my class.  Then, each student presented his essay to the class in a 10 minute presentation.

Students are forced to reflect back on all they have done in JROTC, all they have learned, along with the many conversations in and out of the classroom with their JROTC instructors.

Through their reflections, I am surprised at how many students had a grasp on their progression in the JROTC program.  They reflected more on the movies shown in the first year class to the first aid sessions of year two with 1SG Williams.  They reflected on the management classes with 1SG Walker in their third and now are understanding the culmination of all the classes as we tackle the final year of their JROTC experience as we discuss leadership, communication skills, and financial planning.

Over all, cadets have shown a vast improvement in understanding the mission of JROTC in teaching them “life skills” that will help them, not only now, but throughout their adult life.  They are truly far ahead of many of their peers in the public school sector who have not had the JROTC experience.

Now they can truly “Lead From the Front!”

The title probably makes you think what in the world I am talking about.  You may know that I was at Liberty University all week preparing for my Comps.  This has been a two-year process with a multitude of information stored somewhere in my mind.  But wow, what an intimidating word for final exam!  I mean, really, that’s exactly what it is—a final exam, but of the largest kind.

As I was traveling back home, trying to process the data I had consumed during the week, I couldn’t help but to think of the students and what they must be going through when preparing for final exams.  It is a little different when you are preparing for a normal test, but a final exam is very different. 

You spend a lot of time trying to figure out what you think will be on the exam.  You think about everything you have learned, or hope you’ve learned, over the entire semester, and try to guess what you think the teacher will have on the exam.  Then you study late nights and early mornings, you study while you are eating, when you get a break, and even see stuff in your sleep.  You don’t want to talk too many people during that time because their conversations might throw you off, or something may be said that you really don’t want to hear or they laugh when you really don’t think there is anything particularly funny.

I do know this, it was some kind of awful trying to study for an exam which I have been preparing for for over two years.  There has been a lot of information during that time, a lot of papers written, and a lot of conversations about the same information, and yes a lot of brain cramps.  Brain overload is something that is not fun and I don’t think it ever will be.

My experience was preparing for one exam.  Can you imagine what it must be like in today’s society to prepare for 5-7 final exams at the same time.  It’s not like when I was in high school.  Yea we had distractions, but nothing like there is today.

Now I know.  I have been reminded, over and over again, that I was once in the same seats as my students.  I just needed to be reminded.

Merry Christmas!

"Just a Thought!"

By the SAI

With Christmas time approaching and cadets being excited about the holidays, I thought I would pose an important question to them to see the response.  Enjoy the best of the best.

Top 10 Indicators Riverside cadets know you are too old to sit on Santa’s lap

10- When you sit on his lap and the other kids think you are twins.

9- When you sit in his lap; he makes you change legs every two minutes because you are too big

8- When you sit on his lap and he says, Dad, what are you doing here

7- When your 30 year old son is taking the pictures

6 When you sit on his lap; you call “Help, I can’t get up” when its time to leave.

5- When you sit in his lap; you ask him for the juice to put in the eggnog

4- When you sit in his lap; you look at Santa and see that he is younger than you

3 When you sit on his lap:  you ask for a senior citizens discount at Ryans Steakhouse

2- When you sit in his lap; he ask you what you want for Christmas and you say Depends.  He says depends on what? You say no I need some “Depends”

And the

1-  When you sit in his lap; he ask you what you want for Christmas and you reply—HER!

"Just a Thought!"

By the SAI

I will never get used to the idea of not celebrating Veterans Day or recognizing its meaning.  The further I am from retirement, the more it means to me, particularly when I see a young generation being taught its meaning and their participation in events to honor Veterans.  We had a whirlwind of events this week and I must reflect on it before my head continues to swim.

Our cadets did a magnificent job getting ready for the Atlanta Veterans Day parade that took place this past Saturday.  If you were not there, you really missed a real treat.  I have participated with the Corp each time for the last five years and it keeps getting better and better—the Corps that is.  What a great sight when I turned around and looked up to the top of the hill to see the long wave of cadets.

Yea, we practiced and practiced, over and over again; but as they say “practice makes perfect!”  It must be true because again, for the fourth consecutive year, Riverside Military Academy came home with the Presidents Cup which is awarded to the best overall marching unit in the parade.  What a great accomplishment for the cadets to participate in and see the worth of their efforts.  It gets no better.

This same worth, is what got our football team a win on Friday night as well.  I am proud of those guys.  They have worked hard almost every day and they finally had their night for the seniors. 

I can’t forget the Cross Country team.  They ran all the way to success and their hard work really paid off.

I also had an opportunity to go out into the community and give a Veterans Day speech.  I am always humbled and honored to be able to address young people in any fashion.  They are the reason we do the things we do, they are our future. 

Following are excerpts from my speech “Selfishness to Selflessness”

“As I look out over the audience and see the young faces in the crowd, I see the young faces of the future of this great country we live in and I can’t help but to feel a sense of pride for this country, the freedoms we have, and the road we are paving for you.

I continue to stand tall when I hear the National Anthem and feel a certain chill when I think of the 22 years I spent in the United States Army representing and defending this great country. 

During that time, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world and meet people of many different cultures.

I’ve been in countries where a person can’t even walk down the street without being ridiculed.

Been in countries where women are denied education, because of who they are.

I’ve been in countries where people are not allowed to worship freely as we are here in America

In some countries, people struggle just to find food to feed their young as they are only rationed so much each day, some don’t even have a choice in the clothes they wear.

I have been to the borders of countries where the government still dictates to its people how to live their lives-------and I wondered why.

Then I realized how tremendous the commitment I took when I signed my name on the dotted-line.

I realized that finally I understood the term I had been taught in basic training.

Selfishness for Selflessness.

I have found that SEL-FISH-NESS is defined as the concern we have excessively or exclusively for ourselves.

In a society that seems to strive on individuality, its’ all about me, me, me and I, I, I----I find it always humbling to be able to address such a generation in hopes of bringing an awareness of lending a hand to a generation.

I have learned that SELF-LESS-NESS is putting the welfare of others before your own.

When my name was signed on the dotted line, and I joined the forces with others of selflessness, I realized that you can’t spell TEAM, T-E-I-A-M.

I want to ask you not to grow in SELFISHNESS, but give of yourself in SELFLESSNESS.

You gain a lot when you give a lot.”

Happy Veterans Day! Thanks to all the Vets for leading the way.

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI

So many things have taken place here at the Academy the past week or two, it’s easy to overlook the lessons learned in the mist of the rush.  As you may well know by now, I talk to the Cadets in the hallways and in the classroom all the time, not only about the content of each class session, but about life in general.  I think they need to hear that perspective everyday to be able better understand its importance to them.  Many times they do not understand it now, but at least they will be able to look back on it and say “we talked about that.”

I reflect on my time in the military and everything I experienced that stays with me to this day.  I remember when I was deployed to Korea on a military exercise and we had to walk from the DMZ to Seoul, Korea.  You talk about painful!  That was not one of the events I envisioned when I joined the military.  As a Fire Support Specialist, my job was to follow the Infantry around and be ready to call in Close Air Support or CAS as we call it in my world, whenever needed.

We walked and walked and walked and walked--------and then walked.  The difficult part of the whole thing was me trying to keep up with them as my rucksack was almost 150 pounds and their rucksack was every bit of 40-50 pounds.  Through this massive weight disadvantage I was required to be with them every step of the way and able to call CAS at any given moment.

Sometimes, as my legs got weak, and my back was sore, I dropped my rucksack and fell to one knee.  In my mind, I was thinking of how unfair things were and how difficult the mission I had to endure.  All along, a faint voice was saying “Chandler, lets go!  Get that ruck on and get up here!”  “You can’t quit now!”  And like a rushing wind, I got up, put the rucksack back on and did what I had to do as part of the team.

I have talked to many of the members of the football team, many members of the Raider team, many Cadets in the halls and in the classroom about what it means to take the next step.  Their rucksack of life is being filled every day and yes, sometimes it will weigh them down, make them want to drop to one knee.  Sometimes they will add more stuff to their rucksack and sometimes they will take something out.   

Just keep in mind that even though your rucksack may seem a little heavy, someone has a rucksack that is just a little heavier than yours.  As character is being built within, understand that it is not prejudice to anyone, it is there for the pickin’ for everyone.  Some people just grasp it sooner than others and in different ways.  We all go through experiences that make us stronger and wiser.

But victory comes in knowing how to gain strength from within to put the rucksack back on and continue to march.  I can’t ever recall anyone ever saying that winning was easy or success was cheap.  If it were that way, then nobody would ever have to try.  The only thing that can defeat a failure-----is a good try. 

So as the rucksack gets heavy, always take a deep breath, keep your head held high and be exceedingly glad that at least your had the opportunity to open your eyes this morning----to try again.

All of that because of a 150 pound rucksack!  What a deal!

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI

Too many times I have heard phrases like:

 “I will be so glad when the day is over.  I am so swamped that I need more than 24-hours in the day to get everything done!”  Or

 “My brain is so fried, I could pop!” or

“I can’t get a break! Every time I think the train is slowing down, something else pops up at the last minute!”

And this is from adults who deal with this type of life behavior, attitudes and adjustments every day.

We as adults have learned, over the long haul, how to deal with “life” and the hand it deals us on a daily basis.  But when I think of the struggles we have as adults in dealing with the everydayness of life, I can’t help but to think of the kids of today and the stress they deal with on a daily basis.  I do not ever remember having to deal with this type of daily stress when I was growing up.  Of course that was long ago, but who is counting anyway.

I stand in the hallways everyday to see the faces of a generation that continues to struggle to figure things out.  I want to connect with the young ones who are dealing with the idea of being away from Mom and Dad, their brothers and sisters, and now are trying to just get adapted to life with strangers.  I want to connect to the older ones who think they know what is going on, but have been mislead by many facets of their young life and try to get them to see that getting from this side of the road to the other side is not as easy as they think.

Then on top of all of this, I think of their studies, their social life, their home life, their relationship with their parents who are, in many cases, far away.  I think of the social media pressure, the peer pressure, and the invite they continually get from an instantaneous society that says they must get it right now. 

When I think about it, I sometime wonder why they are so misbehaved in class; not only here at RMA, but everywhere.  I wonder if this is their way of letting out the confusion in their mind?  Maybe they just really need an easy ear to listen or a gentle shoulder to lean on.  Maybe they need someone to help them filter through the “stuff” and get out of the “rough.”

Think about this.  We sometimes have a hard time dealing with the daily grind and trying to put all the pieces together.  We have been doing it for a lot longer.  I wonder how difficult it must be for a young mind who is just starting to develop those traits.  Maybe their brain is so fried, or every time they think they can take a break or their day is so swamped….

 I know!  That is why I stand in the halls to see their face every day.  I want to be the easy ear.

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI

I have had this reoccurring thought that I want to share because it seems to fit what happens to our boys of Riverside every day.  There is a saying that says something to the effect of “Dad was the dumbest rock on the block until I turned 21, now I see how smart he is.”  Something to that nature, please don’t quote me.

But I think about all the boys, or Cadets as I refer to them, that complain about school, talk about how mean their mom and dad is, or how unfair the teacher is for giving them so much homework.  Please, give them a short violin to play.  I tell them to dial 1-800-whie, ext B-O-O- W-H-O.

I have seen many of these same Cadets return to the Academy and remind me of things I’ve said in the classroom or during a one-on- one conversation about some issue they are entertaining.  I normally got the “screensaver” look when they were confused or didn’t want to accept what I was saying.

I would always tell them that the grass is not always as green as it looks on the other side of the street from this side, so be careful in your judgment.  You’ll make mistakes, just be sure they are ones you can deal with.  After all, that is why they put erasers on the top of every pencil.  We all make mistakes.

Last week, I saw to more of our returning Cadets who just happened to stop by to say hello and to give me an update on what they were doing.  It is always good to see them return, kind of like a proud Papa when his son or daughter has returned home.

My son came home this past weekend for the first time since he has been off to college.  It was indeed sort of awkward to be now talking to a young adult that was a boy when he left about two months ago.  The conversations were quiet different that when he was a young Cadet and all of a sudden the pride I felt was a little different than the one I experienced when he walked across the stage at graduation.

These relationships that we build with the cadets of Riverside are binding ones that have the potential to carry on throughout life.  The bond is one that no one can divide.  I always look forward to seeing a returning Cadet to campus, just like I am always glad to see my son.

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI 

What a week of events for the cadets of Riverside and JROTC.  The football team gave a grand effort again this week, the Raider team is continuing its quest for another state and national title, and the rifle team is coming along well in preparations for its season.  Additionally, cadets are finishing their Cadet Challenge testing before heading back into the classroom.

I cannot help but to think of the football team and what they are going through.  Growth and maturity is something that does not come with the blink of an eye.  One of my favorite learned saying is “you must go through something in order to gain something.”  My Grandmother always told me that and it continues to be one of the foundations of how I live.

As I was going through the halls of a quiet building after the game, I passed one of the football players.  I asked him how he was doing.  He replied “not good.”  I immediately stopped and asked him what was wrong and he replied “did you see the game?”  We lost again.  I told him “though you feel bad now, remember it is only a game, though you hate to lose, it is only a game.  Sometimes you go through things in order to make it better in the end.  It will get better.

Ain’t it funny how we go through things, come under the gray cloud, many times struggle, and let it get the best of us.  Sometimes we are not able to get over it or adjust easily.  In the military we have a saying "adapt and overcome!”  Yea right! 

I have seen many young men in the military who were not able to adapt and overcome in that environment, even with all of the training conducted to help them.  These are adults, grown men and women.  If they struggle with adaptation at that point in their lives, surely it must be difficult for young students to grasp.  We must continue to train and teach our young ones to adapt in a positive manner so they are then able to refocus on the task at hand.

Like anything else, it is a learned behavior that must be taught.

Everybody has had their gray cloud; and just like the clouds in the sky, the gray clouds soon go away and the sun begins to shine again.  Many times the sun shines brighter than before.

So to the football team, keep up the fight!  Though you see the gray clouds now, I know the blue skies are on the way and the sun will shine.  Guarantee.

“Just a Thought!”

From the SAI

As we finally come to the end of a long week, it is hard to believe that we even had a week to do all the things that needed to be done.  Cadets, once again, did a great job at every task and continue to represent RMA with the utmost of pride and professionalism.

I normally stand in the hallway when the horn sounds with my typical question “Hey Redtag, how is your day going?  Are you doing okay?” And they reply “Yes Sir!”  Of course the “S” word is definitely not the correct response, but I let them slide this time because they are still in training.  Other cadets with the “S” word responses immediately get the cadet an invitation to a varied number of CDEs to execute;   varied because the number of CDEs change weekly.  CDEs stand for Chest Development Exercises or pushups.  They are part of the ILPs or Instant Learning Process.  They learn instantly to not call me the “S” word.  IT WORKS!

It still amazing me at how many task the cadets mentally process every week.  When I make an association with them, I look at the task I must complete and realize that if I have many task to complete and must find a way to accomplish them in an effective manner, the process must be one that is intricate in planning and carefully executed.  I didn’t learn to do this overnight and I understand what the cadets are going through.

As we began testing for the Cadet Challenge in the JROTC Department, many cadets are getting ready for weekly exams, seniors are starting to focus on life after high school, the school took yearbook pictures, school sports teams were active, and others committed to volunteer at various events, particularly the Northeast Raider Meet at Riverside that was held this Saturday.  So mental organization is a must for everyone in order to pull these events off successfully.

The Cadet Staff continues to shine at every level and the cadet company level leadership is developing into one of the best I have seen in recent years.    Two new cadets come to mind at this point, Cadet Crowell and Cadet Saleh.  Whenever I see these cadets, they will stop and ask me questions about school functions and JROTC or just to say “Hi Sergeant Major!”  Many cadets will stop by just to get a “knuckle bump.”

We had a very good week.  I continue to remind myself that cadets will be cadets and we will continue to teach them.

“Just a Thought!”

JROTC CADET CHALLENGE

Riverside Military Academy JROTC Cadets participate in the month long Cadet Challenge Testing process.  The Cadet Challenge is the JROTC equivalent to the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness Test given to high school students in the public high schools that do not have a JROTC program.

This program is designed for cadets to participate in the physical activities for a three-week period before being tested on the events for a score.   Cadets are scored according to their specific age group and their grades are recorded and reported in the JROTC inspection to the JROTC Headquarters.

Students are graded on five events: the pull-event, the curl-up (crunches), v-sit reach, shuttle run and the 1-mile run. 

Cadets that successfully complete all events will receive one of the following awards:

1. The Presidential Physical Fitness Badge and Ribbon recognizes cadets who achieve an outstanding level of physical fitness.  Cadets scoring at least 85% on each event are eligible for this award.
2. The National Physical Fitness Badge and Ribbon recognizes cadets who demonstrate a basic, yet challenging level of physical fitness.   Cadets scoring at least 50% on each of the events when taking the test. 

It seems like they just left last night and now they are back.  Of course I am talking about the “boys” and their return for the upcoming school year.  It is good to see them back, ready to go, and digging in for another outstanding school year.  It kind of reminds me of how a parent feels when their child has gone out of the house and we wait for them to return, hoping they are safe.

I can tell you that I understand how many mothers feel when they have a lot of questions as they drop their son off to school.  My wife and I crossed that bridge this summer as we did the same for our son.  It is really a significant emotional event for everyone involved, but somehow we know it is okay.

Now as I look at the young ones in the hallways of the JROTC department, I am sure to think of the parents who may have had the same thoughts and feeling that my wife and I had just a short time ago.

This first week has been hectic in the JROTC Department.  We began the year trying something a little different as we get ready for the Cadet Challenge testing period.  This is something that we previously did right before cadets left for Spring Break, but I thought we could do a better job in getting the cadets focused on physical fitness early and teaching them to maintain for a period versus at the end of the year and then going home to do nothing. 

This year we will start the Cadet Challenge training the first week of September and then test all cadets at the end of the month.  Every student in the JROTC program will conduct physical training during the class period, learning the proper way to conduct various depicted exercises.

The Raider Team is already pushing forward.  This year there are over 30 cadets attempting to make the team.  This is the largest number that we have ever had tryout for the team.  I know 1SG Williams is looking for another championship trophy.  GO RAIDERS!  They have a Raider meet in two weeks.

1SG Walker and the rifle team are moving far ahead as well in trying to get the rifle team ready for the season.  Every cadet trying out for the team claims to be able to shoot.  We’ll see.  If they can shoot the way they claim, I see no reason we can’t head to the championships in the spring.

The Drill Team looks exciting also.  We have some experienced cadets joining us from other JROTC programs and that is a pleasure surprise for us.  I know 1SG Gaines is training hard to get the cadets in top shape for the upcoming season.

Cadets look for consistency and predictability.  We will be sure they get their fair share from JROTC. 

“Just a Thought!”

Many times, I am sure, cadets of Riverside Military Academy do not realize how special it is to be one of the "Boys in Blue."  Friendships that are long lived, everlasting, and true are formed between these walls and will never go away.  One day when they all mature and began to reflect back on their lives and time here at Riverside, they will realize what a true friend is, and then they will smile.

Two days ago, I experienced the joy of speaking with a friend that I had not spoken to in over 15 years.  The last time we spoke to each other was when we both had completed our assignments as Drill Sergeants at Ft Sill, Oklahoma before I headed to Germany. 

This onversation was full of joy and laughter.  It was a real good feeling being able to once again speak with a friend; seemed as if we had so much to catch up on with our lives, our families, and our careers. 

I have found that it is good to know that somewhere in my life, I have been able to experience a true friendship that no matter what, will always be, much like the cadets of Riverside will one day realize.

Then, before we hung up the phone, he left me with a thought that will linger in the back of my mind for a long time.  He said, continue to H.O.P.E!

Help Other People Everyday!

Isn't that what life is suppose to be all about------helping others?

Just a Thought!

From the SAI

I am reflecting back on an event that became a dark spot on our society that played a significant role in where we are today as a society.  The LA riots grew from nothing to an event that caused us, as a people, to look at ourselves and our actions differently.  Now, how interestingly, as we push towards a togetherness society and realize that in each of us there is a commonality and desire, multicultural diversity is in the news. 

Students hear me say all the time, “if we were to pull back all of our skin, cut off all of our hair, and no one was able to speak, we would find that we all bleed the same, our tears are same, we share the same types of feelings, dreams and thoughts.  If we were placed in a dark room and someone had to identify us as we were, it would be difficult to distinguish me from you, except maybe for my height.

So---what is all the fuss?  The diversity in our society has made us what we are today.  We have to get away from our selfishness and evolve into more selflessness.

Simply put, Rodney King, who died recently, left us with a quote that will always be remembered, when he asked "can't we all just get along?" 

That statement is bigger than it was ever meant to be.

Just a Thought!  From the SAI!

Dear Riverside Families,

 I hope you are having a great summer thus far and enjoying your time off.  My wish is that you are seeing some positive results from the investment you have made in yourself and Riverside.  We are all excited about the new school year that is just around the corner.  I also hope that you come back to school with the same sense of excitement that was shown at the end of the previous school year.

 Though in many cases, June is considered “down time” in the school system, here at Riverside we have all been very busy in prepping for the upcoming school year.  Even though there are changes at the school for the upcoming year, I feel they are changes that will make your school year more exciting and rewarding than the past.

 In the Military Department, we are excited about the focus on discipline, leadership, citizenship and communication skills that are prevalent to what we teach in JROTC.  As our curriculum states, we are still dedicated “To motivate young people to be better citizens.”   During the summer, if you are sitting at home bored to death, start thinking about the Drill Team, the Raider Team and the Rifle Team.  We are continually trying to make the teams “champions” and you can help.

 Not much has changed in the Military Department.  It is what it is.  We will continue to encourage growth, responsibility and discipline. 

Remember that we care about you and your success not only in school but in life.  If my staff and I can help you in any way, I hope you know that you can always contact us.  We are never too busy for our Cadets.

I hope you have a great summer and stay safe.  Like I always say, “Keep your head in the game!”

Hope to see you soon.

As this school year comes to an end, I remember growing up in South Georgia, walking the train tracks with my buddies on most hot sunny days; throwing rocks, playing with my buddies, laughing and talking, no care in the world and just having a good ole’ time.  It seemed like every day, at a special time, we’d hear the trains’ horn sounding and as we glanced at a far distance, we could see the light of the engine beaming.  In the back of my mind, I knew it was coming fast, but we kept walking for as long as we could before we had to get off the tracks.

I had a chance to go home this weekend to see my dad.  I told him “thanks” for a couple of reasons.  It is funny how, over time, I look back and realize the important things he taught me and how long it took me to catch on.  Still seems like a blur!

As we began this week, going through rehearsals, I remember the conversation my dad and I had when my time had come.  He said “now son it’s your time to go out there and be your own man, I can’t be a man for you.” “Mom and I have done our part, now the rest is up to you; but remember that you are still my boy!”

Couldn’t help but to reflect on what my dad had said as we stood on the steps of Lanier Hall on Monday in preparations for the first rehearsal.  I counted one, two, three, four, five, six chairs and made sure that all 84 chairs were in place.

Seems like the school year has just begun and all of a sudden the light of the train is staring us in the face.  It is getting brighter and brighter, faster and faster.  Time has flown by, there is a different feel in the air and all the seniors are now standing on the tracks; the same tracks they began on at the beginning of the year.

I’ll get the chance to speak to them all one last time right before they line up to walk the isle.  I will wish them the best and we will hold hands in prayer as I pray for their wisdom, protection and safety through life.

Then, if I could tell them all one last thing, it would be the same as my daddy told me, “now son it is your time to go out there and be your own man.”  “We have done our part, but remember that you are still our Boys in Blue!”

“Just a Thought!” From the SAI

As cadets walked into the classroom this week, written on the board was the phrase “It’s Happening Again.”  Before class could begin, cadets started asking me questions about what it meant and started guessing the meaning.  After a long school year, they have grown accustomed to my style of teaching and a few begin to reference things I may discuss.

First, as we read the board from left to right, we began the conversation discussing the number of Chest Development Exercises or CDEs they had reached for the school year (125), which was an indication of the approaching end of the school year.  Starting at 25 CDEs at the beginning of the year and increasing by five every week will get you to that point.  By the way, CDEs are my affectionate name for pushups and are directly in line with ILPs (Instant Learning Process) of getting cadets to think before they act.  I think every cadet at Riverside Military Academy that has come to the JROTC Department understands that by now.

Then we address the next phrase on the board “end of the chapter” and about this being the last official week of JROTC class for the seniors, probably our last discussion of the year, and now they must start to really think about the change of pace that next week will bring.  The end of the chapter signifies a lot of things in the minds of seniors, some minor and some celebratory, but how they choose to approach them is what depicts the effects they get from them.

We talked about the upcoming final exam in JROTC.  Final exam doesn’t mean that it’s over, final exams mean that you are about to clear a hurdle.  There will be more hurdles to clear and more mountains to climb.  I promise.  Take one hurdle and one mountain at a time.

As we finally got to the phrase “it’s happening again” I wrote various words under the heading to facilitate the discussion. We talked about events that happened this past weekend, across the State of Georgia, when several teens from a Georgia high school left their prom to go to another party, one of the students never made it back home.  We talked about the students from another school who decided to cut classes to go joyriding and car-surfing.  Who does that!   Now one of the students is in the hospital in critical condition.  It seems that every year one school has this dark cloud hanging over them.  This year, one school has had two incidents already. 

We have been fortunate here at Riverside Military Academy.  We talked about it.  I talked to them, again, about over celebrating, making bad decisions, or being in the mist of those who are making bad decisions.  Don’t be afraid to walk away.  Friends just do not put the life of others in danger for the sake of fun.  Pick your friends wisely.

No parent wants to be the one who gets a phone call in the middle of the night because their teen did something stupid.  If you don’t care about yourself, care about your parents and others who care about you.  This is one of many hurdles you will encounter----------THINK!

Pray for the Children!

“Just a Thought!” by the SAI

As Birds Fly

My conversation this week was fueled by a thought I got this past weekend as I was standing on my deck.  I saw a bird continually fly away and return to the nest as to nurture others in the nest.  I wondered how long this would go on until the little birds were off on their own, flying away.  I wondered how many of them would not be ready to fly away when the time presented itself. Wow!

As we nudge closer to the completion of another school year, the time has come for me to give my “life” class to my group of seniors.  I was talking with a senior cadet during Drill Period on Wednesday and he mentioned how fast time was coming to graduation.  He said that he was surprised at how many seniors do not get the fact that life is about to change real quick and things are about to be more different than they can imagine. 

I always use the analogy “imagine you were with a tour on the streets of New York City.  During this entire tour, you remained on the same side of the street.  All of a sudden, you came to a major intersection and had to push the button on the pole indicating you were waiting for the signal to change before crossing the street.  The light flashed “Don’t Walk” “Don’t Walk” Don’t Walk!”  You waited and waited and waited and waited until the light finally changed and flashed “Walk!”  Now you have to get across the street.

The thought is, after twelve long years, it seems that the time has finally come. When the light turns green in a couple of weeks, graduating cadets will have to know how to get across the street without getting run over by life.  There will be no more holding their hand and no more “I forgot!” No more “it slipped my mind!” No more “you didn’t tell me that part!” Excuses don’t count for much, but results do.

Even though seniors are now reaching the end of another chapter in their young lives, the next chapter is already being written in this book called “Life.”  They must be able to make the right decision in a world where wrong is socially excepted in some circles.  They must be able to recognize right from wrong, understanding the importance of each while reaching out and leaving their mark on others.  They must be willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in themselves and possibly someone else.  They must be willing to give more than they take, love more than they hate, and smile more than they frown.

I told them that their mark on society can be whatever they want it to be, whether positive or negative, whatever it is, it will leave an impression.  They must be able to except the consequences for their actions at all times understanding that nobody will be holding their hand. 

Life is not easy.  Nobody ever said it was!  As the blinders come off, they must understand that society will not give them anything, they must earn it.  There are no free rides and nobody will care about them, their feelings, or what they do.  This is not meant to be a scare tactic, but to make them aware of the battles to be faced. 

It is time to understand that their friends are usually friends either because of what they have or who they are.   People will become attracted to them because of the impressions they leave or how they feel about you.  Some will use you until they get what they want or use you up.  It is a competition like no other that can either make you or break you.  You’ll have to make the decision for yourself to be a survivor.

I left them with this bit:

Now that another chapter is about to be completed, look forward to the next chapter and what it will bring.

Make an effort to smile; others will smile back and things will start to happen.

I am sure when the other birds knew it was time to fly from the nest, they knew they could always come back to the nest, if needed.  There will always be someone in the nest willing to help, through thick and thin.

“Just a Thought!” from the SAI

I take this title from a book I read earlier in the year by Francis A. Schaeffer.  As this generation continues to struggle with its own identity, I look at what I think is the real issue at hand.  It still amazes me that race is still an issue in the eyes of some in the year 2012.  But is that the real issue?

Our classroom discussion this week was initiated by the horrific event in Sanford, Florida that seemed to take over every news channel, radio talk show, newspaper, and conversations around the globe.  Yes we talked about the Trayvon Martin incident and the picture it has painted in the minds of those around the world, that seemed to bring us back to a level that, every once in a while, rears its ugly head—but should it?

What we do know, is that a young man lost his life; just so happen that it came at the hands of someone of another race.  That’s the unfortunate part of this critical incident.  Statistics show that this generation continues to kill itself at an alarming rate, as reported in an article on CBS News recently.

I asked the students in my class about their thoughts on this and opened the floor for candid conversation.  How else can we understand what is going on, if we are afraid to talk about what is going on and discuss it openly.  My question to the cadets was “what is the underlying issue that brought us to this point?”  I am concerned about this generation of students and issues affecting them daily.  I wanted them to open their minds, think outside the box, and understand the societal issues that influence this generation, altering the way others perceive them.

This generation is seen as the “me, myself, and I” generation concerned with “look what I can do” “look what I have done” and “it’s all about me.”  As this generation becomes a smarter generation with the evolution of technology, they continue to fall behind in other areas as they attempt to put their “stamp” on society.

Remember the 60s when Rock-n-Roll, Woodstock, dashikis’, long hair, drugs and hippies put its stamp on a generation?  What about the 70s when R&B, Soul Train, American Bandstand, bell-bottom pants, afros, hip-huggers and platform shoes put its stamp on a generation?  How about the 80s as the dot.com generation, the 90s with it introduction to rap music and its technology, and what about this hip hop generation?

The previous generation laid the foundation for this generation with the evolution of rap music, baggy pants, and big shoes, and a fight for what they called their freedom.  This generation has picked up on that foundation bringing hip hop to the table and an understanding that is only communicated within its own circles.  In attempting to find a signature of its own “swag”, its stamp on society, this generation identifies with its clothes, its music, its technology, and its own way of communicating.  Unfortunately, others continue to struggle in understanding facts about this generation that has caused disconnect between the two.

This is a case of one generation being disconnected from another in more ways than one.  Whenever this generation is portrayed on television, more times than not, its in a negative way.  When they are seen on television, it’s someone wearing a hoodie and baggy pants either robbing a store or bank or fighting or shooting.  You see them in the news when it comes to dealing drugs, hip hop videos disrespecting their own, gangs and rape.  There is never anything in the news portraying them in a positive light.  Those are the pictures painted in the minds of one generation trying to gain an understanding of another.

Now when someone walks down the street, dressed the way their generation does, these thoughts are sealed in the canvas of our minds; a paint still wet.  We only think of the painted images in our minds as seen on television thus causing us to react the way we do.  Unfortunately this disconnect could result in this happening to any of our kids walking the street at dusk or even the early dawn with a hoodie and talking on a cell phone.  This is just where we are today as a society.

I ask cadets of Riverside "is it about race?  I think it’s an easy way to finger point and paint that picture in the mind of others; but is this how we shall live?  How then shall we live?  It is definitely something worth talking about.

“Just a Thought!” from the SAI

Wow!  Now that we can finally stop and take a breather, it has definitely been a very business week for the JROTC Department.  Makes you just want to sit, stare off into space and wonder “what’s next” before snapping back to reality realizing more is sure to come.  As always, the challenge after a long Spring Break is to get cadets to calm down and refocus in preparations for the final push toward final exams and the end of the school.

This week, it seemed like the train continued to run at its normal speed, but sometimes between the end of school on Tuesday and the beginning of the day Wednesday the train seemed to have increased its speed from a train running on coals to Amtrak.  When Amtrak begins to run, all you can do is look straight ahead and hold on.  In this case, both were in effect with the wind blowing smack in our face. 

On Thursday, the senior JROTC class (LET IV), conducted their final community service project of the year when they hosted the Leadership Hall County (LHC) group.  LHC is a program sponsored by the Hall County Chamber of Commerce, in which leaders from various organizations in the community come together to learn about other agencies in the community.  The group comes together once every month from August to April each year, rotating to various organizations each month. 

The senior JROTC class, led by LTC/C Dowling, did a superb job facilitating the Leadership Reaction Course, allowing the group of more than 25 adults to divide into small groups and negotiate various obstacles on the course.  The entire class conducted themselves with the utmost respect and professionalism in representing themselves, JROTC, and Riverside Military Academy.  Adults in the group continued to mention how impressed they were with the cadets and how they handled themselves.

Then on Saturday, the JROTC Department hosted its final event of the year in the 4^th Annual Best Raider Competition.  JROTC hosted 16 schools with more than 65 two-person teams competing in military-style events.  Though no cadets from Riverside participated, many cadets volunteered to help run the event and their efforts are greatly appreciated. 

As all cadets performed their duty with great execution, one cadet stood out to me the entire day.  Cadet Whitmore, an 8^th grader, worked with 1SG Walker at the rifle range.  His mission was to maintain organization at the sign-in table located outside until the group was ready to go inside to fire.  Each time I came by his station, Cadet Whitmore was standing tall with a smile on his face and had every group under control.  When I asked him how he was doing, he replied “I love this Sergeant Major!” 

That wasn’t the part that got to me, but the look on his face with excitement and his continued smiling every time I came to his station to check on him.  He was indeed leading the way!  I told him that I would be glad to get him into JROTC next year to sharpen his skills and help him to understand leadership.    

There were many cadets doing many things this past week to include ROCs and experienced cadets.  It is evident they are receiving what the staff at Riverside Military Academy is trying to instill in them, not only in the classroom, but in other aspects of life.  Sometimes, as parents, we see how they act at home around us and we worry, but are very pleased when they act totally different around others and we hear about it.  I saw it for myself.  Once again they made me proud.  WHAT A WEEK!   

“Just a Thought!”

Every morning this school year, I have stood in my office window watching cadets conduct the morning pass-in-review.  I look at many things, some of which I have a need to address during my class session with the senior leadership, reminding them of how the formation should look at all times-attention to detail.  As I look at the manner in which they are aligned behind the person in front of them, how they are aligned with the person to their left and right, how many steps they are behind the person in front of them, and how they snap their head and eyes to the right when they pass the reviewing officer, I think of how far they have come, many in such a short time, and don’t even realize it.  They continue to learn and practice attention to detail and order in a simple thing as marching.

I see cadets continue making monumental strides in things other students outside of Riverside don’t even begin to experience until they are well out of high school.  Their understanding of attention to detail of a small feat such as this is one they can be sure to take with them for the rest of their lives.  Though they complain about the repetition, I can see they are proud when it’s time to execute.

This week in particular is one of those weeks like no other; students arriving back on campus and getting back in the swing of things.  This compares to the feeling of when your son or daughter has been out with their friends, you worry about them while they are away, and you can’t wait for them to get back home, back in the house. 

Well, they are back now, I take a sigh of relief because, even though I will NEVER tell them, I do worry about each of them as they deal with the influences of society, but that is another story for another time.  I must have stood in the hallway every class period just to see how they were doing, how they enjoyed their Spring Break, and to bump knuckles with them. The 7^th and 8^th graders or “Little adults” as I call them, are the ones I really try to connect with at this point.  How difficult it must be, at that age, to do the things they are asked to do; I think it’s because they possess a certain type innocence that draws me to them, and I like to see them trying to figure things out and growing up so fast.   

When I ask how are you doing, I get a reply such as “fine” or “fantastic” (one of my phrases), I then know they are getting back into the groove of things already.  Every once in a while I get a negative reply opening the door for more conversation.  Sometimes I think they do it just to see what I will have to say. 

I called one such cadet to the side this week and told him that things were not as bad as he thinks, going on to tell him that at least he woke up this morning; everything else should be “icing on the cake.”  I continued to ask a series of questions “were you able to get up this morning?”  “Did you get a chance to eat?”  “Did you have clothes to put on?”  “Were you able to talk and walk?” “Were you able to see?”

I told him that there are some students who do not have any of those things, and have no choice but to go to school hungry, get up in the morning with no running water, no clean clothes to put on, holes in the bottom of their shoes, if they had shoes.  Some are even all alone with no one to care for them or tell them what to do or show them that they care.

I expressed to him how fortunate he was to have parents who cared enough to spend their hard earned money to ensure he had the opportunity to succeed; not only in school, but in life.  I told him that he may not see it now, but things are not as bad as he thinks, it’s all about how you look at it.  It’s about the perspective you have on what you have.  At least you have, there are some that don’t.

‘knuckle bump’

Just a Thought! From the SAI!

Situational Awareness

As students return to school in a few days, one of the things sure to be heard around campus from the seniors is “five more weeks” and from the underclassmen “five more weeks!”  Of course the underlying meaning will be different for each group.  It has another meaning for me as well, different from previous years, as I address a subject that is very important to me, “situational awareness.”

I am aware that in five weeks or so, seniors will be graduating and underclassmen will be out of school for the summer.  I am aware of the fact that my term of endearment will be coming to an end for some of my “Brussel Sprouts” or “Knuckleheads” as they walk across the stage and cross the path to adulthood finally being able to shake my hand as an adult while looking me eye-to-eye (I normally bump knuckles with cadets until this time occurs).

This year, I am aware that finally my own “knucklehead” will be walking across the stage as well and I will stand there with a little extra swell in my chest when I hear his name called, see him walk up the steps, and I am able to say to him “well done, son!”  The coin I pass to Colonel Benson will have a special meaning at this point.  This will surely be a different emotional journey, one in which I know others have felt at this time every year.  The vision is still in my head from a couple of years ago when I saw Mr. Jeff Weiner, give his son the biggest hug when he came across the stage.  I do understand.

But I am also aware that this five week stint is one of the most dangerous times in the live of students across the nation.  Seniors begin to become relaxed in their efforts, they tend to think they are invincible, and they carry this “it won’t happen to me” attitude.  They are happy to finally reach this huge milestone and ready to celebrate, sometimes too much.

These are the things I begin to talk to them about in class every session until they graduate.  Honestly, I am concerned and somewhat afraid for them during this time.  As both an educator and a father, I feel they must be made aware.

This concern I have comes from a class I took when I became an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) instructor a few years ago.  The instructor presented us a statistic, with graphics, indicating that students are in danger this time of year.  He went on to say that “13% of all high school seniors, across the nation, do not live to see 30 days past graduation because of an alcohol or drug related incident.”  That woke me up, almost turned my heart up-side-down.  This was in 2005 and I can only imagine the numbers are very different now, especially with all of the other social influences out there.

I said to myself “that can’t be!”  It seems like a high number, but when I started to pay more attention to the news, I found that it was a number that, at the time, real.  This dark cloud was always hanging over a different school.  We have surely had our share here in the county this year.  Now it is something I look at every year, to see just how bad it is.  Sure enough it is true.  Every year, I look at the news with a specific intent and see that a high school senior will miss graduation because of bad judgment at a party with friends or driving home by himself or at home by himself, doing the popular thing that students do today.

I talk to the boys with an open heart because I want them to understand the significance of this very important subject.  I don’t want any parent or relative to experience this type of tragedy, especially at this time of year when it should be a cause for celebration.  I don’t want any student to miss the rest of his life because of foolish mistakes made that could have been avoided, if only he was aware of the situation and thought about the situation.

If he is aware, he should be able to make a sound decision, the type that we try to instill in him while at Riverside Military Academy, the type that I hope will go with him after he walks across that stage and to the other side of the street, the type that makes him realize that now, as an adult, “I must act as such,” and the type that says, “I have too much at stake to do something like this.”

I just want them to be aware of the situation and remember the phrase from the ADAP video that shows a Riverside Cadet going home after the senior dance when the state trooper says “for every action, there is a reaction.”

I pray they finally come out of the “knucklehead” mode and start to think straight.  I don’t want to hear or read about any student in the newspaper, especially one of our Riverside boys.  That is a bridge that shouldn’t have to be crossed.

“Just a Thought!”

I just wanted to take the time to welcome you to my first attempt at blogging.  Though I am one considered never at a loss for words, I still count it an honor to be able to communicate with you all through this forum.  It is funny to me that will all of my training in the military and in the civilian sector, computers have never been my cup of tea, yet, I am now becoming more and more involved with what it has to offer in society.
Currently I am reading an interesting book titled "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman.  This book has served as an eye opener to me because much of what I am reading speaks of the transformation that has been made, worldwide, for a society that has learned to adapt to the vast changes since the fall of the Berlin Wall.  To me, it is the availability of information that has become so "first-hand" with the evolution of technology and the internet.
That is where I am now!  Getting used to the internet and technology is something I never thought I would have achieved, but here we go.
I hope that you enjoy this experience as much as I will enjoy presenting it to you each week.

- SGM Jeff Chandler