cadet blogs

The Road Less Traveled By

(The Cadet Experience, Class of 2013) Permanent link All Posts

Ready. Set. Go!!! Well, “here we go again… same ole’ stuff again…” This was the first thing that raced through my mind as I walked back onto the Academy with my re-acceptance papers. Hundreds of images from my prior cadet experience sequenced through my head ranging from my long Swab Summer, to my exiting Eagle voyage across the Atlantic, and all the way up to my last day as a cadet…

You are probably wondering what I am talking about so let me fill you in. I have taken a very different path than your typical cadet; you could call it “the road less traveled by.” This road involved me getting kicked out of the Coast Guard Academy. Some might be thinking for what, why am I back, or both? So, before I answer the “why” let me give you some background knowledge. Everyone in the Coast Guard, including cadets, are taught the importance of the Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty with HONOR being chief among them. In simple, I was kicked out because as a 2/c (upper class cadet equivalent to a junior) I violated the Honor Concept. I found an iPod and failed to report it to the command and my actions in returning the property of another were not swift enough. Despite the fact that I returned the item, my actions were not in accordance of what is expected of a member of the Coast Guard. While I had possession of the item I used it as a timer without the consent from the owner. This act, coupled with the fact that I did not report the lost item to the command violated the Honor Concept and I was kicked out accordingly.

Being kicked out of one of the greatest services in world was the single worst feeling of my life. It took a long time to accept the fact that I was no longer in the service. But let me tell you that the Coast Guard Academy was the best choice I ever made. Yes it is hard, yes you will fail, yes you will have to follow a very strict set of rules, and yes you will have to give it 110 percent every day, but it is worth every moment. The Academy helped me grow as an individual, gave me some of the closest friends I could ever ask for, and gave me the opportunity to serve my country. Having realized this, I made it my goal to get back in. So I worked full time as a personal trainer, went to school full time, underwent “Honor” remediation, and moved away from home to show the Academy that I had the heart worthy of a second chance. After giving it everything I had, I re-applied, and was awarded a second chance.

So you can only imagine the thoughts, excitement, and emotions running through my mind as I walked back onto the Academy as a cadet again. It was truly overwhelming to see all the excitement on my fellow shipmates faces, having everyone say, “Welcome back,” and most importantly starting the year off with a clean slate.

Now that I am back and am once again part of the “Coast Guard Family” I have made every effort to help others. I have become a peer counselor in the hopes that I can use my testimony to help others get through the various trials and tribulations that the Academy places on people. I am also back on the boxing team (refer to future blogs in athletics for more on this).

Personal goals this semester: no demerits (do not get in trouble), Gold Star (TGPA above 3.15), and beat the regional boxing champion from Army.

More about Josh.

Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/13/2012 11:05 AM