The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce Class 1-24 as the 62nd class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held Friday, Jun. 14 at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. A total of 85 graduates from 34 counties across the State of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation. CSM James Jones congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address.
The following Cadets participated from Greenbrier County:
Cadet Michael Joseph Emory Patrick Caldwell, son of Victoria Clay of Lewisburg and grandson of Sandra Sammons of Clifton Forge, VA, was in Platoon 1. Cadet Caldwell was recognized for receiving the Cadre Distinction Award, Commandant’s Cup, Deputy Director’s Award(3-D Award),Good Conduct, Health Award, Honor’s List, Instructor’s List, Level One PT(2), Mentorship as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. During their time at the Academy, Cadet Caldwell served in the following leadership positions: Assistant Platoon Leader, Leadership Award/ Asst Corps Commander(5).
Cadet Andrew Warren Keaton, son of Robin and James Childers of Rainelle, was in Platoon 3. Cadet Keaton was recognized for receiving the Mentorship as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.
All graduating Cadets have completed the residential phase of ChalleNGe, which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from Service to Community to Employability Skills. Cadets in this class provided 3687.5 hours of Service to Community for such organizations as American Red Cross, Trout for Cheat, Camp Galilee, Girl Scouts of America, and Operation Gratitude. Following graduation, these Cadets will begin a one-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.
Applications are currently being accepted for Class 2-24 South that begins in October. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information.