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Story by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Bluegrass Challenge Academy Director Patrick Yewell shares the ups and downs of the ACA vs BCA Basketball competition, along with a few laughs. (Photo by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Detachment)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe cadets from the Appalachian and Bluegrass ChalleNGe academies met head-to-head June 3, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for a series of friendly competitions.
Dubbed the Youth ChalleNGe Field Day, cadets from the Harlan, Kentucky-based Appalachian Academy (ACA) and Fort Knox-based Bluegrass Academy (BCA) competed in an archery competition and basketball game. The cadets didn’t stop with the sanctioned events, and continued the sportsmanship theme on the softball and soccer fields.
Cadet J. Douglas, a Bluegrass cadet said the day was perfect for the sports and barbecue, but also to compare experiences of the ChalleNGe program with the Appalachian cadets.
Click here for more photos.
“It’s been great talking to the teens from the other academy and hearing about their experiences,” he said. “If found that for the most part, their program is a lot like ours.”
Coaches from both Appalachian Challenge Academy and Bluegrass Challenge Academy passionately lead their cadets from the sidelines. (Photo by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Detachment)
The BCA won the Commandant Cup and Golden Arrow award, which will stay at Fort Knox until the next time the two academies meet.
“Although we walked away the victors in both competitions, it feels like everyone’s a winner today,” Douglas said. “I feel a lot closer to my BCA and ACA family. We had a fun time and got to know more about each other.”
The ChalleNGe program is a 22-week course designed to help at-risk youth complete a curriculum that works toward receipt of a high school diploma, enhances physical fitness and provides the participants leadership and life experience to become contributing members of the society.
Before the events kicked off, Patrick Yewell, BCA director, recognized the attending parents and the significance of the trophies but the spirit of the event.
“Remember, it’s not just about the competition, it’s also about having time to laugh, relax and get together,” he said.
“Enjoy your day,” Yewell said. “You’ve earned it.”
John Bond, aka “Coach Bond” has been a driving not just for the athletes on his team, but for all of the cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
HARLAN, Ky. — The Appalachian Challenge Academy has established itself as a force to be reckoned with since opening its doors in Harlan only a couple of years ago. Hundreds of cadets have graduated the 22-week program thus far, some going back to high school with a path toward college or vocational-technical schools, others getting jobs or joining up with the military.
And while the cadets are certainly due credit for their own success, let’s face facts: all the desire and determination in the world is in vain without the proper guidance; it takes teachers and mentors to set the example and point young people in the right direction.
Better known as “Coach Bond,” John Bond brought his skills from decades of teaching in the public schools to teaching and mentoring cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
One such mentor is John Bond, better known in Harlan County as “Coach Bond.” A graduate of the University of Kentucky and English teacher/girls basketball coach from Cumberland High School, Bond couldn’t just go home when it came time to retire. Rather than settle down, he took on a new role as a language arts and history teacher at the ACA.
“The Appalachian Challenge Academy means a lot to this area,” said Bond. “It takes kids that have fallen off the path to success and disappeared, and brings them back into a classroom to build confidence in them. It is all about a second or third chance to succeed.”
In coaching, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. This is the same with teaching. Cadets enter the Academy in the same way, and we have to coach them to prepare them for the GED. Teaching them to try their best and to work hard toward a goal also helps prepare them for life after the Academy.
First, they have to want the help. That is the most important thing, that they are willing to accept the help we can offer. Second, they have to have aspirations, to want better things in life. Sometimes they do not develop these goals until we get a hold of them. Third, they have to accept that in life everything does not always work out like you plan and things change so they have to be able to adapt.
Better known as “Coach Bond,” John Bond brought his skills from decades of teaching in the public schools to teaching and mentoring cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
The biggest boundary is raising cadet confidence levels, and getting them to buy into hard work to understand that they are the ones who have to help themselves,” said Bond. “You can teach anyone if they have the right attitude.”
Bond cites the example of a cadet who came to the academy unused to working hard. “He thought he didn’t have to put forth an effort to get an education. He was well mannered, courteous, and always willing to help but needed focus. We finally got him settled and on the right track. He recently called to inform us that he completed his high school equivalency test and plans to attend college for welding and computer science. That is a huge success to me that he did not give up after graduating from the Academy. I expect him to continue his growth and become a successful adult.”
Bond’s reputation with the academy staff is a measurement of his success.
“Coach Bond has a passion about him that catches the young men and women’s attention, especially when he teaches or coaches,” said Master Sgt. Tonia Henry. “He pulls out each person’s special trait and helps them to develop it. He never gives up or quits on a person, and he does not allow you to give up or quit on yourself.”
“Coach Bond has a big and caring heart for the cadets here at the academy,” said 1st Sgt. Lee. “He told me he wished he could help all of the cadets get a good start in life by helping them get on the right path. He is always trying to encourage our cadets to do their best.”
Ryan French, ACA Instructor had high praise for this coach turned teacher. “Coach Bond is a man that despite his infancy in Youth Challenge, is a wealth of knowledge to all that graces his presence. From his professional insight to his vast wisdom on everyday life matters, Coach Bond is an motivation to every cadet and colleague that he is around.”
Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week credit recovery program is geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects. The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
For more information on Appalachian Challenge Academy contact Josh Coldiron, 606-574-0303 or 855-596-4927 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos courtesy Bluegrass Challenge Academy and Appalachian Challenge Academy
Graduating cadets stream into the assembly hall for the Dec. 12, 2014 for Appalachian Challenge Academy.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On December 12-13, 2014 the Kentucky National Guard’s Youth Challenge celebrated dual graduations for the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox and the Bluegrass Challenge Academy in Harlan, graduating a combine 181 cadets hailing from just about every corner of the Commonwealth.
Click here to read the Appalachian Challenge Academy Graduation 005 Newsletter
Cadets provide a color guard at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy graduation, Dec. 13, 2014.
During their tenure at their respective academies, cadets studied hard, accruing a total of 475 high school credits and more than 10,000 hours of community service. They also took on a variety of life skills projects, to include raising vegetables for donation to local hospice patients and food banks for the needy, volunteering at local Headstart programs, raising awareness about domestic violence, learning CPR and taking part in college day events.
Most important, these determined young people developed team building and communications skills geared toward becoming independent, self-sufficient and effective adults.
Click here to see a message from Josh Mortenson, graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy Class 31.
Bluegrass Challenge Academy class president Joshua Mortenson speaks to the audience during the Dec. 13, 2014 graduation ceremony.
“My son most definitely benefited from attending Bluegrass Challenge Academy,” said Sgt. 1st Class Diana Mortenson, mother of BCA class president Joshua Mortenson. “His time there gave him focus and discipline, plus it helped him figure out a few things about himself. He’s definitely more driven and determined to make a difference in his life. I’m so proud of him and I’m grateful to the cadre for the guidance and care they gave him.”
“I am constantly amazed by the mountain of accomplishments executed by these young people in such a short period of time,” said Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini, who oversees the program for the Kentucky National Guard. “Many of these kids come to us with ruck sacks full of problems, some academic, some beyond just school. But these young men and women change. They are now trained and equipped to become productive members of our communities.”
Appalachian Challenge Academy honor graduates Kourd MacGregor, Joseph Copley and Kaitlyn King look forward to the next challenge in their lives.
The next step for the graduates is to continue the ChalleNGe by beginning college, returning to high school, joining the military, continuing their adult education, or seeking employment.
Both academies are currently signing up candidates for their next class, which begins this weekend. For more information visit kyyouthchallenge.org.
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
HARLAN, Ky. — The cadets of the Kentucky National Guard’s Appalachian Challenge Academy are “standing up” to bullying in a new video posted on Youtube. Shot on location at the Harlan academy facility, the three minute production features Youth Challenge cadets demonstrating a series of bullying scenarios with the message to “Stand up for others. Stand against bullying.”
“Our cadets are extremely passionate when it comes to the subject of bullying,” said ACA Director Josh Coldiron. “Many of them have fallen victim to this epidemic and all of them have witnessed it at one time or another. When the opportunity came up to do this video, they couldn’t wait to get started.”
Click here to watch the Appalachian Challenge Academy anti-bullying video on Youtube.
Cadet Michael Jones, from Skate City, Va., was one of the cadets in the video. “I joined the project because I got tired of seeing bullying and what it does to the victims,” he said. “I’m also trying to make people realize what it does and how it makes people feel about themselves.”
Other cadets expressed similar reasons for being involved in the program:
“I wanted to be in the bullying video because I wanted to help others,” said Cadet Sidney Hall, Harlan, Ky. “I want to play a role in making people aware of bullying and how to prevent it.”
“This project is so important to me because I’m hoping it will help open eyes of some of our cadets,” said Cadet Zeveren Hill, Barbourville, Ky. “Not only is this for this cycle, but for the future.”
“I wanted to be in the video because I feel I could help stop bullying,” said Cadet Kennedy Greene, Knoxville, Tenn. “I would hate to see my future kids go through it. People have lost their lives because they get belittled and I want to make a change in society.”
“One reason the program is needed is because you need to have people help others that are being mistreated,” said Cadet Jake Smith, Jenkins, Ky. “Bullying awareness is important because it happened to me personally and I know how they feel. Now I talk to others who have this problem and help them out.”
The video was produced with input from Stopbullying.org and the Student Task Force Anti-Bullying Network Decree.
Putting together the video had an effect on the cadets that the staff didn’t anticipate; the production experience motivated them to create an anti-bullying council set up to explore ways to combat the widespread effects of this problem.
“That was entirely their idea,” said Coldiron. “They were so excited after doing the video they didn’t want to stop. We were both surprised and proud at how seriously they are taking up the flag on this issue. These young people mean business.”
Jointly funded between the federal government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard, the Youth ChalleNGe program is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects. The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
To find out more about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan call 1-855-596-4927 or email [email protected]
To find out more about the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox call 1-877-599-6884 or email [email protected]
Photos by Alli Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Click here for more photos.
Cadet Swakhila Fishback receives her diploma during a graduation ceremony for the cadets of the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
HARLAN, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth Challenge program reached new heights with the graduation of Appalachian Challenge Academy’s Class 3 on December 14, 2013. The academy is in its second year of operation and already the program is making a huge difference in the lives of Kentucky’s teenagers.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments of each Class 3 graduate,” said Josh Coldiron, ACA director. “This was our most successful class to date. Collectively, cadets earned 223 high school credits, which is a new class record at Appalachian ChalleNGe. Nineteen cadets earned their GED, and the class completed 3,072 hours of community service.”
A large crowd fills the auditorium at Harlan County High School in Harlan, Ky., for the graduation ceremony of cadets from the Appalachian Challenge Academy, Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
Jointly funded between the federal government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard, the Youth ChalleNGe program is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
Coldiron said 16 cadets from ACA Class 3 completed GEN 140 - Development of Leadership, offered through Southeast Community and Technical College, earning one college credit hour. Sevent-three of the cadets were certified in first aid and completed KHP 190 - First Aid and Emergency Care, offered through Southeast Community and Technical College Workforce Development Program, each receiving one college credit hour.
“Life doesn’t stop after graduation from the academy,” said Coldiron. “We have 32 cadets returning to high school to get their diplomas, while the rest are either joining the workforce, attending Job Corp, joining the military, or pursuing college or vocational and technical education.”
“We’re really proud of all the things our cadets accomplished this year,” he said. “We’re already looking forward to continued success with the next class.”
The Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe academies are currently recruiting for a January 12, 2014 deadline.
To find out more about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan call 1-855-596-4927 or email [email protected]
To find out more about the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox call 1-877-599-6884 or email [email protected]
Appalachian Challenge Academy Director Josh Coldiron congratulates a cadet during the academy’s class graduation in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
Dan Smoot, President of Operation UNITE speaks to cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy during a graduation ceremony in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) congratulates Mr. Joseph Lockhart, a graduate of the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan, Ky. for being selected as the November Cadet of the Month. Mr. Lockhart will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from BAE Systems, generous supporters of NGYF and the ChalleNGe Program.
“At the National Guard Youth Foundation, we are proud to support outstanding graduates of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy and help them as they take their next steps in life through scholarships, internships and job opportunities,” said Louis A. Cabrera, President of the National Guard Youth Foundation.
“Mr. Lockhart was selected as the recipient of our November Cadet of the Month scholarship because his character and determination stood out among the thousands of cadets who’ve graduated from the 35 ChalleNGe sites over the past year. We are very proud of Mr. Lockhart and wish him the best of luck as he continues his path of success.”
Read Mr. Lockhart’s ChalleNGe story here:
Like a lot of teenagers, I grew tired of school and quit attending. I wasn’t really a bad or troubled kid. I have good parents who work and I have a nice home life; I just got behind in school and gave up.
The ChalleNGe academy offered a small classroom environment where they could work with cadets one-on-one and give extra help. When we had trouble with certain areas they provided help, including tutoring during the evenings after class.
During ChalleNGe, they scheduled a visit to Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC). During the tour, we viewed the different vocations offered, got a chance to visit with and question SKCTC staff, took the COMPASS test and applied for financial aid. This experience was a tremendous boost in helping me decide what career I wanted to pursue and had I not gone on the visit I may have never thought about attending college.
The Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe academies are currently recruiting for a January 12, 2014 deadline.
To find out more about the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox call 1-877-599-6884 or email [email protected]
To find out more about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan call 1-855-596-4927 or email [email protected]
Jessi Wilson (right) is a cadet at the Kentucky National Guard’s Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan while her sister Christen is a cadet at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox. The two have made a fresh start after a chance meeting during a Challenge Academy event. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
HARLAN, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe is a 22-week program designed to help at-risk youth get a jump start on life. With two academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan — the curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
Following is commentary from Jessi Wilson, a cadet with the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan. Both she and her sister Christen are scheduled to graduate on December 14.
My sister, Christen Wilson, and I had a terrible relationship as sisters in the past. But now we do not. I am going to tell you how the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy and the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy have changed our relationship.
My sister is a cadet at Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was born on May 3, 1995. She is exactly one year, three hours and twenty-one minutes older than me. We have never gotten along our entire life. In the past, my sister and I would nit pick at each other. We would fight constantly over childish things. We also could not stand the sight of each other. We would fight because we were hard-headed and stubborn. We also had really bad attitudes toward each other.
Youth Challenge cadets boarding a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helcopter in preparation for an orientiation flight in Frankfort, Ky. (U.S Army National Guard photo by Staff Scott Raymond)
Everything changed on 9/11/13, when ACA went to Frankfort for a tour of the state capital and a ride on a Blackhawk helicopter. I never expected my sister to be there. ACA rode the Blackhawk first that day. After we finished riding the Blackhawk, we began to eat lunch. As I finished eating my lunch, I looked up and saw BCA pulling in. I hollered at Sergeant Card and told him that my sister was with BCA and that I did not want to see her. I sat back down to talk with my fellow cadets.
Next thing I heard was Master Sgt. Henry saying, “Cadet Wilson, on your feet! Ma’am we don’t have all day.” I was thinking in my head, “What did I do to get in trouble?”
When I reached Master Sgt. Henry, I saw my sister. It surprised me to see her. Things and feelings towards my sister changed. I could tell my sister’s attitude had changed since being at BCA. I was standing there in complete shock. Master Sgt. Henry told me that it was okay to hug her and ask her how her days at BCA have been. Well, I became an adult. I hugged her and wanted to talk, but I was speechless. This same day, I wanted to give my sister the apology that she had been waiting for. I have owed her an apology for years.
After meeting each other for the first time in two months, we got a picture together. We finally got approved to write each other letters, thanks to our first sergeants from each academy. I became an adult again. I wrote my sister giving her the apology that I owed her for the years that I did not treat her right, and also asked her if we could restart our sisterhood. She wrote me back saying that she did want to restart our sisterhood and become close.
Youth Challenge cadets waiting for their turn for an orientation flight on a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helcopter. (U.S Army National Guard photo by Staff Scott Raymond)
Since I wrote my sister asking her if she wanted to restart our relationship, it has dawned on me that just because I may not like the choices my sister makes, that does not mean that I need to treat her wrong. I realized that the rule “treat others the way you want to be treated” is true. We now talk about anything and everything, and actually talk about things without fighting. I want to continue this new relationship with my sister. If we do not continue this relationship, no matter what she does or how she lives, I will always love her for who she is with all of my heart.
In the future, if my sister and I were to come to find ourselves on the rocky path that we were once on, I would change a lot of things. For instance, if we were to argue over who does the dishes, I would compromise to either one of these two choices: I do half of the dishes and she does the other half, or she washes and I rinse or vice versa.
Now that I have been through this program at Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, I have seen the different cultures and personalities that exist between teenagers. This program has helped me in several ways. I was the wild child of the family; I loved to do the craziest things. I have learned that fighting is not the way to solve problems between each other, but that talking the problem out is the route to success of solving problems.
Sometimes you have to be the bigger person in life. Being the bigger person will always earn you the respect that you want from others. Also, in this program I learned that having a “bad attitude” will never get you back on the right path to success.
For more information:
Click here for Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox, or call 1-877-599-6884 or email [email protected]
Click here for Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan, or call 1-855-596-4927 or email [email protected]
Story and photos by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Pvt. Darrick White is flanked by two of the Kentucky National Guard’s top mentors, State Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Armstrong and State Command Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simms. An honor graduate from the Guard’s Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, White went on to become honor graduate during his basic training and AIT classes. (Kentucky National Guard photo by David Altom)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Pvt. Darrick White is a man with a purpose. A high school dropout with issues at home, he was determined to do something to get out of the rut and make a difference in his life. He got word of the Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe program and decided that might just be the ticket.
“I heard about the Youth ChalleNGe program and saw that as a way of getting my life going,” said White. “It turned out that I really enjoyed it. I learned so much there. I can tell you for sure that it definitely helps get you straight and set you up for what comes later in life.”
White loved the experience so much that at the end of his 22 weeks at the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan he was selected the honor graduate.
His next step? Join the National Guard, of course.
“I wanted to do something to serve and this seemed the best route for me,” he said. “I really like it a lot!”
White joined up last January and went to basic and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Ok. where he was once again ranked as his class honor graduate.
State Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Armstrong looks on as Pvt. Darrick White receives a command coin from State Command Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simms. (Kentucky National Guard photo by David Altom)
“What you’ve done is a significant accomplishment,” said State Command Sgt. Maj. Armstrong told white during a recent visit with senior Guard leaders at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort.
“By taking the initiative the way he has, this young man has done something that not many people could achieve,” said Armstrong. “It speaks to his courage and his determination to do something positive with his life. That, to me, is very impressive.”
White also received a coin from State Command Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simms, the ranking member of the Kentucky National Guard’s warrant officer corps. Simms encouraged White to keep up the good work and stay on course.
“We definitely need people like this in the Guard,” Simms said. “To come so far in such a short amount of time, and on your own initiative, that’s awesome! I know for sure I can use more like him in the warrant officer corps.”
White is currently assigned to Detachment 1, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 149th Infantry where he serves as a forward observer.
Photos by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
SPARTA, Ky. — A small group of Challenge Academy cadets were honored during the NASCAR race weekend at Kentucky Speedway, June 28-30, 2013. Their attendance was due in part to the growing relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and the National Guard Youth Foundation. None of them had ever been to a race of this scale before. Regardless of whether each was a Jeff Gordon fan or a Kasey Kahne fan, they all were in awe of the 88 Chevrolet adorned with the logo of the Youth Foundation. From the moment Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the green flag on Sunday, their excitement did not falter through each and every left hand turn.
Dallas Voge, a graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy checks for guidance in leading the color guard prior to presenting the colors for the pre-race festivities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Maxx Gay, a cadet with North Carolina’s Tarheel Challenge Academy and Sarah Heck, a graduate of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Challenge Academy took photos with Kaley Caperton, singer/songwriter and national spokesperson for the National Guard Youth Foundation, in front of an American Flag display featured in Caperton’s music video, Red, White and Beautiful. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Click here to see Kaley’s music video on CMT.com.
Appalachian Challenge Academy graduate, Rome Meade, (right) said meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a highlight of the great weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Sarah Heck, (left), a graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy was glad to share her Challenge story with two U.S. Senators, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky and Mary Landrieu from Louisiana. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht)
Challenge Academy graduates, Sparky Edwards (left) and Cole Davis took a peak inside the 88 Chevrolet during a garage tour on Saturday. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Rome Meade participated in a press conference on Friday with Earnhardt Jr., Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Gail Dady, President of the Borad of Directors for the Youth Foundation. Meade had no idea he would be the face of the Challenge program on this day. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht)
Dallas Voge from the Bluegrass Challenge Academy snapped a few quick photo on pit road prior to the race on Sunday. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
It’s not everyday, you can just take a stroll down pit road between race cars on race day. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
After strolling down pit road, it was time for business and marching the colors to the start/finish line for the National Anthem. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The cadets last stop on their exciting weekend was high above the track in their seats in a suite provided by the Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see all the photos from the weekend, click here.
To learn more about the National Guard Youth Foundation, visit their website, www.ngyf.org.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joins Gail Dady of the National Guard Youth Foundation, Louisiana’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis and Challenge Program cadets for a group photo with the 88 Chevrolet on pit road prior to the start of the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 30, 2013. The National Guard Youth Foundation teamed up with Hendrick Motorsports to race the 88 with a special logo for the race at Kentucky Speedway. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
SPARTA, Ky. — Persistent rain showers did little to dampen the spirits and excitement of a group of teens at the Kentucky Speedway this past weekend. The young men and women are current and former cadets with the National Guard Youth Challenge programs. They were given a full-access pass to all NASCAR had to offer at this year’s Quaker State 400 race at the track in Sparta, Ky.
As part of the National Guard Youth Foundation - the national nonprofit that supports Challenge - and the Challenge program’s relationship with Hendrick
Motorsports, several cadets, foundation officials and members of the National Guard were invited to the track to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive the number 88 Chevrolet with a special National Guard Youth Foundation logo on his car.
To see more photos from the race weekend, click here.
Challenge program cadets receive a garage tour from Hendrick Motorsports prior to the running of the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 29, 2013. The tour was part of a full weekend of race access for the cadets as part of the relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and the National Guard Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We are honored and deeply appreciate the opportunity to partner with Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to raise awareness of the Challenge program,” said Gail Dady, National Guard Youth Foundation Board of Directors President. “The Hendrick Motorsports team went to an extraordinary level to make this an unforgettable experience for the cadets.”
The excitement began Friday morning with a press conference announcing the sponsorship and highlighting the Challenge programs. Rome Meade, a graduate of the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan, Ky., sat with Dady, Earnhardt Jr., and Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in the press room at the track for the interaction with media. Meade said he was proud to have Earnhardt drive for the program, acknowledging that many more people will know about the program after the race.
In between the rain drops, Meade and his fellow cadets were treated to garage tours, a meet and greet with Earnhardt, Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and also University of Kentucky Basketball coach John Calipari.
During the meet and greet, Earnhardt told the cadets and the crowd that the relationship he has had with the National Guard has been one he has had a lot of fun with and takes very seriously. He said he was honored to drive his car with the foundation logo in the race and remains excited to be a part of the program.
Jeremy Suhor, a cadet with the Louisiana Youth Challenge program watches the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race from his seat at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 30, 2013. A life-long race fan, the race was Suhor’s first in person. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This is a great opportunity for us to tell more people about the Youth Foundation,” he said. “What it’s about, what it does, what it entails and how many kids’ lives it’s helped turned around, and the effect it’s had on the communities.”
Although Earnhardt didn’t drive the car into victory lane on Sunday, the clouds did part long enough for the cadets to enjoy the full race a day late. They were still trackside presenting the colors for the pre-race festivities and had the time to walk pit road and take some memorable snapshots with their favorite cars. The cadets eventually found a front and center seat for the race in a suite above the start/finish line of the track.
“I never expected to be at my first NASCAR race,” said New Orleans native, Jeremy Suhor, a cadet at the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program. “I’ve had a lot of great opportunities since I’ve been in Challenge.”
“The weekend has been awesome,” said Meade. “It’s one of the best experiences of my life.”
To learn more about the National Guard Youth Foundation, visit their website www.ngyf.org.
