Favorite Verse:
Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6.in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

What JLTA Means To Me:
The Academy was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It took five years to complete all the camps. In the beginning the camp was terrifying, with Commander Harvey screaming and Commander Henry always finding something wrong so he could give us essays. Man, you got to love those essays. I couldn't tell you how many essays I racked up in my first year, but it was a lot of words. My second year I was enrolled in AJTC. When I found out that I was going to build a tower and a rope bridge I was loving this camp. The program and commanders teach you a lot of skills that you will need to become a Junior Commander. The third camp was Training Trails. This was a tough camp, all the way up and down those big hills. Oh that was crazy! But, when we were done it was all worth it because Commander Dennis took us up to a fire look out station. We were so high up that we were above the clouds. I could see for hundreds of miles in all directions. This brings me to canoeing with Commander Lee, "Tough as Nails", and Commander Bill. They taught me how to paddle the proper way and be safe on the water. Then came the fun part that everyone was waiting for. The canoe roll. We had to roll the canoe, Last but not least was Survival Camp. This was the most interesting camp I have been to. I don't know where to start. I ate a snake and we as a whole camp chased a chipmunk for at least ten minutes. We slept in a small shelter with two other guys and we made snares that didn't catch anything. There are a lot of memories from all these camps, too many to share at one time. I loved every minute of them and all the friends I made over the the years. I wish I could go another five years, but I can't. Instead I will do one step better and become a Junior Commander. I will work hard to put as many other boys from my outpost through these great learning experiences. Thank you Commander Ralph and Staff!!!!!