Photo By Jorge Garcia | In honor of his commitment to joining the Long Gray Line despite his ailment, West...... read more read more
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During their 47-month experience at the U.S. Military Academy, cadets are trained to endure a plethora of challenges that prepare them for a career as an officer in the U.S. Army. However, the unpredictability of life can sometimes present far more complex challenges that test the strength of one's will and conviction.
For Class of 2023 Cadet Justin Free, that challenge was fighting a battle against Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma located in his chest and neck.
"It happened during my Plebe (freshman) year. I was riding my bicycle with Trey McKinnon, my middle school coach from back home. I was getting tired quicker--I felt out of shape," Free said. "Then, over the Summer, I developed a cough. At first, I didn't really think anything of it, and then I finally got it checked out in November. I had swollen lymph nodes."
In honor of his commitment to becoming part of the Long Gray Line despite facing health challenges, West Point honored Free's indomitable spirit, awarding him with the prestigious Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley Scholarship of Honor.
The scholarship is awarded to a graduate of West Point who has endured arduous circumstances, solidifying a place in the legacy of the Long Gray Line. The scholarship also serves as a tribute to U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert Foley, a distinguished recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, commemorating his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on November 5, 1966.
Serving as the bridge between the Foley Award recipients, Lt. Gen. (retired) Robert Foley, and the generous LaViolette Family, retired Lt. Col. David Jones, a 1985 USMA graduate and instructor at West Point, articulates the profound impact of the Academy on individuals, as encapsulated in Free’s story.
"I have been fortunate to be the liaison between Foley Award recipients, Lt. Gen. (retired) Robert Foley and the LaViolette Family who sponsor the Award and have shared Justin's West Point Journey with them," said Jones. "Justin's story is humbling, unique and so emotionally moving. He truly has endured so many personal challenges while at the academy and still persevered and even excelled."
Initially, Free’s doctor informed him that it might be cancer, however, he did not officially classify his diagnosis as such.
"I kind of had a weird feeling that it was, so I wasn't super surprised," Free said.
Nevertheless, the shock of the disparaging news would later surface when he realized that he would have to inform his parents and fiancée.
After sharing the difficult news, Free did his best to keep spirits high and remind his loved ones that if he could smile and joke, everyone else should embrace levity and maintain a positive mental attitude. "I like to make jokes during hard times, so I was trying to make light of it. Make my parents laugh, make my sister laugh," Free said. "The experience is not going to be fun, so I figured might as well find some enjoyment out of it. Making them laugh and doing positive things to help them cope and help me get through it just made enduring it easier."
Ultimately, instead of living in his inward anguish, Free surmised that this morbid revelation was another task he had to overcome, and he would treat it no different than "Slaying the Beast" during Cadet Summer Training or "Beating the Dean" in academics.
However, balancing treatment for cancer with academics and military training proved to be a rigorous task.
"I had treatment once every two weeks, and it would knock the wind out of me for a day or two," Free said. "I had a lot of help. My instructors were very, very flexible with me working with me. They were all willing to meet when I felt good to go over lesson notes."
Additionally, his friends and his tactical officer, Maj. Sean Frederick, did all that they could to support him.
"My TAC officer was here, and he put me in his class because he knew everything that was going on," Free added. "I had some friends in some of my classes that would help me study and catch up on stuff. During chemo, there's not much to do, so I would just listen to the lesson or do my readings. I would routinely do little stuff like that just to pass the time."
At one point, Free had to depart West Point for one year, giving him time to spend with his family while undergoing treatment. Although, after some time, Free wondered if he would ever return to West Point.
"I had to spend some time away from West Point, which put a halt on my education," Free said. "I wasn't sure if I would be able to come back, but I found things to do to occupy my time. I ended up building a gaming PC, which I've never done before."
Despite being pushed back a semester, Free returned. His 47-month experience became a 54-month spiritual journey that marked his gradual progression to optimal health. He successfully thwarted cancer and caught up with his studies.
The support he received, coupled with his willpower, merited the Foley scholarship.
"Honestly, it feels awesome," Free said. "I feel really honored to be recognized by the Bryan LaViolette Foundation, tactical officers and the people here overall. I haven't put much thought into what I'm going to use it for. Right now, my sights are set on graduation and then going to the Basic Officer Leadership Course, but it's really interesting and awesome to learn about the foundation and where the award comes from.
"To hear the stories of the different award winners and to know that I'm following in the footsteps of some really amazing people who have gone through some very tough experiences is very humbling," he added.
Free has now etched his name into West Point history, becoming part of a dual legacy, adding to the Long Gray Line and joining the time-honored list of Foley Scholarship of Honor recipients.
"Free's journey as a cancer survivor, enduring a year of chemotherapy and radiation while a cadet, is marked by his extremely positive attitude, his commitment to succeed despite any obstacle, and his strength of character. Justin is the perfect recipient of this Award," Jones said during the Foley Scholarship of Honor ceremony.
"Justin Free is truly a Leader of Character who represents the Class of 2023, and the academy extremely well," Jones concluded. "Lt. Gen. Foley and the LaViolette family join me in saluting the Class of 2023 recipient of the Lt. Gen. Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor."
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 01.16.2024 08:57 |
| Story ID: | 460332 |
| Location: | WEST POINT, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Cadet Overcomes Cancer, Receives Foley Scholarship of Honor, by Jorge Garcia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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