Photo By Pfc. Susan Blair | Allen Hariston, a participant in the Tarheel Challenge, makes his way through the...... read more read more
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Pfc. Susan Blair
2nd BCT, PAO 82nd ABN. DIV.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Normally getting a General Education Diploma involves sitting in a class room then spending many nights studying. But, for the participants of the Tarheel Challenge, a 22 week program that prepares troubled kids for their G.E.D. and sets them up for a better future; it involves low-crawling under barbed wire, swinging over a pit of water, and rappelling from a 30 foot tower in 98 degree heat.
During the first two weeks of the Tarheel Challenge, July 17- July 28, the participants were brought to Fort Bragg, N.C., where they went through a two-week boot camp. During the two weeks, the cadets learned how to work as a team and completed various training challenge such as the Air Assault Obstacle Course, a land navigation course, a Team Assault Course, as well as the 82nd Airborne Division Pre-Ranger Course Obstacle Course.
"This part of the program is where the participants start getting confidence, discipline, self-respect and start working together as a team," said Eddie Toler, director of the Tarheel Challenge.
The two-week style boot camp also started preparing the cadets for learning the Eight Core Components that the challenge is based on: Leadership and Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Service to the Community, Life-Coping Skills, Physical Fitness, Health and Hygiene, Job Skills, and Academic Excellence, said Toler.
Keeping motivation to learn the components and complete the various obstacles wasn't an easy task. The high temperature and different life style was a challenge for the Cadets. But, they were able to work through their own personal obstacles' and complete the group obstacles.
"It's been difficult but everyone started pulling together as a team," said Scott Ingram of Rockingham, N.C., a participant in the Challenge.
"Help him up!" yelled William Christ, a cadet in the program. Working together, the three team mates hoisted fellow team mate Patrick Truesdale onto the next level of the 30 foot tower obstacle, at the PRC Obstacle Course.
"Wooah! Now that's what I call teamwork," yelled Christ after they reached the top.
Not only were they able to work as a team, but they're motivation remained high and in as little as two weeks the cadets' attitudes had already began changing, said Mark Lason, a team leader at the Tarheel Challenge
"I'm very surprised at how high they're motivations been," said Lason. "It's very impressive. Normally in this type of weather the cadets throw their canteens down and want to quit, but none of them have done that."
Even since day one Lason noticed a difference in the cadets' behavior. In the beginning if the cadre were to give an order a cadet would question it or give attitude. But by the end of the two weeks, they would just execute, explained Lason.
"They've grown very much," said Lason
The cadre weren't the only ones who noticed a difference in the participants' attitudes- the cadets also noticed a difference in themselves as well as their acquaintances' at the program.
Brentice Speller of Raleigh, N.C., joined the program to better himself.
He said that when he gets home, he knows his life style is going to change. In terms of eating and sleeping habits, and keeping everything organized. He's also not going to take everything for granted.
"I'm already growing as a person. I'm trying to stay out of trouble," said Speller.
Speller said his new acquaintance Eric Davis has changed more then anyone in the two weeks they've been at the Tarheel Challenge.
"I needed a lot of discipline just to listen up and follow directions," said Davis of Tarboro, N.C. In addition to his discipline level increasing Davis said that because he hasn't been smoking his mind is clearer and he's more able to focus on the mission.
"I'm not doing what a typical drop out would do," said Davis.
Because of the experience and the life-skills that the Tarheel Challenge gives the cadets, many will go on to community college, join the military or get a job in the world of work, said Toler.
"This is a chance to turn you're life around," said Scott Ingram of Rockingham, N.C.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2006 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 7329 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 37 |
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