Utah VALOR Magazine - August 2020

A SALUTE TO UTAH’S VETERANS AND MILITARY

The Rising Generation A Chat with Jeff and Charn Burton Power of the Vote ROTC: Doing Hard Things

COVER PRICE $5

AUGUST 2020

SPECIAL EDITION FOR SUBSCRIBERS OF DESERET NEWS AND THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Peripheral Neuropathy WARNING! South Jordan, UT - The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects.

Figure 2: When these very small blood vessels become diseased they begin to shrivel up and the nerves begin to degenerate. they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms.

Figure 1: Notice the very small blood vessels surrounding each nerve.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerve often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die”

The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problems or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in South Jordan that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (see the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined.

3) How much treatment will your The amount of treatment needed condition require? to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined The treatment that is provided at after a detailed neurological and The Scranton Clinic has three vascular evaluation. As long as main goals: you have not sustained at least 1) Increase blood flow 85% nerve damage there is hope!

2) Stimulate small fiber nerves The Scranton Clinic will do a 3) Decrease brain-based pain neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the The treatment to increase blood nerve damage for only $49. This flow utilizes a specialized neuropathy severity examination low-level light therapy (not to be will consist of a detailed sensory confused with laser therapy) evaluation, extensive peripheral using light emitting diode vascular testing, and a detailed technology. This technology was analysis of the findings of your originally developed by NASA to neuropathy. Dr. Steven Chalk will assist in increasing blood flow. be offering this neuropathy The low level light therapy is like severity examination from now watering a plant. The light therapy until August 31st, 2020. will allow the blood vessels to Call 801-871-8436 to make an grow back around the peripheral appointment with Dr. Steven nerves and provide them with the Chalk to determine if your proper nutrients to heal and repair. peripheral neuropathy can be It’s like adding water to a plant treated. and seeing the roots grow deeper The patient and any other person and deeper. responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.

1) What is the underlying cause?

2) How Much Nerve Damage Has Been Sustained.

NOTE: Once you have sustained Figure 3: The blood vessels will 85% nerve loss, there is likely grow back around the nerves much like a plant’s roots grow nothing we can do for you. when watered.

CALL 801-871-8436 TODAY! Dr. Steven Chalk, D.C., Chiropractic Physician

4775 Daybreak Pkwy, #102

South Jordan, UT 84095 • www.SouthJordanNeuropathy.com

Contents

Building the Rising Generation 'Be All-In' Jeff and Charn Burton's Words of Advice / 2-6 The Rising Generation 'Outstanding and Exceptional' / 8-11 Power of the Vote Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders / 12-15 'We Do Hard Things' Developing Agile and Able Officers / 16-19 'Every Day, Every Way' Utah Military Academy Cadets / 20-25 'Follow Your Dreams' Halvorsen Foundation Delivering STEM / 26-27 'Good to Go' VALOR Magazine Signs Off / 28-29 on the cover :

USU cadets take to the water at Hyrum Dam for a Zodiac lab. Although they are just big rafts, the need to row as a team helps upper classmen hone leadership skills through clear communication and build the trust and confidence of those that they will lead. courtesy of usu department of military science

WWW.UTAHVALOR.COM UTAH MEDIA GROUP / 4770 South 5600 West, West Valley City UT 84118 / utahmediagroup.com PROJECT TEAM / Brent Low, Publisher / Megan Donio, Publications Manager / Michelle Bridges, Project Editor / Utah Media Group Creative VALOR: A Salute to Utah’s Veterans and Military is a publication of Utah Media Group and distributed in partnership with Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune. Copyright © august 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of Utah Media Group. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. august

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'BE ALL-IN' J E F F A N D C H A R N B U RTO N'S WO R D S TO T H E R I S I N G G E N E R AT I O N

by Hank McIntire fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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n November 2019, Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton completed seven years of service as adjutant general of the Utah National Guard and nearly 38 years in an Army uniform. Brigadier Gen. Michael J. Turley took the reins from Burton and assumed command of the 7,000 soldiers and airmen who serve the citizens of Utah and the nation.

The timing of the change was Burton’s decision. He had spent much of his career training and preparing the next generation of soldiers and leaders to carry on after him.

“I felt it was time for somebody else,” said Burton, “and I felt good about the bench we had built. We worked many years to build a culture we could be proud of and the quality of leaders you want your children to go to war with.”

Burton recommended Turley and a few others to Utah Gov. Gary Herbert as possible candidates to replace him as adjutant general. Burton explained that each was interviewed by Herbert and Turley came out on top.

“I watched over Mike as he came up through the ranks,” said Burton. “He was one of my operations officers when I commanded the 1457th Engineers in Iraq. He is someone who will take good care of our troops and their families, and that’s what mattered to me.”

Over the years, Turley and dozens of others—including this writer—were on the receiving end of Burton’s mentoring as they received increasing responsibility in the Utah National Guard.

“I always did the best I could to train people so that they could be the right kind of person in a difficult environment,” said Burton of his efforts to groom the leaders under his influence during his military career.

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'THAT’S THE KIND OF GUY YOU WANT TO BE' Burton is quick to recognize that he himself was also a product of others’ examples from his earliest years. “All give us pleasure— some by coming and some by going,” he mused. While he had many role models worth emulating, he also “had many who were the antithesis of mentoring.”

As a boy, Jeff Burton stood, transfixed, as he watched the same gray-haired soldier in Army green march smartly past him, carrying the American flag in the Payson, Utah, parade each Fourth of July.

He learned later that the perennial flag bearer was John Arthur Davis, a World War II veteran and prisoner of war. “He was so engaging with kids—and one of the nicest, kindest men I have ever known,” recalled Burton. “Most adults are too busy; he was not.”

Davis was a survivor of the Bataan Death March, where Japanese captors forced American and Filipino prisoners to walk more than 70 miles over six days to the nearest POW camp.

Captives were given only one meal of rice during the entire trek, and tens of thousands died from exposure and atrocities.

“When I got older and learned more about him, I was blown away at what he had been through,” said Burton. “His wife told me he would wake up screaming many nights. You never saw that in his interactions. He had tremendous personal capacity.”

“At a young age, I thought to myself—” Burton’s voice trailed off, as emotion took the place of words. “’That’s the kind of guy you want to be.’”

EARLY INFLUENCES AND EXPERIENCES Others in Burton’s early years also instilled in him a love of country and the obligation to give back. His father, Joseph Burton, august

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"Keep your boots on, love better and forgive more.” —Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton (Ret.)

(ABOVE) SALEM, Utah. June 2020. Charn and Jeff Burton at home sharing stories from their nearly 38 years in the US Armed Forces. photo by hank mcintire (RIGHT) CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah. September 2012. Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton and his wife Charn during the adjutant general change of command at the Utah National Guard's annual Governor's Day. courtesy of utah national guard (BELOW) As a young married couple early in Burton's military career. courtesy burton family

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grew up living in a tent in a mining camp and served on the front lines as a combat medic in Korea, where his two uncles also served.

The three, Burton said, “taught me how to be a man.”

Burton’s initial active-duty assignment was in Germany, and his first battalion commander was Robert Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient, in Burton’s words, “for acts of staggering heroism.”

Burton gives equal credit to his mother Helen and his wife Charn for helping him become who he is. “I was always surrounded by women who were limitless and who could do anything. My mother was a very strong woman,” he reflected. “She was successful in her career as a labor-and-delivery nurse.”

“He taught me to have my act together and how to do the hard stuff,” remembered Burton. “Never lie, never make anything up, and take care of your people. That set the cement in my career early on.”

“Charn is super strong and super capable—and there’s no drama,” Burton continued. “I’ve never had to worry about what was going on at home.”

At Payson High School, Burton’s musical and athletic abilities taught him about teamwork and discipline. He played trombone in the jazz band and lettered in track, cross-country and wrestling.

After serving a mission in central Canada for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he met and married Charn. They discussed Jeff ’s career options, taking into account his penchant for service. “I wanted to serve and I knew I was needed,” he said.

Two of the choices they considered were being a police officer or serving in the military. Charn wasn’t thrilled about either one but was particularly clear about avoiding the badge, based on previous experience in her own family.

“Charn didn’t want me to be a cop, so I went and talked to Todd Bennett, a recruiter at the Provo armory and joined the Guard that day,” said Burton. Later he enrolled in the ROTC program at Brigham Young University, graduating second in a class of 55 with a regular-Army commission in 1984.

“I really wanted to be an MP, so I chose Military Police as my branch,” said Burton, laughing that he became a military cop after Charn had been so against law enforcement as a career for him.

“I was everything I wasn’t supposed to be,” he shrugged. “She just supported me and was great about it.”

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TRANSITIONS AND TRIALS After two promotions, seven years, and several moves with his young family between Europe and the United States, Capt. Jeff Burton felt it was time to hang up his boots for good.

Believing that a return to Utah would help his oldest son who had struggled emotionally with constantly changing schools and neighborhoods, he received a job offer from a well-known local company, submitted his paperwork to resign his commission, and moved his family back home.

The position fell through, however, and Burton found himself without employment. He called the Pentagon and found that his resignation packet was still being processed. He had them tear it up, remained in the military, and found a full-time job at the Utah Guard’s Draper headquarters as a property-book officer.

Thus began Burton’s promising career with the National Guard.

He continued to move up the ranks as a logistics officer, operations officer, and later as commander of the 1457th Engineers, mentoring his soldiers and officers. While his professional life was about as good as it could be, things at home were taking a different turn.

Burton speaks candidly about the emotional battles fought by—and with—their son. Jeff ’s and Charn’s efforts to intervene during that difficult period took everything they had.

“The whole experience was surreal,” he said. “We did what we could to help him. I thought his outbursts were just bad behavior and that he just needed to suck it up.” august

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(FAR LEFT) LOGAN. Nov. 3, 2012. Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton high-fiving the Utah State Aggies mascot at a community-covenant-signing ceremony. (LEFT) HILL AIR FORCE BASE. April 2014. Burton prior to taking a ride on a two-seater F-16 with Lt. Col. Chris Robinson of the US Air Force Reserve’s 419th Fighter Wing. (ABOVE) SALT LAKE CITY. Nov. 7, 2019. Burton at change-of-command ceremony where he relinquished command of the Utah National Guard to Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley. (RIGHT) NORTH OGDEN. Nov. 17, 2018.

Burton presents the flag to Jennie Taylor, widow of Maj. Brent Taylor. courtesy of utah national guard

“He threatened to take his life on many occasions,” said Burton, explaining that his son stopped taking his medications when he turned 18. “Ultimately, he pulled the trigger at home while the rest of the family was in the next room. Everything went into slow motion. It was like the most horrible dream you can imagine.”

Charn and the children sought counseling almost immediately, but Burton wasn’t ready to let himself begin the long and difficult road to healing. And on top of it all, he received orders to lead his battalion on a deployment to Iraq in early 2003.

“I didn’t have time to grieve,” he admitted. So Burton threw himself into leading his soldiers through the mission to destroy munitions left behind by Saddam Hussein and detect and defeat improvised explosive devices. Burton and his troops lived in tents at the Baghdad airport and occasionally dodged sniper bullets while working in 148-degree heat. While deployed Burton also dealt with the haunting images of combat’s collateral damage on women and children, and he was “devastated” by the loss of his best friend, killed in nearby Karbala on Oct. 9, 2003.

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS After completing the mission and returning home with all 443 of his soldiers, Burton continued his military career, being promoted to colonel and then to brigadier general. He was appointed assistant adjutant general in 2007.

Finally, Burton felt he could begin addressing the emotions he was carrying from his son’s death, as well as the extra baggage he picked up from serving in a combat theater.

“It was eight years after the event,” Burton observed. “And I also needed to process my Iraq experience. I decided I could let it august

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destroy me, or I could help other people through something like this. But first I had to get through it myself.”

It was not easy for Burton to seek help, but he persisted.

“Before, I had a negative view of counseling in general, but it really helped me to get some of this stuff out. After you come home from deployment things that didn’t seem like a big deal become a big deal because your mind becomes so focused on getting through the experience.”

“It also made me more forgiving and a softer, better person,” he said of his journey of healing. “As a family it made us all stronger people. My kids have an amazing capacity for compassion.”

In 2012 Burton was appointed adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, and the visibility of his position and his openness about what his family had been through helped him and Charn to be role models for others who had similarly suffered. They shared their story frequently at military gatherings and in community and church settings.

Charn had started a support group shortly after their son died, but Jeff had concerns at the time. “He didn’t want me dwelling on suicide all the time, but I wanted to talk to other people who had been affected by it,” she said.

The support group ultimately ran for 17 years, and Charn became trained as a clinical chaplain, working with juvenile boys at Slate Canyon and with girls at Hollow Haven.

CONNECTING WITH THE RISING GENERATION Burton’s service has put him in close contact with young up-and-comers in the military and civilian communities. “I love va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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the rising generation,” he said. “I’ve never seen more intelligent, capable people.”

His record of successes and hard knocks has served him well personally, and Burton tries to preserve those lessons by sharing them. “I was thin-skinned at the beginning of my career,” he acknowledged. “I took it hard when I didn’t perform to the ultimate standard, and I had to learn to value mistakes because they made me better. Perfectionism is a prison.”

“Growth doesn’t come when everything is going your way,” he continued. “When I was in intense pain—emotional or physical— that’s when the lessons were learned. And it increased my faith. I learned to trust the Creator a lot more.”

Burton says that the common thread woven throughout the ups and downs of his career is the seven Army Core Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. “In the Army we can only do what we do because of those values,” he said. “If you don’t embrace them, you won’t last long in the military. They mean everything.”

Those values also taught Burton to be all-in. “Early on I had one foot in and one foot out,” he said. “I knew I was talented, and I often worked with one hand tied behind my back. So I tell young people that whatever you choose to do, give it your all.”

DETOURS ON THE RIDE INTO THE SUNSET And so Burton did as he wound up his military career, staying a year beyond the standard six-year term as adjutant general. He and Charn retired to Salem, a couple of years removed from Payson, where they had lived for decades, to focus on family, church and community.

Burton may have thought his career in public service was over. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, shortened his ride into the sunset, however, by inviting him to serve as acting director of the Utah Department of Health at the height of the COVID-19 scare.

Moving from a military environment to a civilian state government brought new challenges for Burton. “It’s a different mindset and culture from what I’m accustomed to,” he said. “They use a very deliberate checklist process, but there is a need to be quick and adaptable in crisis.”

He is learning much from his new colleagues, and Burton is able to help them keep things in perspective. “They’ve appreciated leadership that removes obstacles and shields subordinates,” he said. “The military brings a sense of humor. Unless someone is trying to kill you, you’re probably going to make it through the day.”

Even before his temporary term was up, Burton was eyeing the next challenge, a run for the Utah legislature to represent District 66. He won a tough fight in the primary and will take office in January 2021, running unopposed in the general election in November.

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While deployed to Iraq, Burton was “devastated” by the loss of his best friend, killed in Karbala on Oct. 9, 2003. "That was a dark day for me,” he said, remembering his friend, born Greek Orthodox and who became a born-again Christian. The following day, Oct. 10, Burton found a small silver cross on the ground, glinting in the morning sun. He placed the emblem on the same chain as his dog tags in his friend’s honor, which he still wears today. “I just don’t take it off.” photo by hank mcintire

Not everyone is happy with Burton’s performance in the Department of Health nor with his stance on the issues. “When the governor pressed me into service, I knew I would take a political hit,” he said. “When you put yourself on the front line, you’re going to have some people who aren’t happy with you.”

And both Jeff and Charn Burton know the front lines well, having seen combat on battlefields of the military, the mind, and the heart. They have worked hard as a team to heal from the past, face the present, and forge a bright future for those who follow after them.

“The military life has grown us up a lot and made me strong in a boots-on way,” said Charn. “We’ve both grown and matured, just in different areas. Jeff didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up, and I’ve watched him grow, little by little.”

“Charn has had to help me,” said Jeff. “I miss my son every day, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It taught me to love better and to forgive more.”

As for those who carry on in the Burton's’ footsteps, “You build people to take up the mission after you leave, who will take it as seriously as you do,” he added. “You want to leave the organization in better shape than you found it. People amaze you when you give them clear guidance and then get out of the way.”

Hank McIntire served 26 years from 1988 to 2014 with the Utah Army National Guard and US Army in both Military Intelligence and Public Affairs. He is a freelance writer and communication consultant. august

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It's official.

Fort Douglas Military Museum is now Utah's official military museum.

Utah’s 2020 State Legislative general session passed a bill designating the Fort Douglas Military Museum as the state’s official military museum. Since 1976, the Museum has served the public, through sharing Utah’s rich military history and how it has shaped our state, nation and the world. This is accomplished through the preservation of artifacts, education through exhibits and storytelling. It supports youth education with programming through access to its vast research resources and partnerships.

It is Utah’s only museum with collections spanning all service branches and eras of military history.

This recent designation demonstrates the support our state has for the preservation of its history and its appreciation for those who serve. It also supports the museum in its continuing mission and expansion into a new era of service.

The museum accepts donations of items for the collection as well as those in support of its public programming.

The Utah National Guard operates the museum with support from the Fort Douglas Military Museum Association.

It is free and open to the public | Noon to 5PM | Tuesdays through Saturdays Indoor and outdoor exhibits More information can be found at fortdouglas.org or (801) 581-1251 or by appointment at admin@fortdouglas.org (Please confirm hours of operation and access during the pandemic.)

THE RISING GENERATION "O U T S TA N D I N G A N D E XC E P T I O N A L" fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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ach fall, US Congressional offices sort through an array of applications from young people looking to secure a nomination to a US Military Academy. An appointment to one of these schools offers up a prestigious, fully-funded education. Many students have been working towards this moment for years; others come later to the process. Each is given an opportunity in an interview to discuss their abilities and talents as they are evaluated. Most applicants have nearly perfect grades; high ACT scores, athletic ability and leadership qualities. n What distinguishes those who receive an appointment? It is the cadet that exhibits self-confidence, yet can handle criticism. It is the cadet that can make splitsecond decisions, yet is always thinking one step ahead. It is the cadet who will serve his or her comrades, yet enable them to build their own character. It is the cadet that fights to win, yet is team-focused. These are the young men and women who will defend our country with valor. n Many other outstanding and exceptional youth can be found throughout our communities exhibiting their willingness to lead, serve, give and excel in their endeavors. They need mentors and counselors, family and friends to reach their potential. In these trying times, give them something to reach for.

Rhonda Perkes is a staffer for Congressman Chris Stewart UT-2 and enjoys overseeing the Military Academy nominations process for his office.

Penelope LORENZANA

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY

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enelope Lorenzana is adventurous and voracious in learning new things. She'll embrace an area of interest and “take it on” until her curiosity is satisfied. With the encouragement and support of her parents, together they research and experiment as much as they can, often enrolling in a specific school or program to access expertise.

When Penelope developed an interest in culinary arts, she enrolled at the Park City Culinary Institute and graduated at 11. She wanted to try starting a business so her dad mentored her through the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) where she created a set of knives for young chefs, eventually finishing as second-runner up at nationals at 12. After doing a round of TV appearances on local cooking shows at 13, and the entertainment industry started calling, she chose to focus on “real life” and developed a nutritious noodle soup directed at humanitarian efforts. With aspirations of flying, she joined the Civil Air Patrol and rose to the rank of flight sergeant; but to get her pilot license she must wait until she's 16.

With a five-generation military family legacy backing her, Penelope is set on attending the Air Force Academy in her quest to be a jet fighter pilot. She’s begun fine-tuning her military mentality …

“We’ve always encouraged our kids to identify what they’re interested in and we’ll help them head in that direction,” said parents Ian and Heather. “Our end goal is to see our kids happy, successful and enjoy what they do.”

PENELOPE LORENZANA’S ADVICE: Always keep exploring, try your best and rely on your family. —BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

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Christopher MUNCEY

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC PROGRAM

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riginally from northern California, when Chris Muncey began making plans to attend college, he chose Utah State University because of family ties. His mother Nancy Parkinson grew up in Cache Valley and met his father Brandon while both were attending USU. He applied for and received a Legacy scholarship and followed in their footsteps.

Both his father and brother Benjamin went through USU’s ROTC program. He followed their lead and joined up to help pay for school.

Muncey appreciates the opportunities to lead that ROTC provides.

Oftentimes, his military instructors emphasize that there is no wrong decision because it is better to decide than make no decision at all since it promotes a better learning environment.

“It’s not to hard to meet the minimum fitness standards for the military,” Muncey said. “But if you want to succeed, and especially as an officer, you do more. You set the example.”

Muncey, a nutrition science major, with a minor in chemistry and military science, will graduate in 2021. Upon graduation, he’ll begin his four-year commitment of active duty in the US Army. He wants to be either an infantry or armor officer. After his military service, he has his eye on medical school.

Muncey said his advice to others who may be interested in the Military Science program, is to do your research and make sure of your commitment to serve. “Don’t be afraid of the military,” said Muncey, who maintains a 3.99 grade point average. “There is a lot more to it than guns and explosions.” You can prepare for a career in medicine, law, education, husbandry, engineering or communications.

“It is important for me to give back. I feel like I shouldn’t sit back when others are sacrificing so much,” Muncey says. “I’m here to defend the people of this nation and protect those who maybe can’t protect themselves. Someone has to do it, so why shouldn’t it be me?”

CHRIS MUNCEY'S ADVICE: Keep calm under pressure, be confident and lead by example.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Bradie Lee JONES

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UTAH GIRLS STATE

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uring the summer of her junior year, Bradie Lee Jones spent a week at Girls State watching “how the whole political system worked”—in mock elections for city, county and state offices. She never had any intention of running for office but by week’s end, she was aiming for governorship.

She enjoyed campaigning, trying to get votes and doing a lot of speaking. She spoke about her family and their sacrifices when her dad’s military service took him away from home. She talked about having the right to vote and exercising those rights—stating how many women around the world who could not. Her message resonated; she was elected governor.

Jones came back the next summer to lead another group of 400 girls through the election process. She returns often to volunteer as a counselor. She says the power of Girls State is “taking those bright young minds and giving them the tool set that they need to make actual changes.” She adds as they become business leaders, educators, politicians or stay-at-home mothers, they can still create that change because they know how it works, they get it.

After graduating college with a degree in political science and journalism, Jones has worked in the agriculture industry as a news reporter, marketer, information officer with state Ag and as rodeo royalty. Her ranching family supports her efforts to be the political arena representing Summit County’s more conservative eastside.

Jones learned to look at issues, issue by issue and decide on her own where her mind is set on things. “It opened my mind to looking at issues in a different way,” she says. “It taught me how to be an equalist.” She sees herself running for Utah governor someday.

“Government isn’t overwhelming,” says Jones. “You can really affect change if you get involved, even at the smallest level by simply mailing in your ballot.”

BRADIE LEE JONES' ADVICE: Good, better, best. Never rest until your good is better and your better is best.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR august

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Kolton HAUSER

HONOR365 YOUTH SERVICE AWARD

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olton Hauser says he’s always been fascinated with how things work, as a kid he’d take apart his toys and put them back together. He’s been “mechanizing” forever by helping his stepdad rebuild engines in the driveway and “it just blossomed.”

Hauser plans to follow his brother into the Utah Air National Guard, train to be a crew chief, travel the world and do service for his country.

“I want to do my part,” he said. “I think it’s a role that should cross everybody’s mind at some point in their life.”

Hauser is in his senior year at Utah Military Academy and has gained many interests since he joined, like journalism, English and math. His fellow cadets voted for him to be captain of the marksmanship team.

“They said I’d be a good fit,” he explains. “I thought I was in over my head but we ended up taking regionals so it turned out well. I learned so much.” He thinks the school is a well-rounded charter school and teaches real life lessons in leadership and service above self.

Hauser is one of those people who sees a need and fills it. In 2019 he volunteered for the Healing Fields Foundation’s remembrance of 9/11 and spent hundreds of hours planning, muscling, fixing and coordinating other volunteers. Nonprofit Honor365 was the recipient of the event’s fundraising. They saw Hauser as dependable, selfless, humble, and nominated him for their youth service award. Hauser sees himself as “just a regular guy” and questions why he was chosen for the recognition over so many others. Simply put, he was the first to show up and stayed till the very end.

Hauser volunteers for other worthy causes, helps his elderly neighbors and listens to veterans tell their stories. He says history is important and it should be pushed in school. “We should listen to people who have served in the military, they show a great amount of wisdom and leadership,” he says. “I think that will help drive this younger generation in the direction it needs to go.”

KOLTON HAUSER'S ADVICE: There’s a saying that “the old can remember and the young can learn.” Don’t forget history, remember it.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Faith MAGALON

UTAH MILITARY ACADEMY, HILL FIELD CAMPUS

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ne of the really cool things about UMA is that we can do anything!” says Senior Faith Magalon (2021). She’s been involved in many clubs and sports teams—Spanish club, volleyball, archery, debate and drill. “We have a really, really phenomenal drill team. We’ve been state champions five times.

COVID-19 kept us competing for a sixth title.” She’s completed internships at the State Capitol and at Hill Aerospace Museum.

Also unique to UMA are the seemingly endless leadership opportunities mainly because of the core Air Force JROTC program.

Set up similar to military formations, cadets earn increasing ranks and responsibilities. “This year I’ll be wing commander and be responsible for every single student in school,” Magalon said. Staff class is her favorite—students in higher leadership get together and brainstorm ideas on how to improve the school and its overall energy. “It's a great way to hone our talents.”

When her parents enrolled herself and older brother, it was a mixed bag. What was a good fit for her brother, was “horrifying” for her. She struggled against the stereotypes of “reform school” and a built-up resentment of following her dad’s military career. However, when she actually got to UMA, met the people and saw their sincere desire to help students, she realized she was wrong. “I needed structure and empowerment of challenging myself,” said Magalon. “I had to learn to let go of all my angst. Afterward, she was able to shine.

Recently her Dad Ronald deployed to California for another fouryear assignment. But instead of the family making the move too, her parents decided to live in two places. Keeping Mom Liz in Utah to let their children finish their education. Magalon is deeply appreciative.

Being at UMA has inspired her to explore the possibility of making the military her future. She’s in the process of applying to the US Air Force Academy and for ROTC scholarships to other universities.

FAITH MAGALON'S ADVICE: Put yourself out there. If you're not putting 100% into everything you do, you're not going to get 100% out of it. —BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

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Jaden ANDERSON

AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL EAGLE SCOUT

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tarting as a Cub Scout at age 8, Jaden Anderson never thought he’d be one of the nation’s top Scouts earning the American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year (2019). His dad, who is deceased, served in the US Army and Utah National Guard making Anderson eligible to be part of the Sons of the American Legion Provo’s Dean Memdenhall Post 13, who sponsored him for the organization's top spot.

According to Anderson the application process was intense and long. It covers academics, scouting, community involvement, religious activities, career aspirations and recommendations.

Anderson does most things to “learn how things work,” for him it’s about the creative process. He quickly summarizes it as an approach of “how you get an idea, apply various situations and watch it morph and grow.” “Take marketing a product or how to build a water well in Africa. You problem solve to find the solution that fits the situation,” he says. “It can be entertaining.”

A 4.0-student in high school, Anderson leaned toward business, digital art and band. He plays trumpet and learned TAPS to sound at community events. In college he’s exploring engineering, economics and entrepreneurship, wanting to be his own boss one day.

Anderson did most of his scouting through his church’s affiliation.

He amassed 138 merit badges, 23 Eagle Palms, religious emblems and numerous leadership awards. His Eagle Project (2014)—repairing bridges and restoring vegetation at Payson Lakes for the US Forest Service as benefitted approximately 15,000 visitors since completion.

He believes in being honest in all endeavors, valuing people and giving back. Locally he works with the Elks’ “Little Warrior Camp” and veterans. On overseas service missions, he brought soccer equipment to an orphanage in Guatemala, built an orphanage in Mexico, and built a school in Mozambique.

JADEN ANDERSON’S ADVICE: Live in the moment and be open to learning new things.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

Richard OTTLEY

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY APPOINTMENT

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orking on a local farm was Richard Ottley's first job. He learned determination, perseverance and work hard. “I learned I liked working with my hands and being able to see my progress,” he said. “I took those experiences and values, combined them into what I thought I wanted in a career and the military was the first thing that popped up.”

His parents were very surprised when he announced I wanted to go into the military but they were supportive. They started searching and helped Ottley with his own research into ROTC or military academy appointments. They introduced him to people who could advise him on all things military. Ottley had always gotten good grades, connected well with people and was basically fit from farm labor. But he knew if he was going to get a military academy appointment, he was going to have to step up his game.

He found UMA’s Camp Williams Campus in Lehi, applied and got in for his junior year where he started developing a military mindset. He focused on the big three things everybody talked about: academics, leadership and extracurriculars. He began building his resume by doing everything he could: playing almost every sport available, taking advanced academics, daily physical fitness training, tackling leadership roles, performing community service, and being a mindful friend—developing into the "whole-person" cadet.

Applying to the US Army's West Point Academy was the immediate go-to. The application was grueling, interviewing intimidating, and waiting excruciating. Ottley was sitting by himself in an empty classroom when the call came through from West Point. He yelled out, "Hoorah" and savored his excitement for a moment before calling his mom to share the news, and then he started calling everyone else.

He’s not worried about his “plebe” year. “I’m expecting challenges,” Ottley says. “But I’m prepped and ready to push myself, again.”

RICHARD OTTLELY’S ADVICE: In time, there will be a time. For him, it started as a way to learn patience, but expanded as a call for action.

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES FOR VALOR

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American Legion Auxiliary's Utah Girls State experience helps young people become politically engaged, more informed as voters and more active as residents of the country. They are introduced to a wide array of ideas and opinions and learn that civil dialogue includes not only talking, but listening. courtesy of utah girls state

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POWER OF THE VOTE TO DAY’S G I R L S S TAT E A N D B OYS S TAT E H E L P P R E PA R E TO M O R ROW’S L E A D E R S

by J'Nel Wright fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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ollowing the devastation of the First World War, 20 officers, who had served in the American Expeditionary Forces, proposed the idea of forming an organization to boost morale and support war veterans. Under the guidance of US Army Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., they formed the American Legion in 1919.

In 1937, as a way to fortify civics instruction in high schools and to counter covert efforts by the Communist Party USA, the American Legion launched the Boys State program, and its companion women’s American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) started Girls State.

“Both programs are very similar in that we try to educate and motivate high schoolers to gain a better appreciation of the rights, responsibilities, obligations, and duties of citizenship beyond the most basic responsibility of voting,” explained Doug Case, president of American Legion Utah Boys State.

Every year, the Girls State and Boys State programs draw over 16,000 high schoolers preparing for their senior year. Participants are selected based on individual strengths that illustrate leadership, merit, character, scholarship, loyalty and service in their schools and community.

As part of this non-partisan curriculum, students assume the roles of government leaders through campaigning within mock parties to become mayors, county, and state officials of their ALA Girls “state.” Often held near a college campus, participants “live” within their city on campus throughout the week. Additionally, august

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two “state” senators are selected from the 50 state programs to attend Girls/Boys Nation in Washington D.C. “Our goal is to educate them on how to express their voices and create change,” explained Jennifer Hinton, ALA Utah Girls State director. “As a program, we teach about how municipal, county and state government work. They learn they can become active participants in political processes by attending caucuses, voting, forming committees, writing policy and law, and working on campaigns.”

If you want young people to understand why this country means so much to veterans, families, leaders, teachers—show them.

“Both the Girls State and Boys State programs provide a week-long environment where youth are given opportunities to interact with people of various social, religious, political, racial, and economic backgrounds,” said Hinton. “This allows them to be introduced to a wide array of ideas and opinions. They learn that civil dialogue includes not only talking, but also listening. They develop relationships and form communities with people they may not have outside of attendance at these programs.”

GIRLS STATE

A LASTING LEGACY

The Girls State model includes sharing information, experiences, and programs pertaining to our nation’s military veterans and their families, and active-duty service members and their families. va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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“They come to see these men and women as real people with real stories,” explained Hinton. “We also hope they learn that their individual service and sacrifice does not need to be politicized. We see first hand that many of today’s youth are deeply grateful for the sacrifice of members of our Armed Forces past and present.”

Adrienne Carter, GS alum of 2011, agrees. “My grandpa was a Marine on Iwo Jima, so my family and I had been involved with American Legion events (selling poppies, helping with Memorial Day activities, and so on) for a time prior to my junior year, so when it was time to apply for Girls State, I didn’t even have to think about it,” recalled Carter. “I’d been hoping to participate for years! I’d always been interested in government and politics, so Girls State was a perfect opportunity to learn more. I was lucky enough to be elected as Girls State Attorney General and return for a second year, this time on the other end of the action.”

Many will attest that the transformation among young people is real.

“As a counselor, you see the students come in not knowing anyone in their assigned city and leave being best friends with most of them,” recalled Cary Fisher, Department Executive Director, American Legion Auxiliary Department of Utah. “You see the student who is very quiet in the beginning suddenly speaking in front of 300 students. You see them afterward when you see their name as a candidate for an office, a leadership position in a university or joining the military. You see them gain confidence in themselves. You see students who receive scholarships who may have LEARN MORE thought that attending GIRLS STATE / BOYS STATE college was out of reach for Utah Girls State them. You see the growth aladeptutah.org apps.weber.edu/girlsstate in the students who choose facebook.com/utahgirlsstate to return as counselors or Girls Nation program staff.” alaforveterans.org/ALA-Girls-State

When Courtney Sinagra attended Girls State in 2010, she wasn’t going to do much more than observe. “I was going Boys Nation to fly under the radar and legion.org/boysnation keep a low profile,” she admitted. But then she found herself campaigning for Girls State senator—one of the highest offices. “This was a huge step for me because I had to give speeches to crowds of people and really put myself out there to ask for their vote. I ended up winning the election. I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed the process and felt a tangible, fundamental change within myself.”

Utah Boys State utahboysstate.org apps.weber.edu/boysstate facebook.com/utahamericanlegion boysstate

In college, Sinagra majored in political science and joined on-campus political organizations. “I completed four political internships during my time as an undergraduate including one 14

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at the Utah State Legislature and one in Washington D.C. for US Sen. Orrin Hatch (whom I first met as part of Girls Nation).”

Sinagra would later work for Sen. Hatch as his Southern Utah director. “I was charged with being his ‘boots on the ground’ in nine Utah counties. As her interest and experience in politics deepened, she also became interested in the military. “In college, I worked in the veteran’s center helping veteran students adjust to civilian life and use their education benefits. I also joined the Utah National Guard and am currently a sergeant in the Field Artillery.

I am excited because this fall I will start the next chapter of my journey as a law student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.”

Carter credits Girls State for teaching her the ins and outs of Utah government. “It was particularly helpful during my time working as Legislative Advocate for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance in their DC office, as we worked with members of the Utah delegation, county commissions, various agencies and beyond,” said Carter, who attended the University of Texas at Austin. She completed an internship with Vote Smart, tracking and analyzing legislation for several states, including Utah. “My knowledge and experience from Girls State was particularly helpful—especially the experience of drafting and debating mock legislation—and part of my inspiration for applying to the internship,” she said.

“My experience at Girls State has also proved helpful during my time working as a research assistant for long-time Washington journalist Al Hunt, and more recently consulting on his podcast ‘Politics War Room 2020’ with James Carville. As I’ve completed research tasks and assisted with events, the knowledge on the inner workings of our government has been crucial, and Girls State provided such a strong base.”

Today, Carter works in the Media and Public Affairs for the No Kid Hungry, a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty.

“I know that not everyone who attends Girls State is going to end up working in politics, joining the military, or becoming a lawyer, but the simple foundational understanding of civics provided by the Girls State experience is going to help participants advance any cause they are passionate about,” said Sinagra.

“Additionally, the sweet and inclusive spirit that is found amongst Girls State attendees does amazing things for young ladies who are trying to figure out who they are. I have loved going back to Girls State as a counselor. Watching the young women in my city come into their own has been very rewarding.”

Hinton sees three significant transformations in those that attend. First, she sees young people come to appreciate the power of voting.

“Secondly, they actively seek to improve society by addressing social, economic, and political issues,” said Hinton. “They do this through various means such as running for public office, writing letters to their legislators, organizing protests, obtaining higher education in related subjects, joining local committees, and august

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"It's OK to respectfully disagree from time to time.” —Doug Case, Utah Boys State

American Legion’s Utah Boys State experiences are about how municipal, county and state government work. Average "citizens" learn they can become active participants in political processes by attending caucuses, voting, forming committees, writing policy and law, and working on campaigns. courtesy of utah boys state

working for organizations that seek to address issues important to them.”

And third, they deepen their knowledge and love for their country. Hinton says that regardless of their political views and personal life experiences the majority is grateful to live in the United States and is actively finding ways to improve it.

“Our hopes are that their perspectives on our nation’s history, government processes, societal issues and military service are broadened allowing them to become more empathic instead of apathetic,” she said.

BOYS STATE

AN ENDURING TRADITION The Boys State program has certainly come a long way since its launch at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.

Now, every state actively supports a program that has set the stage for some of history’s most accomplished leaders.

US Sen. Mike Lee and US Attorney David Barlow both participated in Boys State and Boys Nation. But the program also attracted the likes of award-winning singer and entertainer Al Jarreau, Nick Saban, head football coach at the University of Alabama, Tom Brokaw, an American journalist and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong.

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the program helped them see themselves as individuals standing on their own, yet they were able and willing to work as a group for the collective good.

“Without fail, everyone has offered that the experience has given them just a little humility while gaining a greater sense of appreciation and gratitude for our democracy, the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women who have made and continue to make it possible.”

Through the years, Case has witnessed firsthand how Boys State impacts young people. “It’s a confidence builder,” he said.

“For many, the Boys State experience brings them out of their shell, shows them it’s OK to share ideas, communicate with others, and respectfully disagree from time to time.”

Today’s Girls State and Boys State leaders and graduates agree that these programs help young people become politically engaged, more informed as voters, and more active as residents of the country. “One of the driving forces of the very change young people hope for is, naturally, the government,” explained Carter.

“The government affects so many aspects of our lives, on local, state and national levels, and understanding the infrastructure is critical base knowledge.”

J'Nel Wright is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in topics concerning history and human interest stories. She enjoys sitting for coffee, standing for the national anthem, and enjoying family in-between.

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"Keep your boots on, love better and forgive more.” —Jefferson Burton

(TOP) Utah State University ROTC cadets participate in Field Training Exercise (FTX) and work through infantry tactics twice a year during a two-day event at Camp Williams. This helps them develop confidence in their leadership and basic fundamentals of tactical operations. (ABOVE) Aviation lab introduces cadets to aviation assets such as Utah National Guard Black Hawks. (LEFT) The Zodiac lab helps cadets key in on teamwork. Although they are just big rafts, the need to row as a team helps upper classmen hone their leadership skills through clear communication and build the trust and confidence of those that they will lead.

(CENTER) Another plus, the program has its own ice cream flavor created just for them: the mixture of raspberries, Oreo-style cookies, toffee pieces and chocolate is a palate pleaser. “ROTC” is on sale at the Aggie Creamery. courtesy of usu department of military science

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'WE DO HARD THINGS' U S U'S A R M Y ROTC P RO G R A M D E V E LO P S AG I L E A N D A B L E O F F I C E R S

by Loren R. Webb fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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imply put, the purpose of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program in the Department of Military Science (MS) at Utah State University is developing practical training programs for future military officers and providing students an education in military science.

Currently, under the direction of Capt. Dusty Butler, department chair and assistant professor, the four-year is designed to commission future second lieutenants into the US Army and to develop agile military leaders.

To become an officer, an Army cadet has the option of choosing one of three commissioning routes: the ROTC program, officer candidate school, or direct commissioning through the national military academies. Those who choose the ROTC program are expected to complete four years of military training in addition to their chosen major of study. Upon graduation, cadets receive a minor in military science.

“The experiences they learn through this program teaches cadets how to adapt and adjust to change,” Butler said. He also noted that the ROTC program does not train cadets to focus on a specific enemy, but teaches them a mindset.

The curriculum breaks down like this: Freshmen or first-year cadets (MS1), receive an introduction to the military lifestyle including customs, traditions and structure, building on the seven Army Core Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Sophomores (MS2) learn advanced team and squad-based tactics, and a fundamental understanding of how orders are given and received. During the august

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junior year (MS3), emphasis is placed on advanced individual methodology where cadets learn to lead a squad or platoon. It includes classroom instruction and weekly “labs” where cadets are “put through their paces.”

Senior year (MS4) stresses leadership in a complex world, focusing on the decision-making process, military style. An example of that would be conducted at a brigade level where cadets figure out field training exercises through war games. Senior cadets strategize, produce plans and brief the cadre or military instructors on how they will carry out their objectives.

Physical conditioning is a major requirement in the program and military life in general—and cadets are expected to participate.

The department has scheduled training at least three times a week and cadets are expected to participate. They perform specific exercises that meet the new Army Combat Fitness Test that enhances a soldier’s readiness on the battlefield. Many students maintain a personal fitness regiment through individual activities or team sports, such as running, weightlifting, intramurals or university-level team sports.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES The Department of Military Science averages an enrollment of 70 to 80 students per semester. Butler said cadets use the ROTC program as a stepping stone on their path to a military career; but why they join varies—some join to get a leg up on military training, others to acquire a specific skill set, and others because it’s family tradition. Nearly 60% of the ROTC cadets are members of the Utah National Guard. va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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At the end of the four-year ROTC program, graduates go on to Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) for advanced training in their individual skill set, such as infantry and armor, signal corps, military intelligence, logistics, aviation, medical, military police, engineering or the judge advocate general’s corps.

USU’s program is in the top 20% of ROTC programs in the United States, according to Butler. From the senior class of 2019, USU had five out of seven commissioned candidates, graduating in the top 10% of the roughly 6,000 ROTC graduates nationwide.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROTC PROGRAMS Commissioned candidates USU Dept. of Military Science who graduate as “distinguished militaryscience.usu.edu military graduates” receive US Army Cadet Command extra points according to cadetcommand.army.mil an order merit system that (More about ROTC scholarships) includes their total grade point USU AF Cadet website average, physical fitness test aerospace.usu.edu results, and for participating Hill Air Force Base in such things as intramural hill.af.mil athletic competition or holding down a part-time job. These graduates are “pretty much guaranteed” the BOLC they want.

Butler said it is rewarding to watch cadets develop from an 18-year-old fresh out of high school to becoming a leader and watch their maturity progress. “By the time they graduate, they realize they are part of a larger organization than themselves.”

RICH MILITARY HERITAGE The Military Science Department at USU was organized in 1892, four years after the school was established. Although it started small, the number of students grew from 200 in 1900 to more than 2,200 in 1950. The program was so successful and gained such prominence that USU became known as the “West Point of the West.” At the time, USU was commissioning more officers into the military than any school in the nation except West

Point itself, according to Shawn Alan Harris, author of “West Point of the West: A History of the Department of Military Science at Utah State University.”

Cadets who enrolled in and graduated from the military science program served in the Spanish American War (1898). In fact, soldiers from the Utah National Guard earned the moniker “Utah Light Artillery” during the Philippine insurrection. Cadets fought alongside “Black Jack” Pershing as he unsuccessfully chased Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa in the desert southwest (1916). Students who trained and drilled on USU’s Quad also fought in the trenches of World War I (1918-1920) and in the skies and battlefields of World War II (1941-1945). They also saw service during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and have fought in various conflicts in the Middle East.

“The training they received prior to becoming officers and enlisted men helped prepare them to fight and win the nation’s wars,” Harris stated. “And Aggies who served in peace and war have and are helping to preserve liberty throughout the world in unique and important ways.”

USU continued the military training traditions begun in 1892 until the program was terminated in 1997. The US Army overhauled its ROTC program at that time in conjunction with other major cutbacks in the military. In the spring of 2001, the Department of Military Science was reopened as a detachment of Weber State University’s ROTC, according to Harris.

MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP Among those who have benefited from the military science program is Cadet Dawn Dimick from Las Vegas, Nevada, who graduated during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with a double major in international studies and religious studies. “I’ve been passionate about theology and its intersection with culture for a long time,” said Dimick, who is pursuing a career as a chaplain.

Dimick enlisted in the Army Reserves following high school.

She completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and

THE WEST POINT OF THE WEST

circa

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10-member Military Cadet Corps Rifle Team posing in dress uniforms.

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Utah Gov. Simon Bamberger addressing the 145th Field Artillery on the Quad prior to leaving for the battlefields of Europe, Feb. 17, 1919.

Military Ball attendees dance under an array of draped 48-star American flags.

Army and Navy personnel in front of the Chemistry Building (Widstoe Hall) during graduation commission.

photos courtesy of usu special collections , merrill - cazier library

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"I've learned how to be vocal and step out of my comfort zone.” —Cadet Mary Sand did her job training in cargo transport at Fort Eustas, Virginia, before coming to USU in 2014. After a year in the military science program, she went on a mission to Russia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon her return, she re-enrolled and joined the 890th Inland Cargo Transfer Company based in Logan.

Dimick found the mentorship and leadership taught in the MS program most helpful, along with teaching students how to think critically and make smart decisions. “The cadre cares about your long-term development and want to help you succeed,” she said.

Dimick wants to help people and believes with chaplaincy and interfaith work she believes that there is a strong need for spiritual care. During her senior year, she was in discussions with the The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-day Saints to become a chaplain but was told the Church did not endorse female chaplains because of a preference for males who hold the religion’s priesthood. After applying for a social work job, she learned the Church was willing to endorse female chaplains on a case-by-case basis as long as they were married. But because she is divorced, she no longer qualified to apply through the Church. However, she does have a non-profit ecclesiastical endorsement that states she has the potential to become a chaplain.

Her next step is graduate school seeking a master’s in divinity at the Chicago Theological Seminary; afterward she hopes to be a chaplain. She continues to talk with representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-day Saints and eventually hopes she can obtain their endorsement.

Cadet Mary Sand of Arvada, Colorado, is a junior majoring in aviation maintenance management and minoring in military science. When she first came to USU, she looked for a military and aviation program. She is hoping to get an active duty Blackhawk helicopter assignment upon graduation. She wants to focus on flight, and eventually transfer to being a maintenance test pilot.

Sand likes how the leadership of the military science program helped answer her questions on the various career routes to becoming a pilot. Sand advises anyone looking into the program

to do the research before joining “and make sure going into the military is something you really want to do, because it is a big commitment,” she said.

While Sand is the only female in her MS class, she said the guys have been really supportive. Balancing a military and civilian lifestyle has certainly had its challenges, but she has also learned from her experiences.

“I feel like I have really learned how to be vocal, and how to step out of my comfort zone,” Sand said. “The cadre has been willing to listen and encourage us to ask questions.”

Hailing from Brigham City, Cadet Damon Bodily always thought the Army was a cool career field. Certainly, it helped that his grandfather, Sidney Bodily, served in the Army for 34 years, including a stint in the Vietnam War. His father, Scott Bodily, also served in the Army. Bodily is majoring in economics and minoring in Russian and military science.

“The program has helped me develop leadership skills that I can use to work with other people in positive ways,” he said.

As a freshman Bodily was able to bond with a group of likeminded students, even if each knew they were eventually taking different routes of military service. “ROTC gave us a place with a positive environment and where we found friends.”

On graduation, Bodily said he wants a commissioned activeduty assignment in the Army where he can serve in military intelligence. He believes there are many opportunities for Russia and the United States to work together cooperatively. “We could find ways to work with them to improve international relations.”

Bodily’s personal mantra is “We do hard things” and building on that, he said when something is stressful, he knows with his military training, he can do hard things.

A native of St. George, Loren R. Webb has been a reporter in community journalism and a teacher of history and English in southern Utah and Nevada. An avid historian, he and his wife look forward to retiring so they can chase stories throughout the West.

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Men posing with a small airplane. USAC provided aviation training to navy and marine trainees in radar technology as well as Army Air Corps, 318th aircrew.

ROTC Sponsor Corps were formed of a desire to be part of pomp and circumstance of military drills.

ROTC members training to use a piece of military artillery.

ROTC cadet being commissioned by a young woman, probably his wife.

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Allen Parker at the ROTC rifle range.

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UMA IS JROTC ON STEROIDS! U TA H M I L I TA RY ACA D E M Y CA D E T S L I V E T H E L E A D E R S H I P M O D E L 'E V E RY DAY, E V E RY WAY'

by Loren R. Webb and Michelle Bridges fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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he Utah Military Academy (UMA) exists to help students become well-rounded cadets by providing leadership and life opportunities. “We try to find opportunities for our cadets to do things they never thought they could do, to compete at the highest level, whatever the activity is,” said Maj. Kit Workman, one of the school’s original founders. “We try to help them graduate with more than a diploma—to graduate with a future.”

UMA is based on a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps ( JROTC) program that was officially recognized as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and that made it a high school program designed to provide students with citizenship training and personal development skills. Prior to the Vietnam War, it was a mandatory two-year program for all boys entering high school.

Currently, only a few Utah high schools have such programs: West, Provo, Dixie; and most notably, Ogden and Ben Lomond that have continued their programs for more than 100 years.

Today’s JROTC programs across the country are mostly considered “extracurricular,” follow guidelines of a specific military branch and have open enrollment—nationally nearly 40% of cadets are female. UMA enrollment is approximately 72% male and 28% female, but it varies from year to year. As a charter school, the Academy is not tied to school boundaries or to a military installation, and school officials find this a plus. UMA is the largest Air Force JROTC in the western US.

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The Academy sets itself apart because it is built upon the military culture which is “part of life, every day, every way. We live the leadership model.” Workman adds that cadets every day, in some sort of uniform, represent the culture UMA tries to teach.

“UMA is JROTC on steroids!” Workman exclaims.

BUILDING A DREAM In the 2013 Utah Legislative session, Sen. Howard Stephenson, an advocate of charter schools in Utah, helped pass a bill to create an avenue for specialized charter schools— agriculture, fine arts, all-girls or military--that were built around a core focus and given a chance to develop. For years, Workman had envisioned building a charter school around a military culture and had shared his interests with Rep. Curt Oda. In July, Stephenson, Workman and Oda got together to get the ball rolling. They had about five weeks to put together an initial application. Only six schools received approval to move forward, including the Utah Military Academy. They were then given until December to submit a full application. UMA proponents met with the Utah State School Board in February 2014, where they were approved. However, the key to approval was they had to be ready to open by the start of the coming school year.

When they first met with the state charter board, the UMA team was asked if they really thought there would be interest in a august

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“It’s not what they do, it’s that they do something.” —CMSgt Kelly Martin

One of the UMA's core goals is to get students into academics, athletics, leadership and service. These four areas of emphasis are the guiding steps in helping cadets for their future goals. (TOP) Members of the Camp Williams Campus' JROTC Drill and Color Guard Team: Kenley Long, Hayden Senski, Gustavo Campos, Sterling Condos, Gabriel Sautter, Shawn Christensen, Mace Swaney, Nick Santana—await their turn at competition. (BELOW) League basketball, marksmanship competitions and airframe structure courses. courtesy of uma

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school like this. Workman answered, “I really don’t know if there is that interest, but if we build it, they will come.”

UMA was the only school of the six to open before the deadline.

“We had five months to get a facility, a staff and get cadets enrolled,” Workman said. “Oh, we also had to get accredited so our incoming seniors could graduate.”

Workman had been keeping an eye on a vacant facility in Riverdale and now that his dream charter school was about to become a reality, he leased half the building. Limited funding impacted the “bottom line” and staff bought furniture and supplies wherever they could find it: state surplus, schools that were remodeling or tearing down, military disposal, and donations from parents. With 239 students enrolled, the Hill Field Campus opened its doors.

As enrollment grew every year, UMA leased the entire building, then bought it—just in time to tackle a major renovation.

The Camp Williams Campus was always part of the master plan and opened in 2017. The original American Fork location wasn’t sufficient for the school’s needs and was vacated after the first year. The next school year began in a permanent, built-toorder facility in Lehi. The south campus has operated on an Army JROTC program for the first three years. But moving forward, a long-term strategic decision will align both campuses under an Air Force JROTC operation.

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES Workman, UMA deputy director and senior commandant,

and CMSgt Kelly Martin, senior military advisor, are both retired from active-duty military and have worked together since 2005 teaching JROTC in Davis School District. They have been with the Academy since its inception “Both of us have a passion for what happens to our cadets,” Martin stressed. “We try to emphasize to the kids how much more school will help open up opportunities for them.”

Likewise, newly minted Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, Darren Beck, is no stranger to opening opportunities up for a variety of students. He is also no stranger to UMA. He was the Board chair of the initial founding board of directors.

Although he has no military background, Beck’s nearly 25 years in public education and especially his working relationships with charter and education reform advocates all over the country make him a natural to lead and grow the system.

“Our teachers at both campuses bring a breadth and depth to their classrooms that signals great learning opportunities for our cadets,” notes Beck. “We are all fully committed to growing opportunities for young people at both campuses and beyond.”

Beck continued with his reasons for serving on the board and now as the system leader. “As a veteran educator, how can I not get fully behind core values like ‘Integrity first; Service before self; Excellence in all we do?’ Everyone at UMA is committed to building tomorrow’s leaders, today, and it shows no matter what is going on in the world. It is very much a place where cadets can graduate with a future.”

One of UMA’s core goals is to get students into academics, athletics, leadership and service. These four areas of emphasis are the guiding steps in helping cadets to build their personal model for their future goals.

The Academy uses a modified A/B format within the JROTC classes. Mondays and Wednesdays are A days, Tuesdays and Thursdays are B days. Friday is a flex day where classes are used for remediation and reinforcement, and the Academy holds special events along with physical training for the JROTC program.

ACADEMICS. UMA strives to provide academic offerings with an emphasis to encourage students to enroll in college-level classes for those students who want college credit, Workman said. Courses are offered in four focus areas: n Liberal Arts encompassing language arts, music, debate, law enforcement and the JROTC program. n Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses.

Bridge-building competitions are part of the STEM courses. courtesy of utah military academy

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n Stand-Alone Computer Sciences offers 25 different courses ranging from web design to video game development to august

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“Kids just have to find that thing that they want to do.” —CMSgt Kelly Martin

The GLOVERS

DRAYGEN (2020), DAD JUSTIN, CASHLIN (2019), MOM CHRISTINE AND COOPER (2022) HILL FIELD CAMPUS

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s a sixth-grader, Draygen attended a Civilian Air Patrol activity at the Hill Field Campus and was intrigued. A year later while struggling with junior high, he remembered the Academy.

He convinced his parents to attend an open house and they all were impressed. So he and his parents, Christine and Justin, decided to enroll in the Utah Military Academy. A year later his older sister, Cashlin, transferred in.

Both teens had found their place. “It was a perfect fit,” said Cashlin.

Draygen easily made friends and excelled at sports, especially baseball and lacrosse. He notes one of the biggest differences from public school is the “caring teachers.” From day one, they were helping him settle in. “After that, I became friends with every single teacher,” he said. “And every one has put forth the energy to help me graduate.”

For Cashlin, it’s the people at UMA that influenced her the most and points out the school’s desire to help everyone achieve success. She held leadership roles in academics and drill team—enjoying five state championships. Cashlin loves learning new things and completed four internships at the Hill Aerospace Museum.

For Cooper, an incoming sophomore, having two siblings ahead of him at the school has made it easier to fit in. “All their friends really liked me, and that has helped a lot,” said Cooper. He enjoys JROTC classes, but thrives on technology.

“This school has really just told my kids, ‘You want to do it? Do it!’”

For Mom Christine it is important to her, both as parents and for each child, they have a voice in all things at the Academy that impacts them.

“The public schools didn’t know us hardly at all,” said Mom Christine.

“Having people like Maj. Workman ask us how things are going is huge with me. They know us and they know our kids. They care and want to see us excel in all things.”

Dad Justin is inspired by the level of parental support and involvement.

CHRISTINE AND JUSTIN'S ADVICE: To parents who may be thinking about sending their children to UMA. “If you want your kids to have

cybersecurity. Another plus, classes that lead to certification, the Academy will pay $100 toward students taking the test. n Aviation Sciences are divided into three parts: drones, airframe structure and flight instruction. These programs expose cadets to trending technology and gives them a shot to invest in their future.

The Military Academy’s model is to duplicate programs at both campuses to lot cadets learn, experiment and grow.

However, occasionally, a one-of-a-kind program can expose students to unique adventures—like the airframe structure course august

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The Glover family—Draygen, Dad Justin, Cashlin, Mom Christine and Cooper—have been involved with the Utah Military Academy Hill Field Campus since it opened in 2014. umg photo opportunities that they might not get at a public school, if your kid isn’t the star athlete or not the smartest kid in the school, the Academy will give them opportunities too make them standout and not get lost.”

—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES AND LOREN R. WEBB FOR VALOR

that lets students work on aircraft for the Hill Aerospace Museum.

They learn about structures, design, sheet metal, restoration, quality control, and soon composites will be added to the lineup. According to Workman, two or three former cadets have gone through the program and gotten jobs in the aviation industry, including the current course instructor who is a UMA graduate.

ATHLETICS. “What makes us different, what sets us apart, is our military aspect,” said Martin. “I would say that our extracurricular activities are second to none.” va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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Hill Field Thunderbirds or Camp William Marauders … both campuses are Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) 2A schools.

Martin explains for the junior and high school students, club or league play is offered in basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball and most recently, lacrosse. They also provide track, cross-country and wrestling programs. Practices take place “wherever they can find a room or field” in their communities.

The school has a military drill team, a ranger fitness team, a marksmanship team, and a cyber patriot team. They offer military team competitions through UHSAA sports programs.

“We give varsity letters for those activities because they involve competition,” Workman said.

UMA also offers non-traditional sports like chess, archery, mixed martial arts, bowling and ping-pong.

“If they (cadets) are bored here, it’s their own fault.”

Both campuses also work with other organizations, such as the Civilian Air Patrol and Naval Sea Cadets to expose cadets to ever-expanding experiences.

LEADERSHIP. Utah Military Academy cadets are expected to wear either a school uniform or a military uniform every day.

“We are not here to get kids into the military,” said Workman.

“However, if the kid is interested in going into the military, this is a pretty good place to be. Because there are things you will learn LEARN MORE here, which will get UTAH MILITARY ACADEMY you ready for where Hill Field Campus you want to go in life.”

801-689-3013 5120 S. 1050 West, Riverdale UT 84405 utahmilitaryacademy.org

Workman said the school has had 100 Camp Williams Campus, Lehi cadets enlist in the 3901 W Waterbury Dr., Lehi UT 84043 military. And while 385-498-6167 Workman and Martin umavp.org are proud of that accomplishment, they are more concerned with making sure cadets graduate with some skill or career they are interested in.

The first year of its existence, the Academy did have two students who received ROTC scholarships and another student who received a full-ride national merit scholarship to Trinity University in Texas.

“Over our six years, we have had 13 cadets who have received Congressional appointments to four of the five national military academies: Air Force, West Point, Navy and Merchant Marine,” Workman said. “I doubt there is a school in the country, 24

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especially of this size, that can top that.” Rarely does Utah offer appointments to the Coast Guard Academy.

SERVICE. JROTC means serving your community says Workman. “We can’t always provide everything, but the No. 1 thing we do is to present the flag—one of the most important things we do as a community for our cadets.” The school does 60 honor guard ceremonies per year. Those include retirement ceremonies as well.

So one day a year, the school closes on a flex Friday and takes the student body to eight or nine places in the community to do service. The second half of the day, they come back to the school to enjoy a barbecue lunch.

In September 2016, a tornado came through the Riverdale area and over the school. Trees were uprooted, branches were broken off and half a dozen cars had windows blown out. Students helped to clean up shortly afterward.

TRYING TIMES Last school year, the Academy struggled through a devastating setback—the loss of three cadets. At the Hill Field campus, two students, an 8th grader and an 11th grader, died within 12 hours of each other, from two different flu strains. At the Camp Williams campus, a popular senior committed suicide.

“In this small community, we are a family,” Workman said. “It hit our kids hard. Thank heavens we had great counseling staff here. Both campuses had great counseling staff. The students also helped to support each other.”

Workman also added, “one of the things we try to instill in our cadets is grit and resilience. Every failure is not terminal and every victory is not final. You can’t live on the victories for the rest of your life and don’t let the failures drag you down. Learn from them.”

MOVING FORWARD “I’m super proud of our accomplishments,” Martin added, acknowledging that while there have been some students who didn’t really want to be at the school, many of those same students became successful because they wanted to change their lives.

“Kids just have to find that thing that they want to do,” she said.

A returning eighth-grade cadet at the Camp Williams campus, Olivia Krause loves the community the school has to offer. “It’s easier to fit in, find your place, to make friends, to discover new things. I’ve got a group of friends and we do a lot together,” she says. “At UMA you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. It is a lifetime preparatory school and teaches you lessons to prepare you for life.”

According to Beverly Rose, the academic director of Camp Williams Campus, the coming year will be a new adventure for august

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“If cadets are bored here, it's their own fault!” —Maj. Kit Workman

The KRAUSES

JOSHUA (2022), DAD JASON, MOM KATY, OLIVIA (2024) AND JAROD (PROSPECTIVE) CAMP WILLIAMS CAMPUS

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he first time the Krause family heard about the Utah Military Academy was at an Orem Owlz baseball game at Utah Valley University on July 3, 2019. A young baseball player was doing his Eagle Scout project and was asking people to help carry the American flag out onto the field, so Dad Jason and Joshua joined in.

They noticed several youth wearing military fatigues proudly carrying the flag prior to the beginning of the baseball game.

Dad Jason asked one of them about the school they were attending and she started to tell him about UMA. He recalls that she was a “very direct individual and confident.” He asked her how do you get into the school?

That conversation led to Dad Jason and Mom Katy discussing the school’s advantages to two of their children, Joshua and Olivia. Eventually, the four met with staff at the Camp Williams campus and before their tour ended, they were asking where to sign-up. It also helped that both sides of the Krause family were steeped in military service.

Joshua is good at math, but lives for baseball. He had struggled with a Mathfinder program in public junior high but at UMA he caught up and was bumped up to a 10th-grade level, as a sophomore he’s starting calculus. Joshua can “all positions” on the UMA baseball team, but pitcher and catcher are where he shines. Eventually, he wants to fly and plans on enrolling in the flight school program offered through the Academy.

“They’re teaching us responsibility and leadership and they take credit for our actions, as well as they’re teaching us running and growing as a person in school,” Olivia said. “They’re preparing us to become leaders.” She noted that the school teaches them military procedures and constantly provides leadership opportunities in and out of the classroom.

The Krause family—Justin, Dad Jason, Mom Katy, Jarod and Olivia— recently finished their first year at the Utah Military Academy Camp Williams Campus. Youngest brother Jarod is gearing up to join his older siblings at UMA. umg photo Olivia also likes that the school “values you as a person. It doesn’t matter where you come from, they take what you are as a person, then they build you up.” Her ultimate goal is to become a Navy SEAL and then become an NCIS agent. “When you go to UMA, you’re a part of something bigger than yourself,” adds Olivia. “Every school wants to say they’re a family. At UMA, we are a family.”

KATY AND JASON’S ADVICE: “We tell our kids that if they go into the military, first, it’s honorable and respectful, and second, even when they’re done with their service, they always have something to fall back on. When someone opens their job file and sees they went to a military school, what they’ve done, where they’ve led … they are ahead of everybody else.”

everyone. Along with changing affiliation from Army to Air Force, there have been numerous changes with staff and leadership, and everyone coming onboard at the south campus. “All are dedicated to helping cadets become successful while attending UMA and beyond.”

Rose adds there are many new opportunities for cadets to help them achieve their goals at Camp Williams. Cadets will now be offered a chance to apply for an early college scholarship program with Weber State University or an Air Force scholarship program to get their pilot’s license over the summer.

In response to COVID-19, each family will be able to choose how they want to attend classes this fall. UMA’s new Blended august

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—BY MICHELLE BRIDGES AND LOREN R. WEBB FOR VALOR

Learning program gives cadets options: to attend five full days on campus, split classes up so they only come to school certain days to attend classes, or choose to stay at home to receive all their classes online.

“This year is a great year to join the UMA family and to be a part of something greater than just returning to the norm,” Rose said. “This is the year we, UMA staff, cadets and parents, will be creating a new norm. We are getting geared up to embark on a glorious adventure!”

A native of St. George, Loren R. Webb has been a reporter in community journalism and a teacher of history and English. An avid historian, he and his wife look forward to retiring so they can chase stories throughout the West.

Michelle Bridges is editor for Utah VALOR Magazine and fills in where needed. va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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'FOLLOW YOUR DREAM' GA I L S. H A LVO R S E N A E RO S PAC E E D U CAT I O N F O U N DAT I O N D E L I V E R I N G W I T H S T E M

by David Cordero fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

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n airplane accelerates down the runway before suddenly launching into the sky, the result of lift and thrust taking over. Flying an aircraft carries significant responsibility.

It is also exhilarating to almost anyone who has sat in a cockpit.

This feeling of freedom is not lost on the high-school-aged student tasked with this plane’s aerial destiny. Yet in this scenario, it is completely without the life-or-death risk that typically accompanies flight.

This flight is done in a classroom setting with a computerized horizon, a detachable rudder simulator and a mobile hand control.

The class is called Introduction to Aviation through Simulation, taken through the Dixie High School Junior ROTC program. It’s one of many Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives supported by the Gail Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation, thecandybomber.org.

Halvorsen is known worldwide for being known as the “Candy Bomber” during the famed Berlin Airlift.

“Aviation is a springboard into so many other STEM fields. A light airplane is a very dense container of engineering, electronics, mathematics, geography, chemistry and many other fields,” explains James R. Stewart, retired Air Force colonel and chairman of the board for the Halvorsen Foundation. “The future belongs to whatever country is able to have an edge in technology.

For us to retain our position as a world leader, we must have a rising generation who is ready to fill leadership roles in these important fields.”

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A native of Garland, Utah, now approaching 100, Halvorsen collaborated with members of the Civil Air Patrol to form his namesake foundation in 2016. It’s just one part of a life spent helping others, most famously in 1948 as darkness enveloped Western Europe amid a threat from communist Soviet Union.

After World War II, Germany was split into four occupation zones: Great Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union. In the years that followed, disputes emerged over the use of supply routes such as highways, tunnels, railroads and canals within the various occupation zones. Tensions came to a head in June 1948 when the Soviet Union set up a blockade on land and water connections between the non-Soviet zones and Berlin.

Food supply and coal were threatened for approximately 2 million West Berliners. Action was needed.

Enter Halvorsen and the US and British air forces, who participated in the logistically mesmerizing Berlin Airlift.

Utilizing nearly every military aircraft at their disposal, the airmen dropped a variety of items on West Berlin including food and coal. But that was not all.

A pilot who entered the service in World War II but did not see combat, Halvorsen flew several of these humanitarian missions. When he wasn’t in the air, he visited children who lived near the runway. He devised a way to drop candy to West Berlin children using improvised parachutes.

His actions resulted in a nickname that has stood the test of time. Halvorsen’s story reverberates through the Air Force and continues to inspire seven decades later. At Stewart’s urging, the august

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Foundation was formed in large part to increase STEM education opportunities for kids.

“Every member of the US Air Force knows the story of the Berlin Candy Bomber and the effect this one airman had on the course of modern history,” Stewart says. “What motivates me is that we can inspire children to pursue STEM education while also developing in them some of Hal’s characteristics: gratitude, service before self, make friends of former enemies, small efforts lead to big outcomes, and so forth. We need a rising generation of youth that know and live Hal’s story.”

PLANNING PROGRAMS The Foundation’s initiatives include helping educators find quality lesson plans and activities to increase interest in these fields, give lower-income children in South Provo more exposure to STEM activities and provide immersive educational opportunities such as flight ground training—with a twist.

In September 2019, Robert Munson began teaching an Introduction to Aviation Simulation class after school to any interested student at Dixie High School. Powered with laptops and monitors donated by Walmart, along with foot-pedal rudders and joysticks provided by the Halvorsen foundation, high school students get to experience a form of aviation without the inherent danger of crashing.

“It addresses flying in a unique way,” says Munson, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. “It gets them flying a simulator, which is like a video game. That gets their interest. Most of the skills in the class (half book learning and half simulator) transfers to the airplane.”

With guidance and advice from the State STEM Action Center, statewide school districts, universities and the Civil Air Patrol, the Foundation has begun the preliminary work on developing and delivering STEM introduction sessions for pre-K through 5.

“The lessons will be oriented toward students in the lowerincome community and will use ‘homemade’ equipment and demonstration articles,” said Dan Eliason, retired Air Force colonel and education director for the Halvorsen Foundation.

Eliason says in addition to delivering STEM enrichment presentations, we are in discussions with a local university on how we might also do some research to improve STEM curricula, equipment and presentation methodology.

A donor provided a used school bus that is being converted into a mobile classroom with help from Utah’s STEM Mobility bus and the California CAP STEM trailer. This partnership is relying on the Foundation to complement their on-site visits. In 2019 the mobile unit had 300+ requests for on-site visits and were only able to make 90. “We have very positive about expanding this working relationship.” august

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The Halvorsen Foundation is building relationships with STEM organizations on developing and delivering STEM introduction sessions for pre-K through 5. courtesy of the halvorsen foundation

SUPPORTING SUCCESS Members of the Halvorsen Foundation understand that today’s youth carry that responsibility going forward. The Foundation aims to support them as much as possible.

“The careers of tomorrow—ranging from art history to zoology and each one in between—will have huge components that will be technology-based,” Stewart says. “For our children and grandchildren to be able to succeed and thrive in their careers having an ability to apply STEM to their work is not just necessary—it’s critical.”

The Berlin Airlift proved to be a victory for the United States in the early stages of the Cold War. It also instilled hope for a new Germany partially stifled by the oppressive Soviet Union.

Gail Halvorsen and each member of the Air Force who took part in the Berlin Airlift sought to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians. Their noble spirit resonates to this day.

David Cordero has been a professional writer for more than 15 years. He has won awards on a variety of subjects, including sports, education and military matters. He volunteers to edit the American Legion Post 90 newsletter. va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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"I've never tired of flying.

It's ethereal. It's more than just pleasure. It's freedom.

You're up there flying the airplane, and you're on a mission, freedom of motion. Up and down, and left and right, just the maneuverability.

The maneuverability, and choosing your destination.

You're sitting in the cockpit behind that big windscreen with an 180-degree view clear to the edge of the world, just before sunrise, and you're flying into the sun where it gets rosy, and then white ...

It's a connection of being closer to the Heavenly Father, and it's just marvelous.

The evolutionary process reminds me that we're on a spaceship earth, hurdling through space along with other planets and satellites."

—Col. Gail S. Halvorsen

photo courtesy of the halvorsen foundation / todd phillips

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Utah VALOR Magazine editor Michelle Bridges shares a "thumbs up" with WWII Veteran Gail Halvorsen also known as The Berlin Candy Bomber. The two have become friends as they've shared war stories. courtesy of halvorsen family

'GOOD TO GO' FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER

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fo r va lo r m aga z i n e

n a recent visit with Gail Halvorson, we chatted about flying, advice and shared war stories, again. Yes, we go over some of the same memories, because well, neither one of us is getting any younger. Last time we talked was at a Living History event at the Utah Military Academy’s Camp Williams Campus before the COVID-19 sent us all into isolation. The Berlin Candy Bomber story is familiar with most Utah school children, but Gail has other words of wisdom. With this final issue of VALOR, I wanted the chance to share some thoughts with one of my favorite WWII veterans.

Gail said the best advice his down-to-earth parents gave him was to “choose wisely.” They taught him it’s important to be able to choose for yourself and do for yourself. And people, no matter where in the world, are valued—know their worth. Somewhere there is always someone in need, help them. Gail taught his children the same. “Choose what you want to do and do your best.”

Turning 100 this October, Gail has seen much, but his personal mantra hasn’t. “Attitude. Gratitude. Service before Self ” is as applicable today as it was 75 years ago when he first developed it. He lives by it and shares it with all who will listen.

LEARN MORE SHARE GAIL HALVORSEN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY Watch for 100th birthday highlights, a message and/or photos will appear on thecandybomber.org Personal greetings or cards sent to: Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation, 2050 N. 300 West, #23 Spanish Fork, UT 84660

One of my questions that never seems to get answered is, “What’s up with the thumb up gesture, Gail?” He chuckles and finally tells me, it’s “pilotspeak.” When a pilot is ready for take off, he holds up his thumb to communicate to his ground crew. When the maintenance guy holds up his thumb in return, his saying its all clear. When they hold up two thumbs, it means “You’re good to go.”

So thumbs readers, VALOR is clear and good to go. It’s been an amazing adventure.

—EDITOR MICHELLE BRIDGES AND STAFF va l o r : a s a l u t e t o u ta h ’ s v e t e r a n s a n d m i l i ta r y

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