Edgar Penedo, of University of Central Florida, goes through his personal belongings during the shakedown. Photo by Bobby Ellis/LTC PAO
By Thomas Gounley
Staff writer
It might not be the ideal way to show up for 29 days of exhaustive training, but the first Cadets to arrive Sunday morning at Louisville International Airport had already had a long day.
“I just found out I was going Thursday night,” said Cadet Kerby Mills, of Central Washington University, who learned she would be able to go only when another student dropped out. “I basically haven’t slept since then.”
Mills caught her first flight, from Yakima to Seatack, Wash., at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. That was followed by a redeye to Louisville Saturday night, making her one of the first Cadets to arrive in the airport’s Fort Knox reception room, where Cadets gathered before being bused to Fort Knox.
All together, 198 Cadets from Alpha Company arrived at Fort Knox, and completed in-processing procedures Monday. The company is the first of four that will go through the Leader’s Training Course this summer.
But even those who didn’t come from across the country had a haul. Cadet Robert Berch, of Auburn University, left home at 3:30 a.m. to drive to the airport.
“Actually, I didn’t even go to sleep last night,” Berch said Sunday morning.
For some, the videos of training from previous years shown on a loop in the reception waiting room were their first taste of what to expect.
“I know nothing (about the program),” said Cadet Cassandra Kotlowski, of Marquette University.
Skyler Mays, of Arkansas State University, is weighed in on his first day at Fort Knox. Photo by Bobby Ellis/LTC PAO
Sgt. Maj. Michael Thompson, the LTC sergeant major, assisted with the Cadets’ arrival at the airport. He said the amount of information that Cadets have going into the course varies according to their school.
“I think they’re eager to figure out what the daily life is of a Cadet,” Thompson said
And as Cadets began opening up to their fellow Cadets, that was often the subject of conversation.
“I have an idea, but it’s probably not going to be anywhere near what I’m thinking,” said Mills as she sat in the airport.
Some Cadets benefited from knowing others who have already gone through the program.
“I know a pretty good bit from Cadets that came last year,” said Cadet Tory Woodward, of The Citadel.
Cadets also reflected on the various tasks they will face over the 29-day program.
“I’m excited for high ropes and rappelling,” said Cadet Kristen Leforte, of SUNY-Brockport. “I’m a little unsure about land navigation, but I’m sure they’ll teach me everything.”
Monday morning, Cadets were led through in-processing, where, after being briefed by various LTC staff offices, they went through eight stations dealing with everything from completing medical forms to receiving a $50 advance.
“The purpose of in-processing is to make sure you have records of all the Cadets,” said 2nd Lt. Cierra Reaves, a member of the course’s personnel division.
One of the final stations allowed Cadets a three-minute call home to let their family members know they had arrived, a welcome opportunity for those Cadets without cell phones.
Most Cadets, however, were focused on what was going to happen next.
“You don’t really know what it is until you get here,” said Cadet Samantha Kinsman, who goes to Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., a partner school with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
As Cadets filtered around the in-processing room, clad in gray Army T-shirts and black shorts with a reflective belt, they were already on the second day. But some things hadn’t changed from the airport the day before.
“I feel tired, but excited at the same time,” Cadet Natanael Maria said.