×

Local cadet completes academy requirements

Winans

KINGWOOD — The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce that Cadet Erik Tyler Winans, the son of Robert and Tonya Winans of Huttonsville, has completed the requirements for graduation.

Cadet Winans is one of 153 graduates from 35 counties across the state of West Virginia. Class 2-17 is the 49th class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program.

Commencement exercises took place Dec. 15 at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer congratulated all of the cadets.

While attending the Academy, Winans of Platoon 6 was recognized for receiving the Caring Ribbon, Citizenship Ribbon, Citizenship Streamer, Commandant’s Cup, Education Streamer, Fairness Ribbon, Hoorah Streamer, Instructor’s List, Level I PT Award (5), Mentorship Award, Respect Ribbon, Responsibility Ribbon, S2C Award, Trustworthiness Ribbon and Unannounced Inspections Streamer, as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

Winans also participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. During his time at the Academy, Winans served as platoon leader.

All graduating cadets have completed the 22-week residential phase of ChalleNGe, which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from service to community to employability skills.

In addition to classroom studies, the cadets traveled to the state’s capitol in Charleston.

Cadets in this class provided 9,560 hours of service to community for such organizations as American Red Cross, Trout for Cheat, Brown Bags for Vets, Adopt a Highway, Kingwood and Reedsville VFD, Apple Butter Festival, Operation Christmas Child and Alzheimer’s Association. Following graduation, these cadets will begin a one-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Class 2-18, which begins in July. More information is available by calling 1-800-529-7700.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today