201212_UTMinuteman_W.. - Keep Trees

Learning about the military is only one aspect of Freedom
Academy. Delegates are also exposed to several other freedom-aiding
organizations. They tour the local hallmarks of freedom and meet
with Utah leaders who offer advice on leadership and perspective on
freedom.
During a tour of the State Capitol, Freedom Academy delegates
fi lled seats in the House of Representatives and the Utah State Senate
to listen as the chief of staff of each chamber explained their function
and process.
Upon seeing the delegates touring the Capitol, Governor Gary
R. Herbert took a moment to tell them a story about the State Capitol
as an example of good leadership. He explained the controversy 100
years ago behind building such a large and ornate building when
Utah had only 300,000 residents, though today Utah is approaching
three million residents.
“Those early founding fathers 100 years ago were thinking
about what we could become. Not what we are, but the tremendous
potential of this state. I am inspired by the building itself because I
know it represents vision of the people who have gone before. They
had vision to see to this day and beyond. And just as important as the
vision, they had the courage to forge through with it, in spite of the
naysayers and opposition who said we didn’t need a Capitol this big
because we were a small state. Today we pay homage to those people
who had vision and courage to implement the vision,” said Herbert.
Delegates witnessed life without freedom at the state prison.
They observed the living conditions of prisoners, and designated
inmates spoke with them in a controlled environment. Inmates shared
their personal stories. They warned against alcohol and drug use,
stating it led them into a life of crime and prison. The tour was also
coupled with a counterdrug lecture at Camp Williams.
Throughout the week at Camp Williams, several guest speakers
spoke about freedom and what it takes to become a good leader.
Badell described the signifi cance behind a few of the messages
speakers brought to Freedom Academy.
“Skip Morgan is a Utahan with a lifelong history of volunteerism
and community service, and he continues to volunteer even though
multiple sclerosis has confi ned him to a wheelchair,” said Badell.
“He spoke to the delegates about how hope is so important. If you
don’t have hope for a better tomorrow then you’ll give up. And a
leader cannot afford to not have hope. They can’t afford to not spread
hope to others. Leadership is about inspiring people, motivating
them towards a goal. Here at Freedom Academy, they can learn how
to do that.”
Senator Jake Garn, who is also a retired brigadier general
from the Utah Air National Guard, gave a welcoming speech to
the delegates. He emphasized the value of education and the need
to continually “train your brains” to keep pace with the speed of
technological advancement in this age. Garn also explained why he
thinks the delegates should learn about the military.
“I think it’s very helpful for Freedom Academy delegates to
learn about the military, to understand what the military has done for
this country, and to appreciate the freedom and opportunity that have
been given to all of us because of those who have been willing to
serve,” said Garn.
Utah Minuteman 19