New Mexico Minuteman - Fall 2011
New Mexico Minuteman - Fall 2011
New Mexico Minuteman - Fall 2011
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By Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera, State Public Affairs Offi cer<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 20<br />
graduated 32 cadets June 18, <strong>2011</strong>, at Bates Hall on the<br />
campus of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> Military Institute, Roswell, N.M.<br />
Over the previous fi ve months, the graduates were<br />
challenged by cadre, teachers, and members from the<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> National Guard to exceed in academic<br />
excellence (GED/high school attainment), life-coping<br />
skills, leadership/followership, and physical fi tness. On<br />
graduation day the cadets exemplifi ed those expectations<br />
set before them.<br />
Gov. Susana Martinez and the fi rst gentlemen, Chuck<br />
Franco, attended the graduation and Martinez delivered<br />
keynote remarks for the ceremony.<br />
Also in attendance were Roswell Mayor Del Jurney,<br />
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant General of the<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> National Guard, Brig. Gen. Paul Pena,<br />
deputy adjutant general, and retired Brig. Gen. Jack<br />
Fox, who serves as the Youth ChalleNGe director.<br />
The graduates will continue the fi nal phase of the<br />
program, which includes a 12-month post-residential<br />
mentor phase.<br />
16 NEW MEXICO <strong>Minuteman</strong> / <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Youth ChalleNGe begins<br />
training in Santa Fe<br />
Story and photos by Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> Youth ChalleNGe<br />
Academy Class 21 began their oneweek<br />
pre-challenge phase at the Onate<br />
Training Complex in Santa Fe, N.M., July<br />
25, <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
The pre-challenge phase began when<br />
52 student candidates arrived in Roswell,<br />
N.M., and were in-processed, received<br />
haircuts, were issued equipment and<br />
formed into a platoon where a cadre of<br />
instructors began to train them.<br />
With the help of Soldiers in the <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Mexico</strong> National Guard, the academy<br />
will transition candidates into cadets<br />
before leaving for Roswell to complete<br />
their 22-week resident course.<br />
During their stay in Santa Fe, the candidates will be challenged physically<br />
and mentally in an environment that encourages camaraderie, leadership and<br />
responsibility.<br />
The candidates will learn several basic common skill tasks, in addition to completing<br />
confi dence and team building exercises. Some of the skills the candidates<br />
will learn include military protocol, rank recognition, marching maneuvers, chain<br />
of command, and uniform inspection.<br />
Youth Challenge Academy graduates 32 Cadets
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