Fort Knox, Kentucky, — Among the many individuals participating in Cadet Summer Training, one Cadet’s journey stands out. Emma Jones, a Cadet in 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, embodies resilience, an important quality forged through a challenging background and exemplified at the Teamwork Development Course on July 11, 2024.

Just over seven years ago, Jones was adopted from China at an age considered relatively old for adoption. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and language was more than just a hard process for her.

“It was the hardest time in my life,” Jones said. “I had to learn English and adapt to a different way of life.”

Despite these challenges, Jones found a steady source of support in her adoptive family.
Jones’ family played a significant role in easing her transition, helping her adjust to the different way of living. The support system they provided was a cornerstone in her development and helped her navigate a brand-new life that was completely foreign to her.

Jones’ main influence for joining the U.S. Army stemmed from her family’s long, rich military history. She highlights that many of her family members have served or are currently serving. Their legacy of service instilled a sense of duty within her, fueling a desire to honor her family’s commitment and make them proud, even though she knows that simply being a part of their family is enough.

Despite living more than half of her life in China, Jones’ patriotism and devotion to The United States of America is undeniable. As a foreign-born Cadet, she feels a strong desire to give back to the country that adopted her, through service. Jones’ appreciation for the country, as well as her unique circumstance, drives her to work harder and showcase the patriotism that flows so deeply within her.

During her training at the Teamwork Development Course, Jones recalls that one of the main objectives is to cultivate one’s leadership skills, helping the Cadets hone in on their ability to take charge or follow directions from a peer.

Jones says, “One thing that I’ve struggled with is being the person that stays in the back, but ever since I started training here, I have realized I could just as easily be the one in the front leading.”

Teamwork and camaraderie have always been one of the most important values to Jones, she says she “never wants somebody to feel excluded or lesser than in a group setting.”

Developing her ability to lead has helped her establish the confidence a Cadet needs to guide others, and now she knows she can help her peers achieve the same level of direction. The Teamwork Development course holds a special place in her heart for this reason, although most training events during CST incorporate aspects of teamwork, TDC does the best job at letting Cadets show their true personality, which she especially likes.

As Jones navigates Basic Camp, her experiences have been both challenging and rewarding. As she moves forward, Jones has clear aspirations within the Army, she particularly enjoys her academic studies in math and wishes to combine that passion with her military career. Jones plans on branching aviation and doubts she will be able to pursue data analytics but sees the worth in making those kinds of sacrifices.

As she continues the rest of her training, she hopes to develop her tactical skills as far as she has developed those of leadership. Jones’ journey from adoption to a dedicated United States citizen and Cadet indicates clear devotion and she shows no doubts in achieving those goals.
Jones is a remarkable example of what it means to serve one’s country, paving the way for other Cadet’s whose experiences are especially unique. The journey from being a newcomer to the United States, to serving in the military has been challenging, but also rewarding in the most meaningful ways.