FORT KNOX, Ky. – The altruistic and selfless values that are inherent to many Cadets trace back to their upbringings, many of whom came to Cadet Summer Training (CST) from families of service. 

“I’ve always looked up to my dad growing up,” said Cadet Vincent Garcia, a University of Nevada student.  “Being able to wear a uniform myself has made me feel like I’m stepping into his footsteps.”

As a child born in Camp Pendleton, CA, Garcia was surrounded by values that were taught by his Marine father. 

“Growing up, he would always make me make my bed and whenever we went out, it’s always ‘thank you sir’ and ‘thank you ma’am,’” said Garcia. “I’m very grateful for that because I would consider myself very professional and well-mannered.” 

Cadet Samuel Hood, a Benedict College student, came from a long lineage of service. Members of his family have served in several conflicts across the globe spanning back to World War II. 

“They all care about the people they serve and protect,” said Hood. “I’ll be the third generation of officers in my family, and I want to serve and take care of my subordinates.”

During the CST Group and Zero exercise– which evaluates the marksmanship of Cadets during CST– Cadet Thomas Raymond, a Boston University student, remembered what his father taught him during his youth.

From hand placement and breathing techniques to the ability to take in information from his surroundings, these fundamental skills that were once applied to BB guns were now used to find success during his training. 

“He told me a little bit about his time in [the Navy] and what they did back in the day, so he passed all of that along to me,” said Raymond. 

For Cadet Madison Geller, a Ouachita Baptist University student, she was inspired to join ROTC because of her family’s selflessness, and plans to work in the medical branch of the National Guard.

Not only was her father a firefighter captain, he also served as a helicopter rescue swimmer during the 2025 Central Texas Floods. In addition, her mother worked in the medical field as a nurse, and her great-grandfather received both a Medal of Honor and Purple Heart for his service in the Army.  

“They’ve helped me learn how to help people,” said Geller.  “I’m gonna follow in their footsteps.”