FORT KNOX, Ky. – Many Cadets gain their first experience with tear gas at Fort Knox during Cadet Summer Training (CST) at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) training exercise, where they inhale the irritant after removing their masks in a gas chamber.

However, Cadet Gaberial Ochoa, a Virginia Tech student assigned to Charlie Company,1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, he first experienced the effects of tear gas when he was only a boy.

In 2014, tear gas seeped into his family’s home in Honduras after it was used on nearby election protesters at the house of the neighboring president. Despite his mother’s attempt to shelter him and his brother, for nearly half an hour his family felt the effects of tear gas.

“As a kid, it was very surreal because it was an impactful thing that no child should go through,” said Ochoa. “I just felt like collateral damage.”

As a result of the turmoil present in Honduras, his family quickly immigrated to the United States in pursuit of safety and a better life. For Ochoa, he joined the ROTC program as a way for him to “give back” and “earn his right” as a U.S. citizen

Not only did Ochoa find comradery and a sense of belonging in the military, he was also inspired to become a leader and use his upbringing as a source of strength and encouragement.

“I wanted to be able to lead others because I think I’m capable of it,” said Ochoa. “If I am mentally, physically, and emotionally capable of handling this stuff, then why not?”

Before entering the CBRN gas chamber with other Cadets from his Platoon, Ochoa trusted the equipment that was given to him and felt mentally prepared for the exercise after going through many disturbing experiences in his youth.

“I don’t think any child should go through a lot of pain,” he said. “But we’re trying to prevent it, that’s why we’re here.”