FORT KNOX, Ky. — The support of a dedicated father or caring mother can extend far in one’s life. No matter the source, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets are finding inspiration to put on the uniform and show up every day as they work towards commissioning. 

With a family lineage of military service dating back to World War II, Cadet Jonathan Barber, University of Alaska, was inspired to take the same path. 

His father Col. James Barber, has spent the last 40 years serving in the U.S. Army. In the early 2000s, Jonathan grew up in a home where his father was often absent due to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even though he wasn’t always around, James encouraged many Army values in his son. 

“Selfless service and leadership was really instilled in me from a young age, just by observing the values my family lived by,” Jonathan said. “It was just naturally ingrained into who I am.”

Watching his dad work hard with a team mentality set the example for Jonathan as he went into ROTC. His definition of leadership revolves around caring for others and always doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking. 

Not only has family been a big influence in his career choice, but his previous work as an EMT helped prepare him for Cadet Summer Training — specifically tactical combat casualty care training. 

This medical training teaches Cadets how to apply first aid and support in the field. Some of these tasks include applying tourniquets, calling in a 9-line and establishing assistance.

Cadet Hailey Redden, Virginia Commonwealth University, also came into CST prepared for first-aid evaluations as an enlisted combat medic with the Virginia National Guard. 

Now going into her fifth year studying psychology with a pre-med minor and plans to attend medical school, she felt confident going through each lane. Redden is no stranger to challenges, with a packed academic schedule, ROTC, and a full-time job as an anesthesia technician, she has to be disciplined. 

As the youngest and only girl in her family, Redden took inspiration from her older brothers and mom to join the military. Although the Redden family doesn’t have prior Army service, the everyday lessons pushed her toward her passion. 

“ROTC allows me to mix both the military and medicine,” Radden said. “Its just a whole different world that I really enjoy.”

Redden described her mom as the kindest person she’s ever known just by how she cares for others. Acts of selfless service were shown every day through her job as a nurse and a mother to her three children. 

“She used to take me to work with her when I was younger and I would volunteer at the nursing homes,” Redden said. “I found it so rewarding to brighten their day or just be able to give them the hope they need in trying times.”

From watching her mom put on scrubs and help patients every day to putting on her own Army uniform, Radden carries that inspiration every day. 

Although her family is her biggest support system, she found another sense of community at CST. Accompanied by hundreds of other Cadets from various backgrounds, Radden has learned the true value of encouragement. 

“Every person here inspires me to do better and push myself past what I thought I could do,” Redden said. “The people around me are what keep me going.”