Fort Knox, Ky. – Today Cadets, assigned to 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, marked their eighth day of Cadet Summer Training and third day of M4 Carbine practice, on June 18, 2025. With the preliminary marksmanship instruction and engagement skills trainer exercises behind them, Cadets were tasked with group and zero.

While offering a chance to improve their expertise with the M4 Carbine, group and zero instructs Cadets on how to properly calibrate their weapons systems. Cadets are given 25 rounds and shoot five at a time to practice ‘grouping’ while getting their shots perfectly aligned with their sights, ‘zeroing’.

Cadet Kenly Delva, Alpha Company, University of South Florida, didn’t struggle during this training as a prior enlisted soldier, now going through the Green to Gold program. Delva was 29 years old when he joined the Army, but it had been on his mind long before.

Originally from Haiti, Delva and his family were victims of one of the deadliest earthquakes in history, with a 7.0 magnitude it killed over 300,000 individuals and displaced millions.

“I was in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010,” said Delva. “That’s where I was met with something that was going to change my future forever.”

During this time of great tragedy and stress, Delva felt his calling towards the US Army after receiving aid from the 82nd Airborne Division. Recognized by their red, white and blue ‘All American’ patches, Delva never forgot their presence amongst the rubble.

“I saw the ‘All American’ patch on one of the shoulders of one of the Soldiers, I thought ‘I have to be a part of that team’,” said Delva. “The presence of the 82nd Airborne in Haiti, changed a lot of lives, and I’m one of them.”

Though it took years for Delva to immigrate and attain his green card, through rigorous dedication, he was eventually able to enlist as an infantryman.

At 29 years old, he successfully joined the 82nd Airborne Division, not only ready to serve his country, but to become the same symbol of strength that inspired him.

“I can still remember the day, I was the happiest person on Earth,” said Delva. “I will never stop doing what I’m doing because I know it’s important for others.”

In regards to expectations, Delva sets his bar high and strives to go higher. Even as an experienced Soldier now going back to the basics he doesn’t let his quality of work falter.

Delva credited his hard work to his wife and two children, not just working to help them but to set an example. Here at CST he makes a conscious effort to support his newest ‘family’, utilizing the tools that helped him as a young soldier.

“They keep me motivated, and I always congratulate them for doing their best,” said Delva. “I’m always there for them because that’s what my drill Sergeant used to do for me.”

He spent six years as an enlisted Soldier, during which he completed his undergraduate degree in psychology. Now back in school, he’s focused on his masters in international affairs, hoping to branch into military intelligence.

“It’s never too late to start and keep progressing in your career,” said Delva. “It’s the best thing you can do for your future in the military.”

The US Army itself and his role in it allowed Delva to achieve his goal of a lifetime, embodying the very symbol he dreamed of. He uses the Army to constantly push himself, grateful for its structure and discipline that molds a bright future.

“Always be ready to seize your opportunity because you never know when it will show,” said Delva. “When I moved I knew it was to give my family a better life, don’t do anything that’s not in the direction of your goal, that will lead you to success in life.”