FORT KNOX, Ky. — Everyone has a purpose and everyone has a different life trajectory. Some feel a calling to go into the trades, some go to college, some enlist in the military, but everyone has different life experiences that can help others.

Three Cadets assigned to 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, all crossed paths at Clemson University’s ROTC program. Their distinct backgrounds have proven to help each other through new challenges.

Cadet Johnathon Stipe enlisted in 2019 and worked his way up to sergeant, specializing in bridge construction and crossings. He was part of the 20th Engineer Brigade, 19th Engineer Battalion. His Army experience consists of attending Sapper School and Air Assault school before cross-training with the 101st Airborne Division.

While stationed on Fort Knox, Ky., he saw the opportunity to take a different path and continue his education. As an non-commissioned officer, he was often in the field with his Soldiers, but he wanted more responsibility in his leadership.

“I want to be able to make quality of life better for people,” Stipe said. “As a commissioned officer, you’re able to do that.”

From driving past cadets training on his way to work, to completing the Army Fitness Test as a Cadet, Stipe sees opportunities for hands-on leadership experience.

While Stipe’s military experience comes full circle being back on Fort Knox for CST, another Cadet is just beginning his Army career.

Cadet Daniel Ruebenacker, grew up in New Jersey, but often saw the military through his father’s stories and friends.

When it came time to make a college decision, Ruebenacker knew he wanted to join the Army, but wasn’t sure which path to take. After several conversations and advice from his dad, he chose to attend Clemson to study finance, where he was offered a four-year national scholarship.

Once joining the ROTC program his freshman year, he quickly acquainted with Stipe. They connected through their time at Ranger Challenge, where they became close friends and started learning from each other.

Stipe’s prior experience served as a great asset through those challenges, but it also has helped their program evolve leadership styles.

“Stipe helped us learn different warrior tasks and skills from land nav all the way up to briefing and op-board,” Ruebenacker said. “He’s always been there for questions and has never turned one down.”

For many Cadets, CST is their first real army experience, but Stipe is offering his support and knowledge to help first-timers get through training.

In the ROTC program at Clemson, many lessons are Cadet led, so Stipe tried to pitch in to make corrections early as a way to help his peers feel prepared when they are evaluated at CST.

Cadet Rebecca Pilcher, also found help and reassurance in Stipe’s skill set, but also from the camaraderie within the program.

“Cadet Stipe and Ruebenacker are some of the best guys in the program, always willing to help out and lend a hand,” Pilcher said. “And Our Cadre really put a great deal and amount of work into us. They really emphasize the importance of working together and always striving to be the best.”

Having anyone with prior service offering support is an asset, but Stipe stays humble as he guides others. Although Stipe is still encouraged to improve his leadership, he remembers his old platoon sergeant’s advice.

“If he can make a difference in one soldier’s life, he knows he did a good job,” Stipe said. “If I can make a difference in not just one soldier’s life, but across my entire platoon, then I think I’m doing a good job.”