life skills training using the forms and organization of the Canadian Army.
One important part of the curriculum is the annual Fall Ex. Held every October, this three-day exercise is a challenging, squad-based race through the rugged Niagara escarpment in Ontario.
Participants in this team-building exercise move up to 50 miles over rough terrain while performing a variety of challenging tasks, such as pulling a cannon to the top of an incline in reenactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights—an 1812 battle in which the Academy’s namesake, Col. Robert Land, fought.
This year, as in years past, the Academy’s students have been joined by Soldiers from the New Mexico National Guard, who provide mentorship and leadership to the students.
“[I have appreciated] seeing how the students grow and develop, how they interact with each other and with us,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerald Burkhart, who has regularly participated in the exercise the NMNG’s informal affiliation with the Academy began in 2007.
Burkhart currently serves as the operations sergeant major at the 93rd Troop Command.
Burkhart, with other NMNG Soldiers, accompanied the students during the exercise, offering mentorship in life skills and leadership with encouragement.
“We’d like to think [the students’ success] is a result of our positive influence,” said Burkhart, who ran and marched with the students for all 50 miles of their exercise.
The NMNG’s affiliation with the Academy began, according to Burkhart, through the efforts of retired Brig. Gen. Jack Fox, formerly the Commandant of Cadets at New Mexico Military Institute and Deputy Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard. Fox began the affiliation as a way for National Guard Soldiers and Academy students to benefit from each other’s life experiences.
“It has been rewarding for everyone I’ve taken up there to see [the students] develop and achieve,” said Burkhart. “For our [Soldiers] to see the drive and leadership these kids have is awesome.”
Burkhart said he gets pride and satisfaction from seeing formerly troubled young men go on to have successful careers not only in the Canadian Armed Forces, but also as police officers, lawyers, and doctors—something he has learned through years-long correspondence with those former students.
“One hundred percent, I plan to keep doing this,” added Burkhart.
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