At-risk kids find hope for college in military cadet group

Erin Brodwin

Members of the Washington Greys Military Cadets train in a warehouse near the Kingsbridge Armory.

Five years ago, while on his way home from school in the Bronx, then-10-year-old Julio Garcia noticed a group of teenagers in military uniform and wondered why they were marching.

Julio is now a staff sergeant with that group, the Washington Greys Military Cadets, which was started by the U.S. Army Junior Guard to help keep at-risk kids off the streets and instill the discipline and confidence they need to succeed in college.

"I would encourage anyone to join the Greys; they've helped me with so much,? said Julio, 15. ?They've taught me discipline and respect and showed me how to get ahead."

The Greys program, marking its 55th anniversary this year, teaches participants how to drill, shoot - and take orders. The program collaborates with colleges to share information about admissions and help prospective students with the application process.

For Julio, being one of the Greys is a dream come true. Every day, he wakes up at dawn to squeeze in the extra training he hopes will prepare him for his goal, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After school, he heads to the unmarked warehouse behind the Kingsbridge Armory that houses the program.

The Bronx chapter, one of 10 citywide, runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, but often spills into the weekend, when the cadets train off-site at remote locations to learn wilderness survival skills like climbing and rappelling.

Bronx resident Evelyn Bautista, like many other parents, came to the Greys looking for a safe haven for her son, and 15-year-old Jeremy joined.

"I just want to keep him busy, and off the streets," said Bautista, who has other children and works during the day.

But money is tight, and Bautista is not sure she will be able to afford the $166 uniform. Other cadets have dropped out to work because their families need the extra income.

Lt. Hector Santana, an instructor with the program for three years, said he's been working with parents since 2009 to bring down membership costs, which include $10 monthly dues, a $50 one-time registration fee and the uniform.

Money is just one of the hurdles, Santana said.

The Greys also are competing with gangs for the kids? attention. The Bloods, the Crips, DDP and the Trinitarios are all active in the area.

"That's what's outside these doors," Santana said.

But inside, the program is working, Santana said: Of the 18 college-age cadets he trained last year, 11 went to school and the other seven are serving in the armed forces.

"The biggest problems in this community are poverty, housing and jobs," he said. "If we can help with two out of the three, we're doing something."

Julio said he might not have learned about West Point had it not been for his participation in the program. He believes his experience with the Greys will help him get there. As a cadet, Julio said, he's learned the principals of military science, a field that combines geography, mathematics and strategic planning.

As a staff sergeant, he supervises and teaches 56 cadets.

"I think the least I can do to keep the honor in my family is go to West Point," Julio said.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nydnrss/new-york/~3/LueZtjV4Q0o/story01.htm

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