FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets were in for a treat when the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, Jenean Hampton, paid a special visit to Fort Knox July 21.
She was accompanied by her chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, and two interns studying political science.
Hampton’s visit began with a trip to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) chamber where Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp were learning how to trust their equipment during the gas mask confidence course.
Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton speaks to a group of Cadets during her visit to Fort Knox, Ky. July 21. Photo by Sade’ Wilson
During the stop, Cadets asked questions spanning an array of topics, including Hampton’s Air Force career, her transition to the civilian sector, and her definition of leadership, to which she answered, “A true leader will step up when they need to without being asked and come forward and make things better. I think that’s the mark of a true leader.”
Most of what she shared was advice for the Cadets.
From there, Hampton went on to observe Cadets who were receiving preliminary marksmanship instruction.
Hampton’s visit concluded after she and her staff ate MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) for lunch with four Cadets of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
Present at the lunch were Cadets Jennifer Dodd and Luc Labelle.
Cadet Labelle of Eastern Michigan University says he wasn’t familiar with the role of a lieutenant governor before speaking with Hampton.
“The fact that they would take time out of their day to come down to Fort Knox – not exactly the best place as far as weather and other conditions go – and talk to us… I think that’s really cool,” he said.
“I think that seeing our nation’s leadership, you know, supporting the military, says a lot to us. As people they might call on one day, it means a lot and makes us want to work that much harder towards our goal of graduation,” Dodd shared.
Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton answers a question posed by a Cadet at lunch during her visit to Fort Knox, Ky. July 21. Photo by Sade’ Wilson
Graduation for Cadet Dodd and the Cadets of 10th Regiment – the last regiment of Advanced Camp and CST – is set for August 16.
Cadet Summer Training will bring 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college, click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
