FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets were reunited with their families before officially graduating from Cadet Summer Training, July 18.
5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadet Courtney Grant, Saint Augustine’s University, smiles with her family on family day at Fort Knox, Ky., July 18, 2019. | Photo by Mary Kate Griffin, CST Public Affairs Office.
Family members rejoiced in seeing their Cadets on family day after having been separated from them while they trained. While family day warrants Cadets a free pass to leave Fort Knox in the company of loved ones, it also marks the eve of advanced camp graduation.
“I’m very excited to be done with camp,” said Cadet Benjamin Sorg. “It’s been a long time coming. It feels good.”
Before being released to see their Cadets, family members were given a presentation in Waybur Theater where they were introduced to the cadre of 5th Regiment and briefed on the rigorous training their Cadets received. One cadre noted that over the course of their summer training, Cadets had marched over 100 miles.
A 5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadet is embraced by his father on family day at Fort Knox, Ky., July 18, 2019. | Photo by Mary Kate Griffin, CST Public Affairs Office.
“I am so happy to see my daughter and I am really proud of her,” said the father of Cadet Ominique Buchholz, who attends Pennsylvania State University.
At one point during the presentation one of the cadre asked veterans in the crowd to stand and be recognized. A myriad of men and women stood and were applauded for their service.
The number of veterans and the crowd’s ovation prompted one of the cadre to remark on the Army legacy present among family members and Cadets.
“I guess it’s a family business,” he said.
