rmy ROTC stresses academics and physical fitness; every Cadet must participate in physical training. It helps keep them both mentally sharp and physically fit.

When Travis entered his sophomore year, he was recovering from a broken leg. Travis wanted to improve his strength and sought the help of his ROTC instructor, MSG Celestine. When MSG Celestine saw how hard Travis was working, he knew he had someone special. MSG Celestine developed a weight-lifting program and meal plan for Travis, designed to work on his core, upper body strength and speed the recovery of his leg strength. As Travis grew stronger, so did his professional relationship with MSG Celestine. MSG Celestine continued to work with Travis and mentor him, and the two remained close throughout college.

For Travis, MSG Celestine served as his mentor, but there are also mentor programs within battalions, where junior and senior Cadets help their underclassmen with anything from schoolwork to physical fitness or with college life in general. Having a mentor is an important part of Army ROTC and a huge advantage for Cadets.

Through all of his hard work, Travis became an embodiment of the Army Values and earned respect from MSG Celestine and his fellow Cadets. ROTC made Travis not only physically stronger but also mentally tougher. The experience gave Travis the confidence to lead and the tools necessary to become an Officer in the U.S. Army.