Cadets honor Reed’s lasting legacy
By Braylen Alexander
News Reporter
Petty Officer Reed's retirement has been the center of discussions throughout the cadet program as cadets have taken the time to reminisce on the leadership, discipline, and mentorship Reed has provided to the unit. While the cadets express different emotions regarding Reed's retirement, it seems to be unanimously agreed upon that Reed has helped prepare the cadets for much more than drills and classes.
Freshman Cadet Tavague Starling feels that Reed was one of the most reliable instructors within the cadet program and praises him on his enthusiasm, the structure he instilled in his classes, and his willingness to always take the time to aid the younger cadets on challenges that would arise, in or out of the classroom."He cares about the younger cadets, and makes sure everyone stays on the straight path," Starling said, adding that the instructor's consistency has been comforting as he feels Reed is more like a father figure rather than a teacher."
The cadet also stated that Reed's consistency has earned him the trust and respect of nearly everyone he has met.
Senior Cadet Sydney Olden expressed a different approach to Reed's departure. The cadet chose to focus on the years of dedication and service Reed has given to the program.
Olden believes that, although some students may feel sorrow, cadets must accept change. "He has given so much of himself for the cadets and he deserves retirement," Olden exclaims, mentioning that she admired Reed's honesty and professionalism as well as the conversations he would hold with the cadets about leadership, responsibility, and everyday life. "He always had good intentions and always wanted the best for the cadets," she added.
Second-year cadet Jason Farquhar felt that his admiration for Reed had a delayed start. Farquhar said he didn't feel very close to Reed as he entered the program but said after a while he could truly appreciate the calm nature that he brings to the classroom.
"You never needed for him to yell to know you had to follow rules," Farquhar said, "Everyone in class knew what to expect.” The cadet felt that the routine structure Reed provided to his lessons had made the cadets that much more disciplined, as well as kept everyone organized. Although a few cadets felt that the paperwork was not enjoyable, Farquhar felt that it was the right preparation for life."The paperwork wasn't always fun, but I do see that it was part of preparing us for future responsibilities," he said.
Cadet Alyssa Daniels felt that Reed was always attentive to all of the students in his classroom, regardless of how the other students may feel.
The cadet remembered instances where Reed took the extra time to speak to each student, even if it was just to check up on them. "He's one of the few instructors who have taken the time to do something like that," she said. Daniels believed that Reed's mentorship went beyond the class drills, and he helped students to grow from everything that was going on in and out of the unit. "The cadets are finally seeing now what he truly did for this program," she added.
Cadet Maya Thomas shared her feelings toward Reed's departure, agreeing with Olden on the belief that cadets must be ready to accept changes.
Thomas believed that each leader brings new and different ideals to the table, which opens the door to learning. “I am curious as to who will replace him. I know that is a difficult job and each leader provides something new to the program," Thomas said, mentioning that adjustment is a strong skill that the cadet program has to learn to implement. "Change is something all cadets are trained to deal with," she added.
Cadet Janae Coleman shared a mix of both emotions and practicality about Reed's retirement.
Coleman said that Reed was very strict, but he also knew how far the cadets could be pushed. "He was strict and always pushed cadets to do their best, even when they didn't want to," Coleman said, mentioning that he also would make students feel like they could push the limits in everything they did.
Whitney Smith cited integrity as Reed's greatest quality. Smith said that she always knew that Reed would follow through with his commitments and always do the right thing, no matter what it was.
"He's one of the few leaders I've seen who is always honest and true to his word," Smith said, mentioning that even when it came to everyday topics, Reed was sure to keep the cadets entertained and to ensure they were all invested in what was going on in and out of the unit. "He would always discuss things from real-world scenarios to topics in and out of the classroom," she said.
Smith feels that he is an outstanding person and mentor who has truly done the most that he could for the cadets. "I truly can't believe it's finally happened," Snith said, adding that, as Olden had said, Reed truly does deserve his retirement. He truly was a great leader who gave his best to the cadets."
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