When the two ranking student leaders from the U.S. Air Force and Naval academies met recently for a leadership conference, they had more to talk about than the football wars between the Falcons and the Middies. The future military officers could also swap missionary experiences and maybe exchange institute stories. And while they were at it, Air Force Cadet Andrew Gray and Navy Midshipman J.T. Kadz likely traded invitations to their upcoming temple marriages.
Church members have long enjoyed a presence at the U.S. military academies. But the Class of 2006 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., is unique. Both storied schools are being led in the student ranks by returned missionaries — Cadet Gray and Midshipman Kadz.
A multi-sport athlete, Andrew Gray was one of Arizona's top high school quarterbacks. Among the recruiters who came calling were coaches from the Air Force Academy. Intrigued by the school's sterling educational reputation and its proud football tradition, Andrew accepted an invitation to visit the academy in Colorado. None of his older five siblings had served in the military, "but I liked (the academy) and felt comfortable," he said.
He accepted an appointment and began his freshman year as an academy plebe — a grueling 12 months marked by few privileges and plenty of rules designed to immerse first-year cadets into the military life. As a Division I collegiate athlete, Cadet Gray also had to balance his studies and military drills with football.
"The first year is very tough," he said. "But when you finish, you've developed into a different person."
One thing that didn't change was Cadet Gray's lifelong goal to serve a mission. The academy and the football squad supported his missionary ambitions and granted him a two-year leave following his freshman year. Twenty-four months laboring in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission, "was the best experience I've had in my life — I had two years to serve others."
The time away from organized sports did take a toll on his strength, speed and fitness. He worked hard when he returned to get in shape for the upcoming season. Athletes at traditional universities are allowed a "redshirt" year to train without losing a year of playing eligibility. Students at military academies enjoy no such luxury. Cadet Gray played catch-up quickly. He spent his time shifting between quarterback and defensive back during his tenure with the Falcons.
The Air Force Academy is divided into 36 squadrons that belong to four groups. The entire student body of some 4,000-plus cadets is called a wing. Last year, Cadet Gray was nominated to be a cadet leader. Following a series of interviews with Air Force Academy officers and administrators, he was selected as wing commander to lead the entire student body.
"It's been a great opportunity," said the affable cadet, who now balances his time between studies and leadership meetings with his student staff and academy administration.
Despite his hectic schedule — "I usually get to bed about 1:30 in the morning" — Cadet Gray is involved with the Colorado Springs 14th Ward, Colorado Springs North Stake, and is planning a temple marriage to Taryn Slater.
Following his fast-approaching graduation, Cadet Gray will begin pilot training in Texas.
Naval Academy Brigade Commander J.T. Kadz grew up in Reno, Nev., listening to his two grandfathers share sailor stories from their service in World War II. "I always had a desire to serve in the military," he said.
A strong student and athlete in high school and an Eagle Scout, J.T. spent a summer seminar at Annapolis, Md., to see if the Navy was a good fit. "I decided that's what I wanted to do." An appointment to the academy came a short time later.
Like Cadet Gray, Midshipman Kadz had long planned to serve a mission. Following two years at Annapolis and a Washington D.C. internship with U.S. Congressman Jim Gibbons, "Midshipman" Kadz became "Elder" Kadz in the Korea Seoul Mission.
The Naval Academy supported his decision to serve his church. Others were hesitant. "There were a lot of people who tried to convince me that a mission might set me back," he said. He's quick to add that he's been repeatedly blessed for his decision.
"My mission was a great experience," said Midshipman Kadz, echoing his Air Force counterpart. "I had an opportunity to serve with some great companions."
When his mission concluded in 2004, he returned to Annapolis. He has also participated in institute and taught gospel essentials and a missionary preparation class at a nearby stake center
As his senior year approached, he developed an interest in student leadership. Several interviews with senior administrators at the academy followed, concluding with his appointment as midshipman brigade commander — the Naval Academy's highest ranking student leader.
Midshipman Kadz now leads some 4,400 midshipmen, conducts and attends regular meetings and proposes policy changes at the academy. "Not much spare time," he admitted, "but it's been manageable."
A week after graduation he plans to marry Allison Newby, a Baltimore social worker, in the Washington D.C. Temple. Then it's on to Pensacola, Fla., for pilot training of his own.
E-mail to:jswensen@desnews.com
