The following is a news release from Camp Shelby:
Your
life's journey can change in an instant. It only takes one spark of
inspiration to invoke change and ambition on a person's journey. This
spark of inspiration started for Warrant Officer 1 Daniel Boatman of
Brandon, during his time as a cadet with the Mississippi National
Guard's Youth Challenge Program, Class XIII 2000.
Boatman was
searching for his niche as a student at Northwest Rankin High School in
his 9th and 10th grade years. He found acceptance and motivation as a
cadet of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp in his high school.
Through his affiliation with the JROTC, he learned about the YCP, known
today as the Youth Challenge Academy or YCA, program at Camp Shelby in
Hattiesburg.
"When I heard about YCP, I knew it would be a good
fit for me," said Boatman about his decision to join the Youth Challenge
Academy.
Boatman explained that the opportunities that were given
to him as a cadet at YCA showed him that it was possible to set goals
and accomplish them. As a cadet he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol
and had the chance to fly the Cessna 172 aircraft.
Boatman
describes some of his fondest memories as a member of the Civil Air
Patrol, "Running all over Camp Shelby with Maj. Basinger in Rangers.
Participating in the Civil Air Patrol and getting to take the controls
of a Cessna 172."
His early days participating in the Civil Air
Patrol sparked a fire of motivation, interest and the will to succeed.
"Being allowed to participate in the Civil Air Patrol was my first
introduction to the possibility of going to flight school," said
Boatman.
Boatman graduated from the Initial Entry Rotary Wing
Flight School at Fort Rucker, Ala., on March 7. He has also earned an
Associate's Degree in Applied Science Avionics Systems Technology from
the Community College of the Air Force, February 2010; an Associate's
Degree in Applied Science Human Resource Management from the Community
College of the Air Force, March 2010; he received a Certificate of
Flight Achievement - Completion of Aircraft Qualification Course in
Sikorsky UH-60M, February 2013. His future career plans include the
completion of his bachelor degree in Science Professional Aeronautics
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has future goals of
completing Readiness Level Progression training, make Pilot in Command,
and eventually become an Instructor Pilot.
As one of the Army's
newest UH-60M pilots, Boatman would like to share his accomplishments
with other Mississippi youth considering attendance to YCA.
"If
traditional high school is not working for you, then YCA is a good
alternative. The military isn't for everyone, but it does provide some
great opportunities for those willing to serve," said Boatman.
Boatman is married to wife Allison Boatman and they have two daughters Elissa, 5 and Hailey 3. They are expecting a son in June.
Boatman YCP Cadet: Cadet Daniel Boatman, Mississippi Youth Challenge Program, Class XIII 2000 yearbook photo.
WO1 Boatman and Family: Warrant Officer 1 Daniel Boatman, of Brandon, Miss., wife Allison and daughters Elissa, 5 and Hailey 3 pose in front of a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter after Boatman's graduation ceremony from the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight Sch
WO1 Boatman in front of UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter: Warrant Officer 1 Daniel Boatman of Brandon, Miss. poses in front of a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter after his graduation ceremony from the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight School at Fort Rucker, March 7
