The Lance Cpl Ben Carman Academy graduated its first class of Marine poolees Sunday, July 27. The 10 young men and three young women have not yet gone to Marine basic training and are not yet referred to as Marine recruits. The academy is on Charlie Thompson’s property on 265th St in Grant Township, just south of Jefferson.
The poolees gathered Friday evening, with the first task being to erect an Army tent on loan from Fort Riley, KS. Nelson Carman, father of Ben Carman, for whom the academy is named, met with them and thanked them for their service. Ben Carman was killed in Iraq 10 years ago. Roger Nielson, father of Army Captain Matt Nielson, also spoke with them. Capt. Nielsen was also killed three years ago, also in Iraq.
Army Ranger Phil Thompson and former Army infantry officer Cale Luther were the primary instructors in marksmanship, orienteering and physical training. Former Navy corpsman Brett Cranston taught a combat lifesaving course.
Marine recruiter Sgt Felix Baltierra, who works out of the Fort Dodge recruiting station, was also at the academy during the weekend.
Former Army Captain John Thompson, a driving force behind the academy, established the academy as a way to give incoming service men and women a head start on their training, and to help them develop a network of mentors with military experience and insights. All six of the children of Charlie and the late Karyl Thompson served in the military. “This was a great opportunity to connect young warriors who had already committed to military serve with young veterans,” John Thompson said about the weekend. “I served along with my five siblings. When my little brother (Philip) followed the five of us in he knew what he was getting into. I put him through a similar program.”
“The confidence helped him get an early boost in his career. But his biggest advantage was having a close network of advocates who he could turn to when he needed advice and support,” he continued. “That’s really what we are trying to build here.”
He said the “young warriors” who attended the academy will be comfortable contacting the instructors if they need help or advice as they begin their military service.
Thompson thanked Flack Farms for help with setting up the rifle range, and Breadeaux Pizza and Fareway for donating food.
The Lance Cpl Ben Carman Academy is a non-profit organization. Donations to it can be made through the academy’s Facebook page.
