“Brothers in Arms ”
Five young Saint David ’ s alumni who serve in the United States military shared the following accounts this spring , reflecting on how their Saint David ’ s experiences impacted their career paths .
NICHOLAS REALUYO ’ 18
It is particularly difficult to teach morality and character . It ’ s much easier to teach concrete subjects like math , science , and literature than it is to teach boys to be good men . It is precisely because I was taught these things from a young age that I understood the value of service and that I decided to attend the U . S . Air Force Academy . The mission of Saint David ’ s “ That they be good men ” and the quality of education in all aspects of life guided me towards my decision to go to the Academy to eventually serve as an officer in the Air Force .
The Air Force Academy places a great deal of importance on building “ Leaders of Character ,” similar to how Saint David ’ s makes it a priority to develop boys into good men . Cadets at the service academies and officers in the military need to have good character and a moral compass . Not to say that these things are not present in normal universities , but colleges sometimes lack something that is essential for cadets . A significant part of the Academy experience is learning to be and practicing being that “ Leader of Character ” that they want the cadets to become . This is not something you can just put in a textbook or teach like an equation or theory in class . The idea of being a man with character and moral potency is developed over time . The person needs to fully understand the concept and buy into it . Because this is something that takes a great deal of time to learn , the idea of teaching boys from a young age to be a good man is something that I think is extremely valuable and rare in our present society , especially since it is rooted in faith . Schools seldom teach their students what it means to live with integrity , be selfless and help others , or understand the morality of their actions .
Perhaps it ’ s so rare because it is so difficult to teach or because , for me , the role of God is so integral to it , but whatever the case is , I truly value the experiences I ’ ve had at Saint David ’ s , especially the community service projects . I believe it is the foundation that has put me on the path I am on now . Having gone through a Catholic education where I learned the importance of morality , selflessness , and service , I know that I will graduate from the Air Force Academy as an officer of character , and that I will protect these values that I cherish .
26 • Saint David ’ s Magazine