My name is Steve Luedecke.
I wanted to take a moment to thank the NCTCA. I graduated the Academy on
Before making the decision to apply for the course, I was a high school drop out as a freshman who should have been a junior. I was into a lot of the typical things that troubled kids get into, drugs, alcohol, fighting, run ins with police. Trouble at home was a big problem as well. I was a child of Divorced parents and every clich that goes with it. My attitude towards life and other people was horrible; I respected almost no one including myself. I was sixteen years old and deep down I knew I needed to change, I knew the person I had become was not at all what I wanted to be. After hearing about the program through a news paper article and pondering the idea for a few weeks, I decided to go through with it. I applied, got accepted and before I knew it there I was. Standing at the Position of Attention, at the end of a rack with two former Marines pacing the room. Mr. Green and Mr. Walrath, ready to pounce on any notion of disrespect or misconduct.
These two men were essential in making me who I am today, through they're actions I learned hard work, determination, self respect, and self discipline. As well as an enormous desire to become a Company Commander (Drill Instructor) in the Coast Guard. They along with the academy as a whole truly changed my life forever. I am forever grateful for the contribution they made in my life and will NEVER forget them or the Academy. In closing I want to thank you, the Academy and especially the Cadre staff for what you do. Believe me there are young people that you interact with who will never forget and will be forever grateful for what you have done. Again with my deepest respect to you and your Cadre staff, thank you. Please share this with the Cadre staff, I would like to let them know just how important they are.
Petty Officer Stephen Luedecke, USCG
