How will classical education benefit someone who plans to join the armed forces? Veritas Scholars Academy graduate William A. shares his experience in the video above.

Want to know how everything panned out when he went to boot camp? Read the letter below that we received from William's mother!

William told us about his experiences at boot camp–and how the drill instructors try to break you down to build you back up. The entire time, he was keenly aware that he was in the exact place God wanted him. Every little thing confirmed that belief. He said so often that when the drill instructors were getting after them, he would think back and try to understand why they’d be doing this and what they would accomplish by approaching these new recruits like this. After he had gone through that thought process, it was easy to just go with it and not be affected by their tactics; right away, things just rolled off him. He told us how Rhetoric and Omnibus helped train him to think in reverse like that!|

We told him all along that someday he would appreciate all that we have invested in his education (time, effort, expense, etc.). He said he didn't expect it to be so soon. That's a big win for the Rhetoric and Omnibus teachers!

So many times, the other recruits would ask him why they never heard him cursing or see him lose his temper. He could then go right into sharing the gospel. He said that happened so many times he couldn't count.

He was the favorite recruit of the drill instructors because he knew how to follow orders and help instruct others how to do the same. One Marine was introducing his family to William and said, "If it weren't for Aldridge, I would not have graduated!". We heard that more than once! What a testimony to God's goodness and favor on William's life!

Eric spoke privately with one of his drill instructors, who told him that William was the smartest recruit he had ever had. He also said he could go as far as he wanted and do anything with his natural leadership abilities. He also said he had never had a recruit that he could not break. He would go into his office and wring his hands, trying to figure out how to break William. It never happened. William credits that to his Omnibus and Rhetoric classes and being able to think through the processes.|

Lastly, William reminded me that I once made him sew on his button and told him he would thank me one day. He said he couldn't tell me how many patches and buttons he had sewn on in 13 weeks because no one knew how! He was the only one in the beginning who could properly make his bed because I’m my own drill sergeant when it comes to properly making beds! Two big wins for this mom, and super huge kudos to all the VSA teachers who have invested in the man William is to become! It's a massive win for all of you, too!

Thank you all for all that you pour into my children specifically. This is how the world is changed for Christ! Blessings to all of you who help make the Aldridge world function academically. I am the prime example of "it takes a village...!"

Ellen Aldridge