WARREN, Mi. - Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the USAG-Detroit Arsenal Child, Youth and School Services and the Employee Assistance Center, youth at the Mt. Clemens and L'Anse Creuse High Schools witnessed a remarkable presentation from an extraordinary man, Mr. Dan Davis.

Dan Davis is a dynamic motivational speaker who has shared his life experiences with students from 50 states and 11 foreign countries. Dan speaks directly from the heart without the use of Power Point slides or even note cards. He instantly captivates the audience, reaching our youth on a personal level. The result is a gripping presentation about life's choices.

Dan, an all-American, all-state, all-conference professional football star, is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. He is also dying. Poor choices equate to shattered dreams and it all started when he took his first drink of alcohol at age 14. That one drink led to numerous drunken driving accidents, a shattered skull, a lost football career, the contraction of Hepatitis C, and a life recovering from drugs and alcoholism.

Dan does not ask for sympathy. His compelling story serves to strengthen and encourage our youth, giving them a realistic understanding of how their decisions today can have horrifying physical, emotional and mental outcomes in the future.

"Do you get it'" Dan asked. "Life is about choices." It's up to you to break the cycle.

Following his presentation, students emotionally embraced Dan as they left the auditorium-some compelled to share their own stories and others just grateful for the impact of the experience.

The Garrison Child and Youth School Services and Employee Assistance Center strives to bring innovative and creative programs to empower our military and civilian youth to make the right choices. Over the years, they have vigilantly worked to develop stead-fast relationships with numerous school principals such as Mr. Dave Jackson, Principal of the L'Anse Creuse North High School.

To thank Mr. Jackson for his long-time support of Garrison programs and services, COL Christopher Wicker, Chief of Staff, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) presented him with a note of appreciation from MG Scott G. West, Commander, TACOM LCMC. Mr. Jackson graciously accepted the award and commended the Garrison for its dedication to our teens.