FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Before the Fayetteville Woodpeckers took the field June 5, family members, friends and fellow soldiers gathered at Segra Stadium to recognize a series of accomplishments that marked a significant milestone in the career of Sgt. Zachary T. Remedies.
During a pregame ceremony, Remedies, a paralegal assigned to the 18th Field Artillery Brigade, reenlisted in the Army, promoted from corporal to sergeant and received recognition for his acceptance to the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point. Following the ceremony, Remedies took the field to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ game began.
For Remedies, the event represented both the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter. Later this year, he will attend the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School before entering the U.S. Military Academy as a member of the Class of 2031.
The goal of becoming an Army officer has been part of Remedies' plan since before he enlisted.
“I have always planned to commission at some point within my career. I have known that since high school when I met an amazing mentor and instructor, retired Col. Charles Williams,” Remedies said. “I was late in the game to apply while in high school, so I figured I would do what him and many other officers did, which is enlist first to build a foundation of experience before pursuing a commission.”
His decision to pursue admission to West Point was further guided by the officers and leaders he worked alongside throughout his Army career.
“I think the biggest influence was the opportunity to work closely with officers in my job,” Remedies said. “Watching how they lead, solve problems and take care of their soldiers showed me the kind of leader I want to become. Their example motivated me to pursue West Point because I want to challenge myself, grow as a leader and make that same kind of impact on others.”
Throughout the ceremony, leaders, peers, friends and family members gathered to recognize the dedication and professionalism that helped him earn the opportunity to attend West Point.
“Sergeant Remedies is the kind of soldier that makes everyone around him better,” said Col. Brian Carr, deputy staff judge advocate, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. “His discipline, professionalism and dedication at the XVIII Airborne Corps made him stand out from day one. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has accepted a great Paratrooper and a future Army leader for the Class of 2031.”
The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School prepares selected candidates academically, physically and militarily for success at West Point and future service as Army officers. For any soldiers who are interested in following a similar pathway, you can find that information here: https://www.westpoint.edu/usma-prep-school-usmaps
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