August has been a very meaningful month for us at Chazak. At the beginning of the month, the Cadets returned from segment 1.5 Alpha! As usual, the rugged mountains of Idaho proved to be an excellent training ground for Cadets, as they learned how to live out of their backpacks–sometimes in extreme conditions, as well as practicing and learning hard skills such as wilderness survival, first responder skills, and ropes rescue drills. They also received intense physical training every morning and afternoon. Here’s what Eugene, Class 4’s PT Instructor during 1.5 had to say:
“The unknown. How do you prepare for the unknown? How do you think about the unknown, especially when it's anticipated to be difficult? 1.5 combines much of what the Cadets learned throughout the year as well as adding some new skills. It is the most controlled training of the year with the constant question being asked, "How do you do life well when it's out of your control?" When all you can control is your attitude, what is it?
This year we had a great group of guys who responded well to the training. There's always apprehension in the beginning and things seem to be more than they think they can handle. Much like other things in life, if taken one day at a time, one hour at a time or even at times just a step at a time without stopping, it turns out to be a life lesson in the rear view.”
Soon after they returned from Idaho, the Cadets stepped into Graduation! For Class 4, that meant closing out their Alpha year and officially becoming Cadet Defenders entering year 2 of training. It was a proud moment, not just for what they’ve accomplished so far, but for the responsibility they now take on.
Defender Year is where training sharpens and the call to serve becomes even more real. Cadet Defenders now have to take ownership: body, soul, and spirit of the things that they are accustomed to being directly told to do, throughout year 1.
We’re so excited to watch them as they continue into this next phase of training.
But the Cadets didn’t have long to rest. By the end of the month, 2.0 Water Rescue training was underway at New River Gorge in West Virginia. This training prepares them for the kind of crises they may one day walk into: floods, tsunamis, etc., and places where the difference between life and death comes down to someone willing and able to act. It’s demanding work, but the Cadets are rising to it. By the end of this training, each Cadet will have earned their Swift Water and Flood Rescue Technician, Swift Water and Flood Rescue Technician, Advanced, and Rescue Boat Operator certifications.
Stay tuned on our social media accounts for an upcoming recap video!
At the same time, much of our attention in Chazak Rescue has been on the upcoming Ukraine deployment. Our team has been deep in logistics and outfitting responders for the mission ahead. The needs in Ukraine are very urgent, and our part is to show up ready to bring hope and practical help where it’s needed most. As it stands, we are in great need of the financial means to make this deployment happen well.
As we look toward this deployment happening in just weeks, we’d ask you to keep us in your prayers and consider standing with us. Every small bit of support helps make this work possible, from equipping Cadets to deploying teams. Together, we can be ready when the call comes.
If you’d like to find out more about the upcoming deployment to Ukraine, we’ve published a deployment briefing, where you can learn about the current situation on the ground. Click here to watch.
To donate toward our Ukraine aid, please visit chazakrescue.org/give/ukraine
To donate toward Chazak and enable us to stay afloat, visit chazakrescue.org/give