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From the Battlefield to the Frontlines of Leadership: The Story Behind JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage

Writer's picture: Kirk CarlsonKirk Carlson



From the Battlefield to the Frontlines of Leadership: The Story Behind JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage

Transforming Lives, One Person at a Time

The JLBC Cadet Corps Documentary is more than just a film—it’s a testament to resilience, courage, and the unbreakable will to create meaningful change. My journey as a United States Marine laid the foundation for the JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage, two organizations that emerged from personal pain and an unwavering sense of purpose. This is the story that fuels our mission and the reason your support can help us transform lives.

Answering the Call: The Journey Begins

I’ll never forget the day I walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office. The recruiter stood up and asked, “How can I help you?” Without hesitation, I replied, “I want to be a United States Marine.”

From that moment on, my life changed forever. The road to earning the title of Marine was grueling—standing on the yellow footprints, enduring the relentless demands of drill instructors, and pushing through sleepless nights. But giving up was never an option. The day I graduated and officially became a United States Marine was one of the proudest moments of my life.

A Career of Service and Growth

After completing training at the Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, I was stationed at MCAS New River. My journey expanded as I trained in law enforcement with the provost marshal’s office, pushing through physical and mental challenges, including enduring pepper spray drills and rigorous endurance tests. Later, I returned to Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) and had the honor of training with elite units like the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) and the United States Air Force Pararescue. I became a Hazmat Technician, a Rescue Technician, and a Rapid Response Team member—each step refining my resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to service.

A Life-Altering Setback

I had envisioned a 20-year career in the Marine Corps. I had reenlisted, prepared for promotion to Staff Sergeant, and was ready to dedicate my life to the service. Then, everything changed. A severe injury forced me to leave the military.

I received an honorable medical discharge, but without the structure, purpose, and brotherhood of the Marines, I felt lost. My identity—so deeply tied to my military service—was shaken. That loss led me down a dark road, one that eventually left me homeless.

At my lowest point, I reminded myself: “I am a United States Marine.” That moment became my turning point. The Marine Corps had trained me to adapt and overcome, and I was going to do just that.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Determined to rebuild my life, I set out to make a difference. I began teaching an ROTC class at a homeschool co-op, and something clicked. Witnessing the impact I could have on young minds reignited my sense of purpose. I realized that the leadership, discipline, and service I had embraced in the military could be used to shape the next generation. From that vision, the JLBC Cadet Corps was born.

Through this program, I recreated the best aspects of military life—teaching youth the values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership. But I knew my mission wasn’t complete yet.

The Birth of Covenant of Courage

Working with young cadets reminded me that veterans, too, needed support. I had seen firsthand how difficult it was to transition from military to civilian life. Many veterans, like me, struggled to find purpose outside of service. Reflecting on the oath I took when I enlisted, I realized that it wasn’t just a promise—it was a covenant. One that required courage to make and even more courage to uphold.

With that realization, I founded Covenant of Courage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans regain their sense of purpose, find stability, and thrive in civilian life.

Our Mission: Changing Lives Through Leadership and Service

The JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage are built on the same principles that shaped me as a Marine. Through these programs, we are:

Developing Youth Leaders: Teaching discipline, responsibility, and teamwork to prepare young cadets for success in life.

Empowering Veterans: Providing mentorship, resources, and community to help veterans navigate their transition and find renewed purpose.

Building a Legacy of Service: Inspiring individuals—both young and old—to dedicate themselves to leadership, service, and resilience.

These aren’t just programs; they are lifelines. They embody the belief that no one should ever feel alone in their struggles.

Why This Documentary Matters

The JLBC Cadet Corps Documentary will bring this story to life, sharing the journeys of cadets and veterans who have found hope, purpose, and success through our programs. This film isn’t just about my journey—it’s about the countless lives that can be transformed when we invest in leadership, discipline, and service.

Your Role in the Mission

By supporting this documentary, you’re not just funding a film—you’re becoming part of a movement to:

🎖 Inspire the Next Generation: Share the values of leadership and service with youth across the nation.

🎖 Empower Veterans: Highlight the importance of providing veterans with the support they need to thrive.

🎖 Create a Lasting Legacy: Ensure the stories of courage and resilience continue to impact communities for years to come.

Join Us in Making a Difference

This is more than a documentary—it’s a call to action. It’s a chance to honor the sacrifices of veterans, uplift the next generation, and transform lives one person at a time.

The mission doesn’t end when we take off the uniform.

Together, we can ensure that service, leadership, and courage live on.

Support the JLBC Cadet Corps Documentary today.

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ABOUT US >

Covenant of Courage
The specific purpose of this corporation is to empower and support veteran defenders, guiding them to rediscover their purpose through comprehensive support and training. We are dedicated to building a resilient community that leverages the unique skills of veterans to mentor and inspire the next generation through dynamic youth programs.

The Covenant of Courage is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

CONTACT 

F: 323 471 7279

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not legal advice. They are meant solely as educational content. Individual cases will vary.
Covenant of Courage is not a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or law firm and is not affiliated with the U.S. Veterans Administration (“VA”). Covenant of Courage does not provide legal or medical advice or assist clients with preparing or filing claims for benefits with the VA.

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