As we continue our alumni series, “Where Are They Now,” travel in time with us as we follow our graduates on their journeys and discover how An Achievable Dream made a positive impact on their lives. Also featured in this series are each graduating class’s sponsor to share their inspiration for supporting their class and a reflection from AAD president and CEO, Dr. Lee Vreeland, on each alumni. In this feature, we are highlighting Class of 2010 graduate, Jeff Newsome.
Tell us where you are, what you’re doing now, and the accomplishment or life milestones you’re most proud of!
I am currently living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I work for the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Warrant Officer at Fort Carson, Colorado. Some of the biggest accomplishments I am proud of are earning my bachelor’s degree in intelligence operations from American Military University and earning a spot on the Fort Carson Army 10-miler Team. Earning my degree was a huge step for me because I want to use it as a good example for my children to know that anything is possible. Running the Army 10-miler is fun and challenging for me, and I plan to continue to do it yearly.
What about An Achievable Dream do you feel most prepared you for the career and life you have now?
The etiquette classes and being part of the drill team are the two aspects of An Achievable Dream that prepared me most for my career. These two experiences helped me to build upon the manners my parents instilled in me and also gave me a strong sense of order, which is perfect for the military and my current career field.
What is next for you?
What is next for me is to complete my master’s program then attend the National Intelligence University in Bethesda, Maryland to earn my Master of Strategic Science degree in Intelligence. After that, I plan to work for the Defense Intelligence Agency in the North Capitol region. I plan on continuing my career in the Intelligence Community and making changes that will affect the national security of the United States.
Now, you will read a reflection from our President and CEO, Dr. Lee Vreeland on Jeff’s journey.
Jeff has always been wise beyond his years with compassion, intelligence, poise and manners. Jeff’s commitment to the military comes as no surprise as a sense of service was instilled in him at a very early age. I have watched Jeff set very high goals as an adult and achieve each and every one of them. I love seeing him as a father through his social media posts – his sons hit the jackpot with him as their dad! I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for Jeff. I am certain that the best is yet to come!
– Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
Continue reading to learn about why the graduating class sponsor from 2010, the late Norman C. Hardee, and Ms. Linda Hardee, chose to invest in the Dream.
My husband, N.C. Hardee, and I were inspired by Walter Segaloff’s enthusiasm when he first introduced us to the Achievable Dream concept. We recognized the need for such a program in the community and were happy to participate by sponsoring a class and also making an endowment contribution to the organization. Walter and N.C. would be thrilled to see the expansion that has occurred in the past several years and the plans for the future. They would also be especially grateful for everyone who continues to be supportive in keeping the dream alive for the Dreamers.
– Linda Hardee