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NEWS

The Norwich Guidon
April 8, 2004

Green Mountain Experience offers variety of activities for NU cadets

By Dave Armeson
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The Norwich University Corps of Cadets routinely practices tedious training and drill on Saturdays to stay proficient and professional. But for Chris Bigott and the rest of Foxtrot Company, the experience has taken a pleasant turn when they enjoyed Vermont to the fullest by cross-country skiing at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vt.

The Corps has taken notice of the stresses of everyday cadet life and has developed a program not only to break the monotony of weekend routine, but also to experience the Green Mountains and gain knowledge of surrounding areas.

The Green Mountain Experience is a chance for cadets of every class to get off campus and experience the surrounding area of New England, something new to many.

"It is really a chance for cadets to go out and bond with their company as upperclassmen and freshmen," said Chris Bigott, 23, a senior sports medicine major from Rockville, Md. "We experience the Green Mountains of Vermont."

Cadets participating in the Green Mountain Experience will have a chance to partake in much of what Vermont and New England have to offer, some of which tourists travel many miles to do. Trips range from activities such as skiing and hockey games, to visiting veterans' hospitals. Some trips concentrate on education, some on recreation, and some are just for the good of the community surrounding Norwich University, but every trip tries to encompass all three.

"To us, it was giving back to the community; we went to the VA hospital, so it was kind of like giving back to the community but also a great time to get off campus," said Ryan O'Leary, 18, a freshman criminal justice major from Boston, Mass.

These students were able to speak with veterans at the hospital in Holyoke Mass., learn from their experiences and even have a little fun.

"We played bingo with them, and it was a great time; it got a little competitive with the cadets, but it was well worth it," O'Leary said.

In addition to spending time with American military veterans, these Cadets were able to experience the unique Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, play a few pickup games, and even venture into one of the local malls.

"The mall was great, especially since I have not seen a mall in awhile," said Coral Lore, 20, a freshman criminal justice major from Howey in the Hills, Fla. "It was a great chance to get out and have a good, relaxed time with the upperclassmen."

While a great service was provided at the VA hospital, not all trips concentrate on such community service. Every Green Mountain Experience is planned by cadet leaders from each company to best fit those units' personal preference.

"Delta Company is going to Boston and will be visiting a few different sites on the Freedom Trail and will be accompanied by one of the University's history professors, but the main event is a Boston Bruins hockey game," said Siobhan Coyne, 21, a junior criminal justice major from Carver, Mass.

There will be 150 cadets going to Boston on this trip, many of which have never even heard of Boston's Freedom Trail or even been to the city, itself.

Green Mountain Experience trips started in February and will continue on through some of April until every company has gone.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.