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                         August 30, 2002

Turner honored by selection as First Captain

By 2nd Lt. Andrea Peters
Special to the Pointer View

Cadet 1st Class Ricardo Turner has been selected as the 144th Brigade Commander, or First Captain, of the Corps of Cadets.

Turner grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Renaissance High School. After graduation, he joined the Army Reserve as an infantryman. During basic training in 1998, Turner was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.

At USMAPS, Turner held the positions of platoon and squad leader. His leadership abilities continued to bloom at USMA where he was 1SG for company B1 and 1st Regimental Sandhurst Command Sergeant Major.

Turner said, looking back three years ago, he did not think he would be first captain and, for that matter, did not aspire to the position. He did, however, find another leadership position very fulfilling.

"I feel that the first detail CBT I squad leader position is the most rewarding position at West Point," Turner said.

He explained that he feels deeply that there is nothing better than being with the troops.

"It’s a great experience to have ten new cadets totally dependent on you for everything," he said of his squad leader experience.

Though he did not set out to get the first captain position, his abilities and leadership set him apart from the crowd, said Brig. Gen. Leo Brooks, USMA commandant.

"There is a great pool of talent in the class of 2003," Brooks said. "He particularly impressed me both with his personal presence and his leadership, particularly the way he led the first detail in CBT and the way his classmates looked to him as a leader."

Turner said a very dear person to his heart once told him, "You do not do things in the Army because of the money you make. You do not do things in the Army because of the ribbons you get. You do stuff in the military for the folks that have to serve under you, or next to you, or even serve above you."

That motto, combined with his genuine love for people, he said, forces him to give 110 percent everyday.

"I am very honored and humbled to have this opportunity to lead the Corps of Cadets," Turner said. "For the Corps!"