Have you ever been in a really tough spot with no where to turn and not a familiar face in sight? Try a military academy. You’ve just graduated from high school and missed your graduation because you had to be at the Academy the next day. You live in NY and fly out to CO, leaving your friends and family behind. You have your clothes you are wearing and a toothbrush. But not for long. All new military clothes issued to you right down to your socks. Improssing is your induction into the military. Multiple shots in the arms, severe haircuts, 1950s eyeglasses, standing at attention, marching, memorizing things from famous sayings to names (including initials) to the bar code on hershey syrup. And no sleep. Ok maybe 4 hours a night for days on end. Strange faces, no oxygen, running, marching, standing, marching, standing. Did I say marching? 6 weeks of basic. It’s no wonder 10% of the cadets leave during this time. Where can they find some relief and a friendly face? Where they can relax and not sit at attention? Where they can speak freely? At Spire. Religion at the Academy has been a Godsend for my son (pun intended). It’s helped him get to his 3rd year and gives him a refuge from the demands and rigors of military life. I am deeply indebted to what Spire has done for my son. At a time I know I can’t be there for him, I know he is taken care of. He has the support of friends and adults to help him with his concerns and problems. Is this a bad thing? Or just a reporter trying to make life more difficult for cadets who are still marching and studying on Friday nights and ironing their sheets for Saturday morning inspection?