Midshipman completes term as regimental commander
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
KINGS POINT, NY
W. Garrett Heaps, a senior midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, N.Y., recently completed a six-month assignment as regimental commander, the highest student officer position at the federal maritime college.
As regimental commander, the native of Spring City, Utah, was the top midshipman of the nearly 1,000- student regiment. He was responsible for implementing the policies of the academy's administration and overseeing the regiment's morale, military drilling and personal training relating to social and military etiquette. He also supervised the freshman, or plebe, class, and ensured that the regiment maintained the highest state of operation and efficiency. He was assisted in his duties by a staff of regimental, battalion and company officers.
A member of the Plainview (YSA) 4th Branch, Plainview New York Stake, he said the opportunity to be regimental commander gave him invaluable leadership experience.
"There were many challenges in my job (as regimental commander)," Garrett said, "dealing with midshipmen, faculty and staff. But the experience of leading the regiment was invaluable."
When he decided to serve a mission following his freshman year at the academy, he faced a challenge: the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy does not guarantee midshipmen a spot in the academy upon returning from an LDS mission; meaning he would have to reapply when he returned.
"I always knew I was going to serve a mission, whatever it cost," he said. "So when that came up I had already decided what I was going to do.
Following his service in the Chile Concepcion South Mission, he reapplied and was readmitted to the academy. His opportunities to serve have extended beyond the academy to Church, where he has served as elders quorum president, and currently serves as elder's quorum instructor. Plainview 4th Branch President Ralph Weidler feels Garrett is an asset to the branch.
"Garrett is a special young man. He's always serving other people," President Weidler said. "He's a great example to those around him."
As part of their training, midshipmen are required to spend a total of one year at sea in order to graduate. During his time at sea, Garrett has had many testimony-building experiences.
"I've been able to travel all throughout the world. And every time we pull into port I get online and find the nearest Church [meetinghouse]. I've had some neat experiences. It's been very reaffirming to see that the Church is everywhere," he said.
Garrett's mother, Alesia, has seen her son transformed spiritually during time at the academy.
"Being around people who don't believe the same way he does has really strengthened him," she said. "I've seen him grow a lot spiritually."
"Growing up in Utah, I really didn't face much opposition. Living here has really helped me strengthen my testimony," Garrett said. "There are very few members of the Church at the academy. When I got here, I had to decide the type of person I was going to be."
He said that although he receives occasional ribbing, the overall treatment by his fellow midshipmen toward his religion is respectful.
He will graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy on June 20.
