CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Nov. 12, 2010 – Georgia Army Guard private and 2009 National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) graduate Tyler Stanford (left) receives the Adjutant General’s challenge coin from Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Georgia’s Adjutant General, during a meeting between the two in General Nesbitt’s office. Stanford, who lives in Marietta, completed infantry basic training in May of this year at Fort Benning in Columbus. “The military life-style we lived at YCA gave me structure, purpose and a better sense of discipline and direction,” Stanford said. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to serve, and that I wanted to be an infantryman.” Stanford added that it was a great honor for him to meet and speak with a Soldier of General Nesbitt’s background and experience, especially since the Georgia National Guard's top leader is a member of Special Forces. “The honor is all mine,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a great privilege to shake hands with one of the thousands of youth who have gone to YCA looking to better themselves and come out the other side a more responsible, more focused young adult.” Stanford was a 16-year-old junior at Lassiter High School when he was accepted to the YCA campus at the Georgia Guard Garrison Training Center in Hinesville. “I was heading in the wrong direction with my life, and I needed more focus, so I applied and was accepted into the program,” Stanford said. “Now I work two jobs and I’m hoping to go to school and get a degree in criminal justice.” As a Citizen-Soldier, Stanford is a scout with the 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry, an Atlanta-based long-range surveillance unit. When not in uniform, he works as a sales associate for Kohl’s Department Store in Roswell and as a server for O’Charlies Restaurant in Marietta. His parents, Bruce and Lindsey Stanford, are Marietta residents. (Georgia Department of Defense photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry)