When 1st Lt. Zak Lara is editing a new video on his dual-monitor editing system, he feels particularly inspired by the music. So when he first heard a new song by New York-based composer Watt White entitled, “We Are We,” Lara knew he had to use it for a new motivational video he recently released featuring members of the California Cadet Corps (CACC). 

“I discovered Watt's music many years ago while in college when I began to work for Youth Programs full-time and began creating more promo videos for the organization,” said Lara, a Public Affairs and Recruiting Officer for the CACC. “I felt like his music always spoke to what our organization embodies.” 

If the lyrics are any indication, the song’s message of unity is clear. The rock anthem begins: “We are blood. We are family. Unified we are one (we are we). We are strong. Come along with me. We are one (we are we).” 

The writer of those lyrics said he wanted to create a song that emphasized the power of teamwork. 

“I do a lot of pump-up anthems where ‘I’ is the focus. ‘I can do it,’ ‘I am’ this and that. I wanted this song to be about the only thing more essential than ‘I’, which of course is ‘WE,’” said Watt White, a singer-songwriter-composer based in New York City. 

White said he’s always been a music fan, so naturally, he decided that becoming a rock star was the smartest goal in life. 

“Ten years after making that decision, I found my way into a career of making music for TV/Advertising/Film, and ultimately (and most satisfyingly) fans around the world,” said White, who sings and plays guitar, bass, and keyboard. 

Watt said he’s pleased with how the creative collaboration with Lara turned out.

“I think the video is totally appropriate and exciting,” said Watt. “Zak has been persistent and professional, and above all creative and inspired.” 

Similarly to White, Lara had a creative upbringing, beginning with his time in the Cadet Corps more than 20 years ago. 

“The program transformed my life in every way,” said Lara. “Most people don't know this, but one of my first jobs as a young 8^th grader in the California Cadet Corps program was the ‘S-5,’ which at the time was ‘take pictures during the event.’ Now, as the adult S-5, almost 20 years later, I have expanded the role of the S-5 not only to just ‘taking pictures,’ but more importantly video production, news updates, social media management, recruiting, public speaking, advertising, coordination with the California Army National Guard, and overall program Strategic Communications, which led to this opportunity of working with Watt.” 

After graduating from Victor Valley High School and achieving the highest rank in the program, Cadet Colonel, Lara went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps and California Army National Guard. He said the CACC program instilled a desire to pursue higher education.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Lara went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Film & Media from Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles. Lara said although some CACC graduates go on to serve in the military, he stresses that the California Cadet Corps program is not just for those looking to join the military.

“The CACC is not an in-your-face boot camp or feeder program into the U.S. military,” said Lara. “In our program, cadets have the opportunity to develop critical life skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. They learn to lead by example, setting a standard of excellence for themselves and their peers. Our focus is not just on building strong bodies, but also strong minds, helping young leaders thrive in an ever-changing world that needs leaders of character.” 

In addition to his work with CACC, Lara is also a credentialed teacher and owns his own production company – accomplishments he credits to his early experience in the Cadet Corps. 

“All of this would not have been achievable if it weren't for that first day I stepped into a Cadet Corps classroom, and my Commandant, Felix Diaz, spoke life into me, told me I could be something more, and then gave me some responsibility to work towards,” said Lara. “The program transformed my life in every way, and now as an alumni, all I want to do is give back to the program that gave me so much.”