_{Leadership & Wellness}

By guest Contributor 1st Lt. Zak Lara
California Cadet Corps

Feb. 28, 2024

LOS ANGELES - From the classrooms of Foshay Learning Center in Los Angeles to the esteemed halls of the University of Southern California and into the ranks of the U.S. Army, Capt. Kellin A. Sandoval Rodas’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship and unwavering dedication to service.

His story not only highlights the pivotal role of the California Cadet Corps in shaping future leaders but also underscores the significance of higher education in military service. 

EARLY INSPIRATIONS AND THE PATH TO EDUCATION 

Born in El Salvador and raised in the diverse environments of Los Angeles, Sandoval's ambition was kindled early by his experiences in the Cadet Corps, significantly influenced by figures such as his commandant, CACC Lt. Col. Bharat Persad, a Vietnam War veteran who mastered more than seven languages and earned a Ph.D. This exposure to diverse achievements within the military framework instilled in him a deep appreciation for the connection between education and military preparedness, guiding him on his pursuit of higher education and a commitment to serving others.  

"I was amazed as to how education in combination with the military can prepare you to take on any challenge life throws at you," said Sandoval.  

This realization not only sparked his quest for knowledge but also solidified his commitment to serving others, laying the foundation for a journey that would lead him from the CACC to higher education at USC, through the California Army National Guard, and onto a distinguished career as an Army Behavioral Health Officer. 

TIME IN THE CALIFORNIA CADET CORPS 
 The core values instilled in every CACC Cadet significantly shaped Sandoval's dedication to mental health awareness.  

"The CACC core values of Selfless Service, Duty, and Respect drove my motivation and commitment to pursuing an education in which the outcome would be beneficial for vulnerable populations such as the military," explained Sandoval.  

He further elaborated on his choice of academic focus, stating, "Pursuing a degree where I purposely focused on behavioral health gave me the satisfaction of performing the Cadet Corps value of selfless service. My mentality when choosing a degree was to focus on which degree would have the biggest impact on mental health awareness at a micro, mezzo, and macro level." 

BALANCING ACADEMIA, ROTC, AND NATIONAL GUARD 

Sandoval navigated the challenges of balancing his academic endeavors at USC with the demanding responsibilities of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and his service in the California Army National Guard as an enlisted soldier prior to commissioning. Reflecting on this multifaceted journey, he credits his time in the CACC for instilling the discipline and leadership skills necessary to manage these commitments.  

"Balancing ROTC and academia came as second nature because of the impact the CACC had on my personal and academic growth, all while balancing multiple activities at once," he said.  

His experience was further enriched by his commissioning as a second lieutenant and, during his master's program, serving with the 143rd Field Artillery Regiment as a Battalion Medical Operations Officer. This role not only provided him with invaluable leadership and operational experience but also solidified his dedication to the well-being of military personnel. 

"Serving in the National Guard was a crucial step in my journey," Sandoval noted, highlighting the importance of this period in honing his skills and understanding of military behavioral health needs. 

 Through these experiences, Sandoval exemplified the seamless integration of academic achievement, military training, and leadership development, underscored by the foundational principles learned in the CACC.

MENTAL HEALTH & LEADERSHIP

As a Behavioral Health Officer, Sandoval merges mental health advocacy with leadership, emphasizing awareness, education and empathy within the military.

"Mental health awareness is key in today’s military, just as physical fitness is a central part of military life, mental health is important for your well-being and overall performance," said Sandoval.

Drawing from his CACC experiences and service in the U.S. Army, Sandoval champions a supportive environment where mental health struggles are normalized and seeking help is viewed as a strength.

His advice to cadets is the importance of peer support: "One in two people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness, rather, it’s a sign of strength."

He emphasized that an action step all leaders can take is, “If you notice that you, yourself, or a friend are struggling, reach out and be that social support. The number one effective intervention regarding mental health is peer support. Help each other out and know that there are resources out there to assist you.” 

LEGACY & VISION

Sandoval's progression from the CACC, through the National Guard, to an Army Behavioral Health Officer showcases the vital blend of education, mentorship and military service. His vision for the CACC involves enhancing Cadet engagement and networking, believing in the strength of social support to pave the way for success in both education and military careers.

"Anything is possible with dedication and commitment,” said Sandoval. "Building strong bonds with those from other schools can give Cadets a head start.”