Barstow, CA – Col. Jonathan P. Braga surprised military students and their professor during an afternoon class at Fort Irwin on July 6th when they were called to attention as the commanding officer entered the classroom. As the military students stood ramrod straight, additional military dignitaries and college administrators entered the class room. They were gathered to present a medal and citation to Professor Alan Norton for his “untiring support to the soldiers of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin Community.”
Professor Norton is an employee of the Barstow Community College District and has taught the Basic Skills Course to more than 300 Soldiers at the Fort since 2013. The President/Superintendent of the college, Dr. Deborah DiThomas, also congratulated Professor Norton at the impromptu ceremony for a job well done. It was noted that in the last 2 classes he taught, 100% of the soldiers raised their GT scores by 10 points or better.
Since teaching BSEP classes he has tested 306 soldiers. Of those tested 192 have raised their GT score by 10 points or better and 125 have raised their GT score to 110 or better. Professor Norton’s commitment is the key to success of the program. He usually arrives at the classroom by 0630 and stays late tutoring and mentoring the military students. He devised a code of conduct for each class member to sign on the first day of class. He then goes above and beyond the call of duty by making himself available to soldiers at all hours of the evening and is often seen at local restaurants helping his students understand difficult concepts and working with them on their homework.
In the certificate presented to Professor Norton, Col. Braga stated, “You are a true Patriot. Your devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army and brings great credit upon yourself, Barstow Community College, and the United States Army.”
More information about the programs offered by Barstow Community College to the soldiers and the local community is found on the college website at: www.barstow.edu
