Fortunato: Trust wins the day high over Lake Sequalitchew
By Pierce Yarberry
U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – “Ages ago, Native American tribes from across the Northwest gathered at Lake Sequalitchew to test their will and bravery. These warriors came to these hallowed waters in the spirit of competition. Their spirits linger on, beckoning us to live as they did and to honor their traditions …”
Sgt. Maj. Gary Fortunato is the senior training advisor for the water confidence course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. U.S. Army photo by Mike Sweeten
It’s probably hooey, but that’s how Sgt. Maj. Gary Fortunato responded when he learned that he was being profiled for this story. Fortunato is well-known as the senior training advisor for the water confidence course at Lake Sequalitchew on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) takes place. For the past seven years, he has had a ready word for Army Cadets who may be afraid of water and of heights.
He assured me that his made-up story is far more interesting than his life history.
Over the last 14 years, Fortunato has been the senior military instructor at Providence College, and teaches and encourages Cadets at LDAC. Prior to that, he served 30 years on active duty. Fortunato has worked in infantry, military intelligence, and administrative professions. This is Fortunato’s humble version.
At the water confidence course, Fortunato watches every summer as Cadets climb, shimmy, scoot, splash, and swim their way out of LDAC. Cadets must successfully navigate the water confidence events in order to pass the course. When they get stuck, and fear of heights or of the water grips their hearts and legs, Fortunato talks them across. He cracks jokes. He asks Cadets to sing their alma mater. If they didn’t know it, he tells them that they have until reaching the end of the zip line to learn it.
The familiarity leads to trust. His motto, “You can do it,” stems from his personal history of accomplishments. And, most Cadets succeed.
“It’s important for them to trust their resources and for us to empower them,” said Fortunato. “Even if they’ve faltered, they learn to trust their equipment, each other and themselves.”
