Bears Superstar Visits Lincoln's Challenge Academy in Rantoul

Story by Sgt. Daniel Stinson, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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RANTOUL, IL (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher visited the staff and cadets of the Illinois National Guard's Lincoln's Challenge Academy (LCA) in Rantoul May 23. Urlacher was flown to Rantoul by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter piloted by the Illinois Army National Guard's 106th Aviation Battalion.

The main purpose of the Pro Bowl linebacker's visit was to promote the school by recording Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the program.

"I think the program is a great thing," Urlacher said. "I like how they don't turn anyone away. I will admit I didn't know much about it until I was approached about doing something for them."

The PSAs will be used as a recruiting tool for the program.

"We really wanted to get a current, successful athlete to do the spots, and to help us get the word out about the program," said Col. William Cobetto, Acting Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Director of Staff-Illinois Air National Guard and Federal Program Coordinator for LCA. "We have slots in our program that go unfilled every term. Illinois has 45,000 kids drop out of school every year and this is a great way to give them a chance to get their education and a fresh start."

LCA is a 22-week long military boot camp-inspired program to help turn around the lives of young high school dropouts. During the program, cadets are given the opportunity to get their GED and work on important life skills. LCA runs two classes each year.

"We don't have an advertising budget," said Cobetto. "We are extremely grateful to Mr. Urlacher for agreeing to do the public service announcement."

During the visit, the Chicago Bears star was taken on a tour of the cadet living area. He was given a presentation on how the program works and treated to lunch. He concluded the visit by speaking to the cadets, and received some mementos from the staff and cadets.

"I am glad to be involved. I hope I can do more in the future," Urlacher said.

Photo 1: Photo by Sgt. Daniel Stinson, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher speaks to the staff and cadets at Lincoln's Challenge Academy in Rantoul during a visit May 23. Lincoln's Challenge Academy is a National Guard program to help at-risk youth.

Photo 2: Photo by Sgt. Daniel Stinson, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher arrives at the Lincoln's Challenge Academy (LCA) May 23 for a tour of the academy and to record some public service announcements for the program. LCA is a program run by the Illinois Air National Guard to assist at-risk youth.

Photo 3: Photo by Sgt. Daniel Stinson, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Lincoln's Challenge Academy (LCA) Maj. Jeff Beightler of Saybrook shows Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher the living areas for cadets at LCA during a visit to Rantoul May 23. LCA is a program run by the Illinois National Guard to help at risk youth.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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