Base youth earns praise for education 'mission' Published April 6, 2006 By Capt. Michael Meridith 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. -- An abiding love of her country and a desire to avoid the mistakes of the past has led one Grand Forks Air Force Base youth on a path; some would say “a mission,” earning her state recognition and the chance to compete on a national stage. On Saturday, base leaders and the American Legion presented a trophy to Rebecca Shelton, the 17-year old, home-schooled daughter of Col. Frank Shelton, 319th Medical Group. Rebecca won first place in the North Dakota American Legion’s Oratorical Contest (held nationally since 1938) in February. She was the first winner from the Red River Valley since 1976 and the only person from the base ever to win. Although the win meant thousands of dollars in scholarships and the chance to compete nationally, Rebecca was mostly grateful for the opportunity to spread the message on one of her favorite subjects: the constitution. “I love my country. I think that it is very important that people of my generation and younger learn about the constitution so that they can turn around mistakes that have been made through ignorance,” she said, noting that “there’s only one cure for ignorance … knowledge.” Vern Fetch, State Chairman of the American Legion Oratorical Committee praised Rebecca’s passion for the subject, commenting that it illustrated what he sees as a resurgence of civic involvement among young people. “If she’s representative of her generation, our country is in good shape,” he said. Rebecca’s accomplishment has set the stage for her to compete nationally against 53 other American candidates from the United States, Mexico, France and Germany in Indianapolis in late April. Despite the daunting task, American Legion officials and base leaders are convinced she will emerge victorious, and more importantly that she will be able to share her important perspective to a larger audience. “[Rebecca’s accomplishment] reflects on the entire community. She is a great ambassador for the base on the importance of education,” said Col. Bill Bender, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.