Center of acheivement, inc presents

Brothers-in-arms

“The spirit of brotherhood recognizes of necessity, both the need of self-help and also the need of helping others in the only way which ever ultimately does great good, that is, of helping them to help themselves.” ―Theodore Roosevelt

Albert S. Broussard, Jr

Originator and Co-Founder of Brothers-In-Arms

Sergeant, U.S. Army Veteran, WWII

Only Practice What Makes You Better

Program Launched: 1982

1st Iteration: Brothers with Buddies – 1982

2nd Iteration: Brothers – 1990

Current Iteration: Brothers-In-Arms

Program Description: The goal of Brothers-In-Arms, is to enable young men to make “right” choices to realize their dreams through mentorship and discipline. We aim to additionally promote and support strong families through structured leisure activities in the young men of NE Florida through various sponsored programs, training, and education.

Meet the Brothers-In-Arms Founders and Leaders…

Roderick Broussard, Sr

Captain, US Army, Retired

“Young black men are more at risk to succumb to a dire fate than any other ethnic group in America! It takes a village to reverse this trend. I choose to do my part.”

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Antonio Henry

Master Sergeant, US Army Reserves, Retired

My mission is to serve our communities’ youths through mentoring. To give young men a male role model to relate to. To help young men identify a male value system of personal standards, ethics and self-discipline. To stimulate young man to desire to become a part of something that will cultivate the desire for untamed control, which leads to young men who will do anything to become personally responsible and successful in setting & achieving their own life goals. As a Mentor, I work with Mentees to change the narrative and mindset of our young people. My goal is to bring a positive impact to our community , one young man at a time and as a connected group of citizens – “BROTHERS”

Patrick Lee

Senior Chief, US Navy, Retired

“I came from an era of hard work but was ignorant about the obstacles opposing the development of the idea of self-worth in young Black men. As I learned from the lessons of my parents and grandparents, I began to understand what sacrifice means and I benefited from that immensely.

My goal for the program was to give the first young men into it a positive image of accomplishment that would encourage those young men to see that an optimistic attitude and life-long learning yields results that is seated in the idea of self-preservation (do no harm to thine self) that translates into caring for others. I was truly honored for the opportunity and believe now more than ever in the power of caring.”

Wendell Scott

US Navy, Retired

“We started Brothers in Arms with the sole intention of mentoring young men of whom were at risk. We wanted to provide both group and one on one counciling, while introducing them to new environments that would spur growth, self confidence, and a thirst for higher education.”

Leighton Phillips

Chief Warrent Officer, US Navy

The reason I wanted to serve my communities youths through mentoring with Brothers-In-Arms, I grew up in a house with an available but detached dad like most people of color. However, I was judged as being lucky – why? Because most of my friends did not have a father figure at home and although I longed for my father’s attention, I still had something to hold onto. Many had nothing they could relate to as a male value system, be it a system of standard, ethics or discipline. The end result of this missing identity for a young man always leads to a desire to be a part of something that will cultivate untamed control. This leads to young men who will do anything to get what they need to survive, be recognized and valued which 90% of the time leads to them making the wrong choices. Unfortunately, this is a systemic issue in our community (disenfranchised). What are we left with? Gangs, suicidal thoughts, abuse, drug use, under educated and over incarceration of our kids. I believed being educated on the system that cultivated and supported this reality and being exposed to the daily struggles our young people faced inspired me to mentor and guide them. I am making an effort to change the narrative and mindset of our young people with the goal being to impact our community one young man at a time. With the help of 4 like minded passionate and disciplined leaders by the name Gayle, Antonio, Johnny, and Dwayne we tried to create positive changes in the lives of our young men under the banner of Brothers-In-Arms.

Johnny Ford

Master Chief, US Navy, Retired

“My motivation and inspiration for mentoring the youth is because I had mentors who assisted in changing the trajectory of my life, seeing traits in me that I never saw in myself.

I thrive on introducing youth to new experiences, sharing positive values and helping people avoid negative behaviors and achieve success.”

Robert Eugene Porter

Lt. Colonel, US Army, Retired

Initial Founder of the Brothers with Buddies program in 1982

Because Lt. Col. Porter is no longer with us, in lieu of a direct quote, we would like to shine a light on his accomplishments:

Aside from being Gertrude’s Brother-in-law, He established the ROTC program at Raines High School in Jacksonville, for which he was honored by the school with the building being named after him. He served as Raines ROTC Commander, proudly, for 20 years.

Thank you to our volunteer mentors. All involved have been both active duty and retired veterans. Your service to this country and our community has been both immeasurable and invaluable!