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Norfolk drill sergeant and coach inspires, motivates students

Norfolk drill sergeant and coach inspires, motivates students
Posted at 9:00 PM, Apr 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-17 21:52:16-04

NORFOLK, Va. - Norview High School's NJROTC program is top notch. Members of the program like student, Drake Moraczewski say 1st Sgt. Chris Bertrand is the driving force, "He's always pushing us. I've never met someone who motivates people as much as 1st Sgt. does. That's why we're as successful as we are as a team--just motivation... he bleeds motivation."
He is also no nonsense says another member, senior Joshua Washington, "His methods are straight from the corps, so you know it's a little like, he can get loud but at the same time he has the loving care as a parent would, you know what I mean?"

Parents like, Kym Halsted love him too for how he's able to transform the students. "He makes them grow up. He makes them grow up quickly, but in a good way. He instills a sense of loyalty, a sense of wanting to be a part of something bigger of responsibility."
Another mother of a former student, Regina Morlino adds the impact he's had goes beyond Norview High, "And it's not just about ROTC though that's a huge part, it's about being leaders, it's about being accountable, it's about being responsible young men and women for the future leaders."

It was Theresa  Sailor who nominated him in this email. "This person is the most self sacrificing, caring person I know. I know it all comes from his heart. This man is a God-send to Norview High School!"

For those reasons, 1st Sgt. Bertrand was presented with a News 3 People Taking Action award along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank. 1st Sgt. Bertrand was grateful but adds after serving 22 years in the Marine Corps, he wasn't finished serving. "If I can go ahead and save one and go ahead and instill something and guide them and then so be it. That's going help the country. I'm still doing my service to the country."