Once again, the cadets of AFJROTC Unit MD-901 AFJROTC at Eleanor Roosevelt High School are having a very busy, and successful, school year. The cadets of the corps have participated in many different events, ranging from drill meets to roadside clean up, and have worn their uniforms with pride and self-confidence.
Cadets were busy before the school year began, when the Color Guard presented the Colors at the summer graduation ceremony for the Prince George’s County Summer School Program, and again at the ninth grade orientation assembly, and the ninth grade parents dinner. Also, four cadets attended the National Capital Area Youth Leadership Conference at St. John’s College in Annapolis and another ten cadets attended P.G. County Joint Cadet Officer Leadership Training at Camp Schmidt. Both of these sessions challenged the cadets academically and physically, and gave them invaluable leadership training for the rest of their lives.
The 2008-2009 school year kicked off with the Greenbelt Labor Day and the Eleanor Roosevelt High School homecoming parades which gave new, and experienced, cadets the idea of teamwork and pride as they marched together in front of cheering and appreciative crowds. The next major event for the first year cadets was their “orientation camp”, where their very busy days began at the crack of dawn and ended at around 10 PM. At this training they learned the basic skills and knowledge necessary for success in AFJROTC and participated in fitness training, problem-solving exercises, and also learned more advanced drill and ceremony skills.
The year continued with the annual Thanksgiving breakfast – and this year’s turn out was fantastic. There, cadets shared the holiday with other corps cadets, their parents, teachers, administrators, and other friends. The food was great and prepared by our own cafeteria staff that morning – a good time was had by all. In December, the cadets enjoyed the second annual holiday party. The event was the result of the generosity of the Greenbelt American Legion who provided the location and a delicious spaghetti dinner free of charge. Cadets were in the holiday spirit, dressed for success as they enjoyed the meal, each other, and holiday games and prizes.
The unit’s drill team has also had a successful first half of the year. Operations Commander, C/2 Lt. Dayana Alexander, has formed and trained highly skilled members of the precision team, honor guard, and color guard. The drill team has competed in three drill competitions this year, and is scheduled for future competitions. There are also plans for an “exhibition drill team” that is causing excitement in the corps. The swift movements, rippling rifles and the lively beat of the unarmed team have always put on a heart-stopping performance for the judges and audiences.
The unit’s Color Guard presented the colors at all of our Raiders’ home football games, and at a variety of other school and local events such as the Veteran’s Day ceremony in Old Greenbelt, where respect was paid to those veterans who have served in our armed forces. The Color Guard is one of the unit’s most visible community services and in addition to the previously mentioned events they performed at Back To School Night, the United Negro College Fund Martin Luther King Breakfast, and the NASA 50th Anniversary celebration to name a few. The active and professional Color Guard has earned its reputation of excellence throughout Prince George’s County.
Twice this year our cadets have visited the Morningside Assisted Living Center in Laurel to spend time with the residents. During the holiday season we served dinner and helped Santa Claus distribute presents at their Christmas party, and at the Valentine party cadets socialized and danced with the residents. The involvement is really gratifying to both the cadets and the residents. Cadets are constantly enthusiastic about interacting with the senior citizens. The residents share stories and ideas with the cadets, and get a jolt of energy, especially when the lively music is turned on and everyone moves to the dance floor.
The unit has also been asked to perform several escort duties for our school. The cadets have escorted at hosted at events such as the Open House, Science Fair, and Elective Fair, and willingly and proudly volunteer their free time in support of ERHS.
Cadets who have earned and maintained a 3.0 GPA were inducted into the Kitty Hawk Air Society (KHAS). Members are expected to perform community service and one of the ways the do so is by the Adopt-A-Road project. They help to maintain Cipriano Road every three months. KHAS members also serve as tutors to other JROTC cadets two days per week.
The AFJROTC Program is truly a rewarding experience for students. Cadets learn leadership skills, interpersonal skills and character education. They are proud of what they do and know that the JROTC experience has prepared them well for whatever they pursue after high school.