2017 - 2018
Willard WHS NJROTC Cadets Visit U.S. Air Force Academy
Aug. 31, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—“I can’t believe they let me connect the Air Force glider to the tow plane!” said Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Sam Shackelford. Shackelford was part of a group of 23 cadets from Willard High School (WHS) Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) team that recently travelled to the Air Force Academy.
Shackelford, who is a sophomore at WHS, added, “I also really liked flying the Air Force aircraft trainers. They were very realistic.” Shackelford added he is considering a career in the military.
The purpose of the trip according to the WHS NJROTC Battalion Commander, Cadet Commander Tory Butler was to give the cadets a good appreciation for what goes on at the Air Force Academy. “Some of our cadets were interested to see if they might want to apply to go to the Academy,” she noted. “After the trip many of them said they are now going to apply later in their school career.”
Other Cadets going on the trip included: Lieutenant Commanders Nautika Cruse and Haley Wingender; Petty Officer Second Class, Hailey Fitzanko, William Dupire, Charles Fuller, Andrew Kidwell, Jack Miller, Alex Rowe, Hayden Simmons, Damian Christensen, and Jacob Akeman; Petty Officer Third Class Garrett Smith and Dominick Marble; and Seaman Recruit, Kylie McRee, Ashlin Howell, Emily Lacy, Christopher Chism, Gauge Duncan, Jason Waller, Austin Lee and Ethan Montgomery.
At the Academy airfield cadets toured the glider facilities, visited the control tower and had to opportunity to hook up gliders and move them around. Dupire also was able to hook up a glider. “It was amazing,” he said. “I was really surprised they let me do it and it was a lot of fun.”
The cadets also got to see the athletic facilities at the Academy. Wingender said she was “amazed at how many different venues are available for cadets to participate.” She also said they had an Olympic sized swimming pool, a diving pool, several giant gymnasiums, an indoor football field, numerous tennis courts, an ice skating rink, several outdoor fields to include football, baseball and soccer and just about everything you can imagine.
One highlight of the trip was a visit to the futuristic looking chapel. Built in the 1950’s many of the students were impressed with its unique shape and beautiful windows. Rowe said, “I loved the fact that they had all of the different worship centers in the same building. On the top floor it was the Protestant Chapel, on the second floor the Catholic Church and on the third floor the Jewish Synagogue and room for other religions, “he noted.
While the cadets were in Colorado Springs they also visited the “Garden of the Gods.” The park includes an amazing set of terra cotta peaks made out of sandstone that visitors can climb. Kidwell said, “The Garden of the Gods was cool because I got to climb the rocks, so that was my highlight.”
On the way out to Colorado Springs the team stopped at Bent’s Old Fort which is the site of an 1833 encampment. The main purpose of the settlement was to provide a trading post to trade for buffalo robes with Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Plains Indians and trappers. The cadets were able to learn about the history for the old fort and got the chance to stretch their legs from the long trip to Colorado. Lacy said her favorite part was, “The view from the top of the fort and the animals that wandered inside of it.”
According to the leader of the group, Navy Captain Steve Burnett, the trip was a great success. “We had a great trip and cadets got learn a lot about the Air Force Academy,” he noted. “We like to make sure our cadets get to learn about all the services and experience the local culture. We couldn’t do these trips without the great support from our School Board and our High School Administration.”
Aug. 31, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—“I can’t believe they let me connect the Air Force glider to the tow plane!” said Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Sam Shackelford. Shackelford was part of a group of 23 cadets from Willard High School (WHS) Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) team that recently travelled to the Air Force Academy.
Shackelford, who is a sophomore at WHS, added, “I also really liked flying the Air Force aircraft trainers. They were very realistic.” Shackelford added he is considering a career in the military.
The purpose of the trip according to the WHS NJROTC Battalion Commander, Cadet Commander Tory Butler was to give the cadets a good appreciation for what goes on at the Air Force Academy. “Some of our cadets were interested to see if they might want to apply to go to the Academy,” she noted. “After the trip many of them said they are now going to apply later in their school career.”
Other Cadets going on the trip included: Lieutenant Commanders Nautika Cruse and Haley Wingender; Petty Officer Second Class, Hailey Fitzanko, William Dupire, Charles Fuller, Andrew Kidwell, Jack Miller, Alex Rowe, Hayden Simmons, Damian Christensen, and Jacob Akeman; Petty Officer Third Class Garrett Smith and Dominick Marble; and Seaman Recruit, Kylie McRee, Ashlin Howell, Emily Lacy, Christopher Chism, Gauge Duncan, Jason Waller, Austin Lee and Ethan Montgomery.
At the Academy airfield cadets toured the glider facilities, visited the control tower and had to opportunity to hook up gliders and move them around. Dupire also was able to hook up a glider. “It was amazing,” he said. “I was really surprised they let me do it and it was a lot of fun.”
The cadets also got to see the athletic facilities at the Academy. Wingender said she was “amazed at how many different venues are available for cadets to participate.” She also said they had an Olympic sized swimming pool, a diving pool, several giant gymnasiums, an indoor football field, numerous tennis courts, an ice skating rink, several outdoor fields to include football, baseball and soccer and just about everything you can imagine.
One highlight of the trip was a visit to the futuristic looking chapel. Built in the 1950’s many of the students were impressed with its unique shape and beautiful windows. Rowe said, “I loved the fact that they had all of the different worship centers in the same building. On the top floor it was the Protestant Chapel, on the second floor the Catholic Church and on the third floor the Jewish Synagogue and room for other religions, “he noted.
While the cadets were in Colorado Springs they also visited the “Garden of the Gods.” The park includes an amazing set of terra cotta peaks made out of sandstone that visitors can climb. Kidwell said, “The Garden of the Gods was cool because I got to climb the rocks, so that was my highlight.”
On the way out to Colorado Springs the team stopped at Bent’s Old Fort which is the site of an 1833 encampment. The main purpose of the settlement was to provide a trading post to trade for buffalo robes with Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Plains Indians and trappers. The cadets were able to learn about the history for the old fort and got the chance to stretch their legs from the long trip to Colorado. Lacy said her favorite part was, “The view from the top of the fort and the animals that wandered inside of it.”
According to the leader of the group, Navy Captain Steve Burnett, the trip was a great success. “We had a great trip and cadets got learn a lot about the Air Force Academy,” he noted. “We like to make sure our cadets get to learn about all the services and experience the local culture. We couldn’t do these trips without the great support from our School Board and our High School Administration.”
2016 - 2017
CMP Junior Olympics
For Immediate Release 27 Feb. 2017
Willard, Mo.—“It was amazing to so many precision shooters!, “ said cadet Lieutenant Kasey Rowe, commanding officer of the Willard High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) shooting team. Rowe and his team hosted over 80 shooters from 10 different organizations and schools in the Civilian Marksmanship Program State Junior Olympics Shooting Match recently (Saturday, Feb. 25) at Willard High School.
The match was a three position air rifle event for both sporter and precision shooters. Rowe noted, “The precision rifles start at about $2,000 and go up from there and just the shooting outfit they wear costs over $500.” He added, “The first, second and third place teams and individual overall shooters got gold, silver and bronze medals.”
Winners at the match in the individual sporter division included: Elizabeth Vigneaux in first place and Hayden Steelman in second place both from Ozark High School Army JROTC, and Jacob Moore in third place from Pacific High School Marine Corps JROTC. Winners in the individual precision division included: Adam Stemmler in first place and Liam Quinlisk in second place both from St. Louis University High School, and Devin Schwindt in third place. The winners in the team sporter category were: Ozark High School AJROTC in first place, Pacific High School MCJROTC in second place, and Republic High School AFJROTC in third place. Winners in the team precision division were: St. Louis University High School Blue Team in first place, St. Louis University High School White Team in second place, and St. Louis University High School Silver Team in third place.
Other schools participating in the match included: McDonald County High School AJROTC, Mid-Missouri Academy, Missouri 4H and Willard High School NJROTC. Teams were composed of shooters with various levels of shooting experience. The St. Louis University High School precision teams were notably composed of all first and second year shooters.
For many of the cadets from the various schools, rifle team holds an important place in their lives. Lauren Frealy from Ozark AJROTC said, “Rifle team has given me a sense of stability since my freshman year. It has taught me the importance of focus and discipline.” A cadet from Pacific High School MCJROTC also commented, “Lots of students don’t have a program they can make theirs. I’ve been able to make rifle team my team, and make many new friends I now call family.”
Many cadets, as well as other volunteers gave their time to help out at the match. Cadet Lieutenant Derek Conti, executive officer of the Willard High School NJROTC Rifle Team said, “Our goals for the match was to have no accidents, and to make sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. I happy to report that is exactly what happened.”
Overall the match was a success, according to retired Navy Captain Steve Burnett, the Senior Naval Science Instructor and shooting coach at Willard NJROTC. Burnett said, “I couldn’t be prouder of how all the cadets handled themselves. It was a great match and great learning event.” He added, “We hope to sponsor the Junior Olympics again next year.
For Immediate Release 27 Feb. 2017
Willard, Mo.—“It was amazing to so many precision shooters!, “ said cadet Lieutenant Kasey Rowe, commanding officer of the Willard High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) shooting team. Rowe and his team hosted over 80 shooters from 10 different organizations and schools in the Civilian Marksmanship Program State Junior Olympics Shooting Match recently (Saturday, Feb. 25) at Willard High School.
The match was a three position air rifle event for both sporter and precision shooters. Rowe noted, “The precision rifles start at about $2,000 and go up from there and just the shooting outfit they wear costs over $500.” He added, “The first, second and third place teams and individual overall shooters got gold, silver and bronze medals.”
Winners at the match in the individual sporter division included: Elizabeth Vigneaux in first place and Hayden Steelman in second place both from Ozark High School Army JROTC, and Jacob Moore in third place from Pacific High School Marine Corps JROTC. Winners in the individual precision division included: Adam Stemmler in first place and Liam Quinlisk in second place both from St. Louis University High School, and Devin Schwindt in third place. The winners in the team sporter category were: Ozark High School AJROTC in first place, Pacific High School MCJROTC in second place, and Republic High School AFJROTC in third place. Winners in the team precision division were: St. Louis University High School Blue Team in first place, St. Louis University High School White Team in second place, and St. Louis University High School Silver Team in third place.
Other schools participating in the match included: McDonald County High School AJROTC, Mid-Missouri Academy, Missouri 4H and Willard High School NJROTC. Teams were composed of shooters with various levels of shooting experience. The St. Louis University High School precision teams were notably composed of all first and second year shooters.
For many of the cadets from the various schools, rifle team holds an important place in their lives. Lauren Frealy from Ozark AJROTC said, “Rifle team has given me a sense of stability since my freshman year. It has taught me the importance of focus and discipline.” A cadet from Pacific High School MCJROTC also commented, “Lots of students don’t have a program they can make theirs. I’ve been able to make rifle team my team, and make many new friends I now call family.”
Many cadets, as well as other volunteers gave their time to help out at the match. Cadet Lieutenant Derek Conti, executive officer of the Willard High School NJROTC Rifle Team said, “Our goals for the match was to have no accidents, and to make sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. I happy to report that is exactly what happened.”
Overall the match was a success, according to retired Navy Captain Steve Burnett, the Senior Naval Science Instructor and shooting coach at Willard NJROTC. Burnett said, “I couldn’t be prouder of how all the cadets handled themselves. It was a great match and great learning event.” He added, “We hope to sponsor the Junior Olympics again next year.
2015 - 2016
Lubbock National Qualifiers
The small town of Willard, known for the great education, amazing sports and family based settings, is looking at some great things in the near future. Willard High School NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Training Corps) Drill Team celebrates the recent victory this past weekend. As we may know sports have different seasons in which they practice, play, and perform but one thing most don’t know about the Willard High School NJROTC Drill Team is they practice, have competitions, and work together year round. Starting in August and not ending until April.
As part of the unit's drill team Cadet Commander Coral Rios (senior) was asked “What was the most challenging part of the school year preparing you for this moment?”. Her response was outstanding, “I think the most difficult part of this year up to this point is and probably will be understanding the movement of our drill team as whole. To know everything that happens and be supportive. It’s not easy, but who ever said family was easy.” This group of high school kids spend every morning before school and afternoon after school together.
Willard High School’s NJROTC unit spent many hours, days, weekends and evenings preparing for the weekend of February 20th. That weekend would decide if they worked hard enough to earn a spot in the Navy Nationals in Pensacola, Florida on April 1st and 2nd. The cadets in the unit practiced Unarmed Basic Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Basic Regulation, Armed Exhibition, Color Guard, Academics and P.T. (physical training).
The cadets hit the road at roughly 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th. Driving 12 hours to Lubbock, Texas for a chance at nationals, all the cadets are anxious for the competition. Once the drill team arrived they spent 2 hours practicing for the next day: fixing small mistakes and perfecting routines.
Saturday morning came around at an early 4 am for the girls: getting hair done for the challenging day ahead of them. Boys awoke at 5 o’clock. Heading to the school at 7:30 to prepare for the first thing of the day: Unit Personnel Inspection. Each cadet was asked questions relating back to the Navy and basic knowledge questions they are required to know. After unit personnel inspection came Unarmed Basic Regulation, Armed Basic Regulations, Color Guard, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Exhibition and Academics. Athletic events are as follows; push ups, sit up, 100 meter run and 200 meter run.
Cadet Katelyn Graham (junior) was asked, “How was competing in your first PT event knowing this will have a major outcome on nationals for you?” “I felt nervous but I was confident that I did great! It may have been my first time doing any PT event but I couldn’t let down my family.” Some outstanding cadets in the PT areas are cadet Jacob Shackelford (sophomore) and cadet Jordan Fancher (senior) for sit ups doing each roughly 250 each. Cadets Drew Wirth (junior) and Noah Peters (sophomore) for push ups doing roughly 50.
At the end of the competition Willard felt extremely proud of what they accomplished throughout the day. After everything was done, it was time for awards. Willard placed third in Unarmed Basic Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Regulations and Academics. Took second in Armed Exhibition and Athletics, and fourth in Color Guard. Ending the day with an overall placement of second place and earning a spot in Navy Nationals in April of 2016.
Cadet Jacob Nelson (senior) stated, “We bicker, argue, and disagree on a lot of things. Being stuck on a school bus for upteen hours with 40 other kids will wear on anyone’s nerves; however, we came together as a team, as a family and for that I am proud of them.”
At the end of the day the Willard NJROTC Drill Team worked extremely hard and earning a chance to get to go to nationals. As they head on their way home they shake the hands of other schools who competed with them. MSGT McClelland stated, “You know, these kids put in a lot of time and effort. They worked their butts off and it showed today. Now, we prepare for the road ahead: Nationals.”
In the Unarmed events, the cadets that competed for Willard was as follows: Catlyn Galligher, Butler, Haley Wingender, Jasmin Felin, Shelbey Kling, Katelyn Graham, Amy Miller, Jacob Nelson, Jordan Fancher, Shane McHaffie, Alan Swann, Thomas Adcock, Brayden Shell, Jonathan Duvall and Colton Milholland. For the Armed events on Willard’s team was as follows: Coral Rios, Lisa Eldred, Nautika Cruise, Michallia Worley, Marenna Ogle, Hallie Boyd, Jacob Shackelford, Drew Wirth, Kosmin Todea, Julian Erickson, Chase Hicks, Alex Wittmaier, Isaiah Marshall and Colton Key. There were two people who competed solely in only Athletics for Willard which were Ethan Gannon and Micah O’Malley.
The small town of Willard, known for the great education, amazing sports and family based settings, is looking at some great things in the near future. Willard High School NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Training Corps) Drill Team celebrates the recent victory this past weekend. As we may know sports have different seasons in which they practice, play, and perform but one thing most don’t know about the Willard High School NJROTC Drill Team is they practice, have competitions, and work together year round. Starting in August and not ending until April.
As part of the unit's drill team Cadet Commander Coral Rios (senior) was asked “What was the most challenging part of the school year preparing you for this moment?”. Her response was outstanding, “I think the most difficult part of this year up to this point is and probably will be understanding the movement of our drill team as whole. To know everything that happens and be supportive. It’s not easy, but who ever said family was easy.” This group of high school kids spend every morning before school and afternoon after school together.
Willard High School’s NJROTC unit spent many hours, days, weekends and evenings preparing for the weekend of February 20th. That weekend would decide if they worked hard enough to earn a spot in the Navy Nationals in Pensacola, Florida on April 1st and 2nd. The cadets in the unit practiced Unarmed Basic Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Basic Regulation, Armed Exhibition, Color Guard, Academics and P.T. (physical training).
The cadets hit the road at roughly 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th. Driving 12 hours to Lubbock, Texas for a chance at nationals, all the cadets are anxious for the competition. Once the drill team arrived they spent 2 hours practicing for the next day: fixing small mistakes and perfecting routines.
Saturday morning came around at an early 4 am for the girls: getting hair done for the challenging day ahead of them. Boys awoke at 5 o’clock. Heading to the school at 7:30 to prepare for the first thing of the day: Unit Personnel Inspection. Each cadet was asked questions relating back to the Navy and basic knowledge questions they are required to know. After unit personnel inspection came Unarmed Basic Regulation, Armed Basic Regulations, Color Guard, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Exhibition and Academics. Athletic events are as follows; push ups, sit up, 100 meter run and 200 meter run.
Cadet Katelyn Graham (junior) was asked, “How was competing in your first PT event knowing this will have a major outcome on nationals for you?” “I felt nervous but I was confident that I did great! It may have been my first time doing any PT event but I couldn’t let down my family.” Some outstanding cadets in the PT areas are cadet Jacob Shackelford (sophomore) and cadet Jordan Fancher (senior) for sit ups doing each roughly 250 each. Cadets Drew Wirth (junior) and Noah Peters (sophomore) for push ups doing roughly 50.
At the end of the competition Willard felt extremely proud of what they accomplished throughout the day. After everything was done, it was time for awards. Willard placed third in Unarmed Basic Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Regulations and Academics. Took second in Armed Exhibition and Athletics, and fourth in Color Guard. Ending the day with an overall placement of second place and earning a spot in Navy Nationals in April of 2016.
Cadet Jacob Nelson (senior) stated, “We bicker, argue, and disagree on a lot of things. Being stuck on a school bus for upteen hours with 40 other kids will wear on anyone’s nerves; however, we came together as a team, as a family and for that I am proud of them.”
At the end of the day the Willard NJROTC Drill Team worked extremely hard and earning a chance to get to go to nationals. As they head on their way home they shake the hands of other schools who competed with them. MSGT McClelland stated, “You know, these kids put in a lot of time and effort. They worked their butts off and it showed today. Now, we prepare for the road ahead: Nationals.”
In the Unarmed events, the cadets that competed for Willard was as follows: Catlyn Galligher, Butler, Haley Wingender, Jasmin Felin, Shelbey Kling, Katelyn Graham, Amy Miller, Jacob Nelson, Jordan Fancher, Shane McHaffie, Alan Swann, Thomas Adcock, Brayden Shell, Jonathan Duvall and Colton Milholland. For the Armed events on Willard’s team was as follows: Coral Rios, Lisa Eldred, Nautika Cruise, Michallia Worley, Marenna Ogle, Hallie Boyd, Jacob Shackelford, Drew Wirth, Kosmin Todea, Julian Erickson, Chase Hicks, Alex Wittmaier, Isaiah Marshall and Colton Key. There were two people who competed solely in only Athletics for Willard which were Ethan Gannon and Micah O’Malley.
Veterans Day
On the 11th month on the 11th day in the 11th hour and the 11th minute is a major remembrance for our country. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day is a holiday to never forget for the small community of Willard Missouri. The Willard community is one of the most family based communities we have around the springfield area. For Willard High school's NJROTC SNSI Captain Burnett states “We make a big deal out this day! This day is meant to celebrate the men and women who have served our country. Together we stand as a unit to honor our fellow hero's.”
The Willard NJROTC cadets man the rails as we welcome the veterans into our community. Throughout the service the high school showed their respect for each veteran by playing and recognizing each branch in our armed forces. “As each flag was presented and the song played we all felt the sense of peace overwhelm us for the amount of gratitude we have for those who served for our country” said cadet Jennifer Shipley.
The guest speaker informed our student body that if you set your mind to anything, then anything is capable. Never short yourself out for what you think is possible when we can strive for our bests at all costs. In conclusion to the veteran’s day service, a video of the relations of student’s family, friends who served for our country, and former students played. Cadet Randolph states, “There’s an overwhelming sense of joy and sadness when this video plays every year. It makes us realize what we should be grateful for and keep an open eye on. I’m truly grateful for what my country has given me.”
On the 11th month on the 11th day in the 11th hour and the 11th minute is a major remembrance for our country. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day is a holiday to never forget for the small community of Willard Missouri. The Willard community is one of the most family based communities we have around the springfield area. For Willard High school's NJROTC SNSI Captain Burnett states “We make a big deal out this day! This day is meant to celebrate the men and women who have served our country. Together we stand as a unit to honor our fellow hero's.”
The Willard NJROTC cadets man the rails as we welcome the veterans into our community. Throughout the service the high school showed their respect for each veteran by playing and recognizing each branch in our armed forces. “As each flag was presented and the song played we all felt the sense of peace overwhelm us for the amount of gratitude we have for those who served for our country” said cadet Jennifer Shipley.
The guest speaker informed our student body that if you set your mind to anything, then anything is capable. Never short yourself out for what you think is possible when we can strive for our bests at all costs. In conclusion to the veteran’s day service, a video of the relations of student’s family, friends who served for our country, and former students played. Cadet Randolph states, “There’s an overwhelming sense of joy and sadness when this video plays every year. It makes us realize what we should be grateful for and keep an open eye on. I’m truly grateful for what my country has given me.”
Pacific Shooting Match
As the year progresses so does the amount of effort the Willard High school NJROTC shooting program have fulfilled! This past week Willard’s shooting team went to the city of Pacific for the yearly meet. “Were you excited about the bus ride up to Pacific?” Cadet Haley Wingender answered, “Yes I was! It’s a perfect time to get to relax and keep our heart rates down. It’s a great way to keep us all calm at least until the match was over.” Pacific being only 3 hours away is a yearly match that the shooting team competes at and does fairly well. This year we took 4 experienced shooters, Cadets: Brandon Hounslow, Elliot Smith, Justin Hudson and Luke Sharp and 4 novice shooters, Cadets: Haley Wingender, Katelyn Graham, Michea O’Malley, and Colten Key.
Throughout the time spent on the bus a few cadets told us what they did to keep calm and keep the heart rate down. Cadet Luke Sharp stated “I listen to my music and kept my mind busy but clear, I didn’t over think it but let just enough come in to allow a peaceful bus ride up there.”
“When we got there we all helped unload everything and brought it up to the firing line”, said Cadet Brandon Hounslow. “Making sure everything is organized and is in place right before we need to shoot is the most important part of that match. For all the novice to understand the proper way to hang targets and how to use their prep time.” “The CNSI for Pacific, Gunner, had told us once we put our hands on that trigger and we shoot that ten, that’s when the hard work pays off!” Says Michea O’Malley
As a result of all the cadets time and dedication the experienced team ended up in 3rd and the novice team ended in 2nd place. Cadet Wingender also shot a person best of 246. Captain Burnett says, “I’m very proud of my cadets and what they have to offer, now when we can get hirer in the scores it will definitely be a great year!” It hasn’t stopped yet, the Willard NJROTC shooting team is making their way up to the top!
As the year progresses so does the amount of effort the Willard High school NJROTC shooting program have fulfilled! This past week Willard’s shooting team went to the city of Pacific for the yearly meet. “Were you excited about the bus ride up to Pacific?” Cadet Haley Wingender answered, “Yes I was! It’s a perfect time to get to relax and keep our heart rates down. It’s a great way to keep us all calm at least until the match was over.” Pacific being only 3 hours away is a yearly match that the shooting team competes at and does fairly well. This year we took 4 experienced shooters, Cadets: Brandon Hounslow, Elliot Smith, Justin Hudson and Luke Sharp and 4 novice shooters, Cadets: Haley Wingender, Katelyn Graham, Michea O’Malley, and Colten Key.
Throughout the time spent on the bus a few cadets told us what they did to keep calm and keep the heart rate down. Cadet Luke Sharp stated “I listen to my music and kept my mind busy but clear, I didn’t over think it but let just enough come in to allow a peaceful bus ride up there.”
“When we got there we all helped unload everything and brought it up to the firing line”, said Cadet Brandon Hounslow. “Making sure everything is organized and is in place right before we need to shoot is the most important part of that match. For all the novice to understand the proper way to hang targets and how to use their prep time.” “The CNSI for Pacific, Gunner, had told us once we put our hands on that trigger and we shoot that ten, that’s when the hard work pays off!” Says Michea O’Malley
As a result of all the cadets time and dedication the experienced team ended up in 3rd and the novice team ended in 2nd place. Cadet Wingender also shot a person best of 246. Captain Burnett says, “I’m very proud of my cadets and what they have to offer, now when we can get hirer in the scores it will definitely be a great year!” It hasn’t stopped yet, the Willard NJROTC shooting team is making their way up to the top!
Bass Pro Shooting Match
Willard NJROTC has upheld many different titles throughout the years for the little town. We have many different programs that go on throughout the high school: ROTC is just one of them. In the classrooms we sat down with Captain Burnett the SNSI (senior naval science instructor) of the program and asked him, how can students get involved? “Our program has many things we do for our community. We have a drill team and we also have a shooting team.” When asked what is it you do to compete in the shooting team the answer we got gave interest to many through the large program. “After practicing for many days in the various positions we must maintain for the competition, we sign up the cadets who have shown the most improvement and the most dedication up to compete.” The students at competition will need to understand and maintain the proper technique for the shooting competition.
On October 2nd the annual Bass Pro Shooting competition was held at Ozark high school. Willard NJROTC unit took four experienced shooters and four beginner shooters. Out of 32 schools the experienced shooters came out in third place. The competition was just around two hours long. The shooters shot a 3x20, which means they shoot two targets of each position: prone, kneeling and standing. When we asked what was the most difficult part of the shooting match for you beginner shooter cadet Graham said, “I think it was not whenever I was shooting but yet right before then. Keeping a level of focus and calm is very difficult at a shooting match. Making sure you to breath in slow, even paces to keep your heartrate down is very important. If there’s not focus, there’s no good outcome.”
What needs to happen to be able to go to a shooting competition? Shooting everyday and only shooting one target a day won’t get you to where you will need to be to compete. Capt. Burnett has put a lot of time and effort into our shooting team to make it as reconcilable as it is today. Cadet Wingender had told us, “My ultimate goal for this year is to improve accuracy. To keep a consistent pace with how long I shoot, how I shoot and the long terms from how I shoot.” Looks like this year will be a shinning year for the local high schools NJROTC shooting team.
Willard NJROTC has upheld many different titles throughout the years for the little town. We have many different programs that go on throughout the high school: ROTC is just one of them. In the classrooms we sat down with Captain Burnett the SNSI (senior naval science instructor) of the program and asked him, how can students get involved? “Our program has many things we do for our community. We have a drill team and we also have a shooting team.” When asked what is it you do to compete in the shooting team the answer we got gave interest to many through the large program. “After practicing for many days in the various positions we must maintain for the competition, we sign up the cadets who have shown the most improvement and the most dedication up to compete.” The students at competition will need to understand and maintain the proper technique for the shooting competition.
On October 2nd the annual Bass Pro Shooting competition was held at Ozark high school. Willard NJROTC unit took four experienced shooters and four beginner shooters. Out of 32 schools the experienced shooters came out in third place. The competition was just around two hours long. The shooters shot a 3x20, which means they shoot two targets of each position: prone, kneeling and standing. When we asked what was the most difficult part of the shooting match for you beginner shooter cadet Graham said, “I think it was not whenever I was shooting but yet right before then. Keeping a level of focus and calm is very difficult at a shooting match. Making sure you to breath in slow, even paces to keep your heartrate down is very important. If there’s not focus, there’s no good outcome.”
What needs to happen to be able to go to a shooting competition? Shooting everyday and only shooting one target a day won’t get you to where you will need to be to compete. Capt. Burnett has put a lot of time and effort into our shooting team to make it as reconcilable as it is today. Cadet Wingender had told us, “My ultimate goal for this year is to improve accuracy. To keep a consistent pace with how long I shoot, how I shoot and the long terms from how I shoot.” Looks like this year will be a shinning year for the local high schools NJROTC shooting team.
Tennessee National Qualifiers
This drill meet is probably one most important to the drill teams nationwide which is why there were so many excellent schools that participated in this drill meet. The schools were Anderson, Bearden, Cherokee, Cocke County, Crockett, Sullivan East, Volunteer, and Willard. The first place team gets to continue to Nationals which Cocke County took. Willard placed second which is still extremely good, especially with how well the other teams were.
Willard placed third in color guard. They took second in academics, armed platoon exhibition, and unarmed platoon basic drill. They placed first in athletics, unarmed platoon exhibition, and unit personnel inspection.
The people who participated in athletics only were Gannon and Stagner. There were Adcock, Butler, Conti, Duvall, Fancher, Felin, Graham, Kling, McHaffie, Milholland, Miller, Nelson, Peters, Shell, Swann, and Wingender who participated in unarmed drill. The people who participated in armed were Cruse, Eldred, Erickson, Galligher, Hicks, Marshall, Nelson, Ogle, Randolph, Reyes, Rios, Shackelford, Tallent, Todea, With, Wittmaier, and Worley.
Everyone from Willard was rather disappointed that they don’t get to move onto nationals, but they were still happy and proud of their team for taking second. Graham said that, “I was looking forward to going to nationals, but we still did really good and all of the schools were very good competitors.”
They will be practicing before and after school to prepare their team for the next drill meet. Willard will be competing next in Ozark on December 5th. They look forward to doing their best and getting that first place trophy.
This drill meet is probably one most important to the drill teams nationwide which is why there were so many excellent schools that participated in this drill meet. The schools were Anderson, Bearden, Cherokee, Cocke County, Crockett, Sullivan East, Volunteer, and Willard. The first place team gets to continue to Nationals which Cocke County took. Willard placed second which is still extremely good, especially with how well the other teams were.
Willard placed third in color guard. They took second in academics, armed platoon exhibition, and unarmed platoon basic drill. They placed first in athletics, unarmed platoon exhibition, and unit personnel inspection.
The people who participated in athletics only were Gannon and Stagner. There were Adcock, Butler, Conti, Duvall, Fancher, Felin, Graham, Kling, McHaffie, Milholland, Miller, Nelson, Peters, Shell, Swann, and Wingender who participated in unarmed drill. The people who participated in armed were Cruse, Eldred, Erickson, Galligher, Hicks, Marshall, Nelson, Ogle, Randolph, Reyes, Rios, Shackelford, Tallent, Todea, With, Wittmaier, and Worley.
Everyone from Willard was rather disappointed that they don’t get to move onto nationals, but they were still happy and proud of their team for taking second. Graham said that, “I was looking forward to going to nationals, but we still did really good and all of the schools were very good competitors.”
They will be practicing before and after school to prepare their team for the next drill meet. Willard will be competing next in Ozark on December 5th. They look forward to doing their best and getting that first place trophy.
Willard Area 9 Qualifiers
Three schools including Shawnee Mission North (SMN), Shawnee Mission West (SMW), and Willard competed in the Area Nine Qualifiers. It was all a very close call all the way up to the athletic events while Willard had a score of 4,000 points and SMN had a score of 3,996 points for the drill portion of the meet.
The people who participated in unarmed were Adcock, Butler, Conti, Duvall, Fancher, Felin, Graham, Kling, McHaffie, Milholland, Miller, Nelson, Peters, Shell, Swann, and Wingender. Cruse, Eldred, Erickson, Galligher, Hicks, Marshall, Nelson, Ogle, Randolph, Reyes, Rios, Shackelford, Tallent, Todea, Wirth, Wittmaier, and Worley participated in the armed events. Gannon was the only person who only participated solely in the athletic events.
A majority of the seniors were really sad that it was their last time performing on their own turf. Swann said that, “Of course I’m sad that it will be my last time time performing at my own school, but at least we did good and I can’t wait until we go to Tennessee”. Most of the freshman were really nervous considering it was their first drill meet. Todea was one of those people and mentioned, “I was extremely nervous to be going on and performing for the first time, but we all did really good and now I can’t wait until the next drill meet”.
Willard ended up getting 2nd place in athletics, color guard, armed platoon exhibition and armed platoon basic. They took first place in tug of war, academics, unarmed platoon exhibition and unarmed platoon basic. They ended up receiving the 2nd place trophy for the overall drill meet.
The top two teams will continue on to Championship Qualifiers to try to get first place to continue on to Nationals. Willard will be on their way to Tennessee for their Championship Qualifiers on November 5, 2015.
Three schools including Shawnee Mission North (SMN), Shawnee Mission West (SMW), and Willard competed in the Area Nine Qualifiers. It was all a very close call all the way up to the athletic events while Willard had a score of 4,000 points and SMN had a score of 3,996 points for the drill portion of the meet.
The people who participated in unarmed were Adcock, Butler, Conti, Duvall, Fancher, Felin, Graham, Kling, McHaffie, Milholland, Miller, Nelson, Peters, Shell, Swann, and Wingender. Cruse, Eldred, Erickson, Galligher, Hicks, Marshall, Nelson, Ogle, Randolph, Reyes, Rios, Shackelford, Tallent, Todea, Wirth, Wittmaier, and Worley participated in the armed events. Gannon was the only person who only participated solely in the athletic events.
A majority of the seniors were really sad that it was their last time performing on their own turf. Swann said that, “Of course I’m sad that it will be my last time time performing at my own school, but at least we did good and I can’t wait until we go to Tennessee”. Most of the freshman were really nervous considering it was their first drill meet. Todea was one of those people and mentioned, “I was extremely nervous to be going on and performing for the first time, but we all did really good and now I can’t wait until the next drill meet”.
Willard ended up getting 2nd place in athletics, color guard, armed platoon exhibition and armed platoon basic. They took first place in tug of war, academics, unarmed platoon exhibition and unarmed platoon basic. They ended up receiving the 2nd place trophy for the overall drill meet.
The top two teams will continue on to Championship Qualifiers to try to get first place to continue on to Nationals. Willard will be on their way to Tennessee for their Championship Qualifiers on November 5, 2015.
Even As School Ends, Many Things Begin for Willard NJROTC
Willard Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) holds many different events throughout the school year and even continues into the summer. Opportunities are given to those who hold an interest in a specific field and for those who are still seeking their future plans. Also, different camps are held at the high school for those who are interested in joining either the Willard Drill Team or the Shooting Team. “We continue so many things in the summer,” Captain Burnett, Willard’s Senior Naval Science Instructor stated. “We open the doors to the incoming freshmen and any new student joining the family we’ve created. Not only do we include the newcomers, we also strive to help the sophomores and above.”
This summer was a busy one for Willard NJROTC’s Battalion Commander, cadet Commander Coral Rios. She spent a lot of her summer dedicated to further investing herself into her career interest of military aviation. Rios said, “After graduating I want to join either the Navy or the Marines."
Rios had three NJROTC related highlights of her summer vacation. The first was her visit to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland for its Summer Seminar. Rios has already started the application process to being accepted into the academy. While at the seminar, she was led around by a midshipman who showed her the ways of life in the academy. She also experienced what each day was like, and how to live in the structured and demanding lifestyle that is expected at the Naval Academy. Rios said she enjoyed her trip to Annapolis very much. In order for her to apply for the Naval Academy, some things had to be taken into consideration. She noted, "Those things are my performance in school, such as grades, student involvement, and also my rank in JROTC."
The second thing that Rios had the opportunity to do was a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma to fly an L-39 Jet Fighter. On this one-day trip, she was accompanied by Dr. Kent Medlin, Willard Schools Superintendent and Captain Burnett. When asking cadet Rios if she had flown before and where her love of Aviation came from, she said that she met a Navy student pilot in Pensacola on a drill trip and it made her realize how awesome it was. This summer she also got to go to AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, which is a large fly-in and airshow where she got to fly a Cessna Skycatcher.
Cadet Rios's last experience this summer was at Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Advanced Air Academy. During this trip, she got the opportunity to fly again in a Bell 47 helicopter and learn about aerodynamics. Cadet Coral Rios seems to have had an eventful summer. She said that she has Captain Burnett to thank for giving her these wonderful opportunities to help her towards pursuing her career.
Another event that Willard NJROTC engaged in took place during July. The following cadets went to the National Flight Academy (NFA) in Pensacola, FL: Derek Conti, Jacob Nelson, Marenna Ogle, Jacob Shackleford, and Kasey Rowe. NFA is in a building that is designed to replicate an aircraft carrier and the participants stay there for six days. During those six days, they learn multiple skills applicable to the aviation field like how to create a flight plan and how to pilot aircraft. This was an excellent time for the cadets to gain more exposure to the aviation department to help aid in their future decisions.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” cadet Lieutenant Commander Marenna Ogle, the commanding officer of Bravo Company, states. “I had a lot of fun while learning things that I would normally never be exposed to.” Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Shackleford agreed, “It was a life changing experience and one I will never forget. I recommend this to anyone who wants to pursue a career in aviation or someone who wants to gain new math, science, and communication skills.”
One of the many things that took place was the yearly Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) camp hosted at Ozark High School. CMP is a camp hosted by CMP instructors throughout the country. At the camp students learn to correct and perfect their shooting stance, focus, and most importantly, set goals. The theme was for the participants to perfect their goals before stepping foot on the range to help boost confidence. Cadets attending included: Derek Conti, Katelyn Graham, Isaiah Marshall, and Kasy Rowe.
Among the various camps and programs that are offered during the summer months for the Willard NJROTC cadets is Basic Leadership Training (BLT) and Leadership Academy (LA). Cadets first attend BLT and after they have completed the training, LA is available the following summer. These two programs help to bring out the confidence and leadership skills that are beneficial to the cadets both in the unit and in real life. There are a variety of physical and mental activities which help to enhance the skills previously mentioned. In BLT, these skills are discovered and honed in on and LA is designed to progress further in the journey.
The following Willard NJROTC cadets participated in Basic Leadership Training: Thomas Adcock, Bobbi Applegate, Tory Butler, Nautika Cruse, Taylor Davis, Lisa Eldred, Jasmine Felin, Ethan Gannon, Jeremy Midcap, Kris Reyes, Austin Seelye, Jacob Shackelford, and Luke Sharp. The cadets that participated in Leadership Academy are: Shane McHaffie, Colton Milholland, Brayden Shell, Elliot Smith, and Drew Wirth.
Hard work and dedication sets people aside in our unit. With cadet Katelyn Graham, both of those qualities were shown during a week-long video training camp. The Broadcasting camp was designed to help those who had an interest in Public Affairs. It is a camp that helps enhance writing skills, (particularly ones used in article writing), learn how to take pictures semi-professionally, and make movies.
“In this camp, I learned everything from the basics to the advanced material with broadcasting,” Cadet Katelyn Graham stated. “I will use the knowledge I gained from this camp to help get articles and stories out to the public with things that Willard NJROTC is involved in.”
One activity that Willard NJROTC took part in this summer was their Drill Camp. The week of July 20th through July 24th, incoming freshmen were invited to learn some of the basics. They also were introduced to the different drill teams offered, for example: Armed and Unarmed. While the rifles were brought out for the cadets to carry and march with, spinning the rifles was saved for later. Every summer this camp is offered for the newcomers to get some exposure to drill. For those who were and are interested in the drill team, the week is a way to get a good handle on things before the season begins.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Jacob Nelson, who is also the Drill Team Commander and the Commanding Officer of Alpha Company, said, “It’s always interesting to see the potential that the freshmen bring. Every year it gets higher and higher.” “I would agree with Nelson,” cadet Shane McHaffie says, who is Drill Team Chief. “This year will be a good year for us.”
Throughout the week of Drill Camp, Shooting Camp also took place. With five shooters who completed the CMP Program to help the newcomers and returning members, the camp was a learning opportunity for those who attended. As with drill, this camp taught those who were curious about shooting the basics: positions, about the rifle, and how to shoot.
Cadet Lieutenant Hunter Milholland, who is the Shooting Team Commander, said, “I can see from all the hard working freshmen and the amount of support I have, that it’s going to be a great year for the Willard NJROTC Shooting Team.”
During the week of Drill and Shooting Camp there were a few extra surprises. Tuesday, July 21st the cadets were given the opportunity to ride in a Black Hawk (helicopter) with the Army National Guard. Roughly forty cadets went up in groups of ten and were in the air for ten minutes. A few school board members joined them as well: Jeff Baker, Jennifer Fickbohm, and Kathy Hampton. Willard High School principal Curt Graves and assistant principal Jeff Wead also flew with the group. Along with the flight, cadets were able to talk to the pilots, flight medics, and others who fly frequently about their job, training, and how to get where they are today.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Michallia Worley, the Battalion Executive Officer said, “Surprisingly, my fear of heights didn’t make me sick. The ride was incredible and made me want to explore different options for my future. Who knows, I might become a flight medic or surgeon!”
Along with the flight, the freshmen took a trip up to Captain Burnett’s house near Ritchey. They were able to spend the day there while building team camaraderie and having fun. Several activities were offered: kayaking, row-boating, flying in Captain Burnett’s airplane, and tug-a-war are just a few. After a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, the cadets were given a ride around on Captain Burnett’s fire truck! The day was full of excitement and an awesome way to kick off the beginning of the season.
Willard Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) holds many different events throughout the school year and even continues into the summer. Opportunities are given to those who hold an interest in a specific field and for those who are still seeking their future plans. Also, different camps are held at the high school for those who are interested in joining either the Willard Drill Team or the Shooting Team. “We continue so many things in the summer,” Captain Burnett, Willard’s Senior Naval Science Instructor stated. “We open the doors to the incoming freshmen and any new student joining the family we’ve created. Not only do we include the newcomers, we also strive to help the sophomores and above.”
This summer was a busy one for Willard NJROTC’s Battalion Commander, cadet Commander Coral Rios. She spent a lot of her summer dedicated to further investing herself into her career interest of military aviation. Rios said, “After graduating I want to join either the Navy or the Marines."
Rios had three NJROTC related highlights of her summer vacation. The first was her visit to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland for its Summer Seminar. Rios has already started the application process to being accepted into the academy. While at the seminar, she was led around by a midshipman who showed her the ways of life in the academy. She also experienced what each day was like, and how to live in the structured and demanding lifestyle that is expected at the Naval Academy. Rios said she enjoyed her trip to Annapolis very much. In order for her to apply for the Naval Academy, some things had to be taken into consideration. She noted, "Those things are my performance in school, such as grades, student involvement, and also my rank in JROTC."
The second thing that Rios had the opportunity to do was a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma to fly an L-39 Jet Fighter. On this one-day trip, she was accompanied by Dr. Kent Medlin, Willard Schools Superintendent and Captain Burnett. When asking cadet Rios if she had flown before and where her love of Aviation came from, she said that she met a Navy student pilot in Pensacola on a drill trip and it made her realize how awesome it was. This summer she also got to go to AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, which is a large fly-in and airshow where she got to fly a Cessna Skycatcher.
Cadet Rios's last experience this summer was at Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Advanced Air Academy. During this trip, she got the opportunity to fly again in a Bell 47 helicopter and learn about aerodynamics. Cadet Coral Rios seems to have had an eventful summer. She said that she has Captain Burnett to thank for giving her these wonderful opportunities to help her towards pursuing her career.
Another event that Willard NJROTC engaged in took place during July. The following cadets went to the National Flight Academy (NFA) in Pensacola, FL: Derek Conti, Jacob Nelson, Marenna Ogle, Jacob Shackleford, and Kasey Rowe. NFA is in a building that is designed to replicate an aircraft carrier and the participants stay there for six days. During those six days, they learn multiple skills applicable to the aviation field like how to create a flight plan and how to pilot aircraft. This was an excellent time for the cadets to gain more exposure to the aviation department to help aid in their future decisions.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” cadet Lieutenant Commander Marenna Ogle, the commanding officer of Bravo Company, states. “I had a lot of fun while learning things that I would normally never be exposed to.” Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Shackleford agreed, “It was a life changing experience and one I will never forget. I recommend this to anyone who wants to pursue a career in aviation or someone who wants to gain new math, science, and communication skills.”
One of the many things that took place was the yearly Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) camp hosted at Ozark High School. CMP is a camp hosted by CMP instructors throughout the country. At the camp students learn to correct and perfect their shooting stance, focus, and most importantly, set goals. The theme was for the participants to perfect their goals before stepping foot on the range to help boost confidence. Cadets attending included: Derek Conti, Katelyn Graham, Isaiah Marshall, and Kasy Rowe.
Among the various camps and programs that are offered during the summer months for the Willard NJROTC cadets is Basic Leadership Training (BLT) and Leadership Academy (LA). Cadets first attend BLT and after they have completed the training, LA is available the following summer. These two programs help to bring out the confidence and leadership skills that are beneficial to the cadets both in the unit and in real life. There are a variety of physical and mental activities which help to enhance the skills previously mentioned. In BLT, these skills are discovered and honed in on and LA is designed to progress further in the journey.
The following Willard NJROTC cadets participated in Basic Leadership Training: Thomas Adcock, Bobbi Applegate, Tory Butler, Nautika Cruse, Taylor Davis, Lisa Eldred, Jasmine Felin, Ethan Gannon, Jeremy Midcap, Kris Reyes, Austin Seelye, Jacob Shackelford, and Luke Sharp. The cadets that participated in Leadership Academy are: Shane McHaffie, Colton Milholland, Brayden Shell, Elliot Smith, and Drew Wirth.
Hard work and dedication sets people aside in our unit. With cadet Katelyn Graham, both of those qualities were shown during a week-long video training camp. The Broadcasting camp was designed to help those who had an interest in Public Affairs. It is a camp that helps enhance writing skills, (particularly ones used in article writing), learn how to take pictures semi-professionally, and make movies.
“In this camp, I learned everything from the basics to the advanced material with broadcasting,” Cadet Katelyn Graham stated. “I will use the knowledge I gained from this camp to help get articles and stories out to the public with things that Willard NJROTC is involved in.”
One activity that Willard NJROTC took part in this summer was their Drill Camp. The week of July 20th through July 24th, incoming freshmen were invited to learn some of the basics. They also were introduced to the different drill teams offered, for example: Armed and Unarmed. While the rifles were brought out for the cadets to carry and march with, spinning the rifles was saved for later. Every summer this camp is offered for the newcomers to get some exposure to drill. For those who were and are interested in the drill team, the week is a way to get a good handle on things before the season begins.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Jacob Nelson, who is also the Drill Team Commander and the Commanding Officer of Alpha Company, said, “It’s always interesting to see the potential that the freshmen bring. Every year it gets higher and higher.” “I would agree with Nelson,” cadet Shane McHaffie says, who is Drill Team Chief. “This year will be a good year for us.”
Throughout the week of Drill Camp, Shooting Camp also took place. With five shooters who completed the CMP Program to help the newcomers and returning members, the camp was a learning opportunity for those who attended. As with drill, this camp taught those who were curious about shooting the basics: positions, about the rifle, and how to shoot.
Cadet Lieutenant Hunter Milholland, who is the Shooting Team Commander, said, “I can see from all the hard working freshmen and the amount of support I have, that it’s going to be a great year for the Willard NJROTC Shooting Team.”
During the week of Drill and Shooting Camp there were a few extra surprises. Tuesday, July 21st the cadets were given the opportunity to ride in a Black Hawk (helicopter) with the Army National Guard. Roughly forty cadets went up in groups of ten and were in the air for ten minutes. A few school board members joined them as well: Jeff Baker, Jennifer Fickbohm, and Kathy Hampton. Willard High School principal Curt Graves and assistant principal Jeff Wead also flew with the group. Along with the flight, cadets were able to talk to the pilots, flight medics, and others who fly frequently about their job, training, and how to get where they are today.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Michallia Worley, the Battalion Executive Officer said, “Surprisingly, my fear of heights didn’t make me sick. The ride was incredible and made me want to explore different options for my future. Who knows, I might become a flight medic or surgeon!”
Along with the flight, the freshmen took a trip up to Captain Burnett’s house near Ritchey. They were able to spend the day there while building team camaraderie and having fun. Several activities were offered: kayaking, row-boating, flying in Captain Burnett’s airplane, and tug-a-war are just a few. After a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, the cadets were given a ride around on Captain Burnett’s fire truck! The day was full of excitement and an awesome way to kick off the beginning of the season.
2014 - 2015
CORAL RIOS PROMOTED TO WHS NJROTC BATTALION COMMANDER
Willard High School (WHS) junior, Coral Rios, was recently promoted to Commander and will be next year’s battalion commander for the Willard High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit. Rios was promoted at the WHS NJROTC Spring Awards and Promotions Ceremony held recently at WHS.
Rios, who is the daughter of Yvonne Galloway and Joe Rios, has been very involved in the unit over the past three years. She was serving as the Battalion Master Chief before her promotion. She is on both the armed exhibition and regulation drill team. Additionally, she is on the academic team and physical training (PT) team. Rios plans to seek a nomination and appointment to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Rios says, “It’s an amazing feeling, being able to check something off my list to help me get an appointment USAFA. Now, I can worry one less thing about my future and instead focus on the task at hand.”
Three junior cadets were chosen to be promoted to Lieutenant Commander: Jacob Nelson, Marenna Ogle, and Michallia Worley. Of these three, Worley will be next year’s executive officer (XO).
Worley said, “I was incredibly nervous about becoming XO. The whole thing seems kind of surreal now. However, I’m excited for next year.” Worley plans on becoming a doctor after she graduates from high school.
The other two Lieutenant Commanders, Nelson and Ogle, became the new Company Commanding Officers. Nelson relieved the previous Alpha Company commander, Caleb McMurtrey, and also become the new Drill Team Commander. Ogle relieved the previous Bravo Company commander, Halea Slack. Hunter Milholland was promoted earlier in the year to Lieutenant and is the Shooting Team Commander.
The highest enlisted rank, Master Chief Petty Officer, went to Braden Shell. After graduating high school, Shell plans on seeking an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. “I’m ready to take on the challenge,” says Shell. “Next year will be exciting and I want to be a good role model for all the junior enlisted ranks.”
Other promotions included:
Cadet Petty Officer Third Class: Jason Almasan, Bobbi Applegate, Nickolas Beasley, Jacob Cox, Taylor Davis, Jonathan Doty, Timothy Eoff, Ethan Helton, Levi Hood, Ethan Johnson, Monty Jones, Anthony Larson, Gabriel Lee, Cassidy Mahan, Jacob Norton, Mariah Pinzke, Damon Provinge, Quinn Ridings, Landon Ryan, Hunter Smith, Alexander Sipe, Connor Tackitt, and Makayla Vanarsdall.
Cadet Petty Officer Second Class: Thomas Adcock, Tory Butler, Nautika Cruise, Lisa Eldred, Jasmine Felin, Chase Hicks, Jeremy Midcap, Kristopher Reyes, Jacob Shackleford, Luke Sharp, and Brooke Stewart.
Cadet Petty Officer First Class: Katlyn Adams, Cole Baker, Braxton Bedsaul, Mariah Blanton, Nicole Brigance, Luke Browning, Riley Curran, Reece Drake, Nathan Foster, Dakota Forrest, Jason Hernandez, Ruby Hobbs, Gabriel Keefover, Matthew Lewis, Luke Murray, Cole Parker, Stephen Pierson, Trevor Ragan, Dylan Richardson, Brianne Sexton, Jesse Shipley, Timothy Snider, James Stagner, Cyle Strope, Kaleb Swanson, and Taylor VanZandt.
Cadet Chief Petty Officer: Tori Billups, Damion Bryant, Ethan Gannon, Walter Geiman, Dayton Graves, Mariah Kreuger, Colton Milholland, Cordell McCord, Scarlett Roberts, Jennifer Shipley, Dakota Sillavan, and Scarlett Roberts.
Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer: Derek Conti, Katlyn Galligher, Justin Hudson, Shelby Kling, Isiah Marshall, Shane McHaffie, and Drew Wirth.
Cadet Ensign: Lakin Burns, Chelsea Enloe, Brandon Hounslow, Preston Lindsay, Corey Morrison, Dwight Roberds, Hunter Roberts, and Victor York.
Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade: Chase Alumbaugh, Greg Burton, Elisah Riggin, Austin Seelye, Noah Shelledy, and Lindsey Smith.
Cadet Lieutenant: Hallie Boyd, Jordan Fancher, Hunter Milholland, Amy Miller, Gabe Randolph, Alan Swann, and Brandon Twitchell.
Along with promotions, several awards were given out. The following cadets received the Tiger Leadership Medal: Nautika Cruse, Alan Elder, Adam Gallegos, Justin Hudson, Shane McHaffie, Caleb McMurtrey, Amy Miller, McKenzie Pena, Bobby Peters, Gabe Randolph, Coral Rios, Kasy Rowe, Halea Slack, Brooke Stewart, Matthew Walters, and Michallia Worley.
Cadets that received the Principle Academic Award included: freshman, Jasmine Felin with a 4.05 and Hunter White with a 4.0; sophomore, Brayden Shell with a 4.01 and Cole Baker with a 3.87; junior, Coral Rios with a 4.16 and Logan Bender with a 4.1; and senior, Halea Slack with a 4.04 and Matthew Walters with a 3.84.
Distinguished Cadet ribbons went to: freshman, Nautika Cruse; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Amy Miller; and senior, Matthew Walters.
The following cadets received Honor Cadet Ribbons: freshman, Jasmine Felin; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Coral Rios; and senior, Halea Slack.
Cadet of the Month certificates were presented to: November: freshman, Thomas Adcock; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Coral Rios; and senior, Halea Slack; December: freshman, Nautika Cruse; sophomore, Cordell McCord; junior, Amy Miller; and senior, Taylor Shell; January: freshman, Brooke Stewart; sophomore, Justin Hudson; junior, Jacob Nelson; and senior, Bobby Peters; February: freshman, Tory Butler; sophomore, Shelby Kling; junior, Alan Swann; and senior, Alan Elder; and March: freshman, Luke Sharp; sophomore, Shane McHaffie; junior, Michallia Worley; and senior, Matthew Walters.
In open (or advanced) shooting, Justin Hudson took first place, with Hunter Milholland following in second, and Derek Conti in third. In basic (or beginning) shooting, Kasy Rowe took home first place, Luke Sharp in second, and Jacob Shackelford following in third.
Along with unit awards, the following associations and organizations presented awards to these cadets: Special Operations Association, Drew Wirth; Scottish Rite Award, Hunter Milholland; Military Order of World Wars, Isaiah Marshall; Order of Dadalian, Gabe Randolph; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Michallia Worley; Navy League, Coral Rios and Brandon Twitchell; American Legion Post 639, Jacob Shackelford and Brayden Shell; American Veterans Association, Amy Miller; Army, Caleb McMurtrey (Academic) and Taylor Shell (Athletic); Surface Warfare Association, Katlyn Galligher and Jacob Nelson; Sons of the American Revolution, Jordan Fancher; Daughters of the American Revolution, Marenna Ogle; Marine Corps, Alan Elder (Academic) and Bobby Peters (Athletic); Military Officers Association, Derek Conti; National Sojourners, Hallie Boyd; and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Nautika Cruse and Alan Swann.
“Next year will interesting,” said Captain Steve Burnett, Willard NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor. “We have a solid team for next year, and with the seniors helping to train them before they graduate, I have no worries.”
Willard High School (WHS) junior, Coral Rios, was recently promoted to Commander and will be next year’s battalion commander for the Willard High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit. Rios was promoted at the WHS NJROTC Spring Awards and Promotions Ceremony held recently at WHS.
Rios, who is the daughter of Yvonne Galloway and Joe Rios, has been very involved in the unit over the past three years. She was serving as the Battalion Master Chief before her promotion. She is on both the armed exhibition and regulation drill team. Additionally, she is on the academic team and physical training (PT) team. Rios plans to seek a nomination and appointment to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Rios says, “It’s an amazing feeling, being able to check something off my list to help me get an appointment USAFA. Now, I can worry one less thing about my future and instead focus on the task at hand.”
Three junior cadets were chosen to be promoted to Lieutenant Commander: Jacob Nelson, Marenna Ogle, and Michallia Worley. Of these three, Worley will be next year’s executive officer (XO).
Worley said, “I was incredibly nervous about becoming XO. The whole thing seems kind of surreal now. However, I’m excited for next year.” Worley plans on becoming a doctor after she graduates from high school.
The other two Lieutenant Commanders, Nelson and Ogle, became the new Company Commanding Officers. Nelson relieved the previous Alpha Company commander, Caleb McMurtrey, and also become the new Drill Team Commander. Ogle relieved the previous Bravo Company commander, Halea Slack. Hunter Milholland was promoted earlier in the year to Lieutenant and is the Shooting Team Commander.
The highest enlisted rank, Master Chief Petty Officer, went to Braden Shell. After graduating high school, Shell plans on seeking an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. “I’m ready to take on the challenge,” says Shell. “Next year will be exciting and I want to be a good role model for all the junior enlisted ranks.”
Other promotions included:
Cadet Petty Officer Third Class: Jason Almasan, Bobbi Applegate, Nickolas Beasley, Jacob Cox, Taylor Davis, Jonathan Doty, Timothy Eoff, Ethan Helton, Levi Hood, Ethan Johnson, Monty Jones, Anthony Larson, Gabriel Lee, Cassidy Mahan, Jacob Norton, Mariah Pinzke, Damon Provinge, Quinn Ridings, Landon Ryan, Hunter Smith, Alexander Sipe, Connor Tackitt, and Makayla Vanarsdall.
Cadet Petty Officer Second Class: Thomas Adcock, Tory Butler, Nautika Cruise, Lisa Eldred, Jasmine Felin, Chase Hicks, Jeremy Midcap, Kristopher Reyes, Jacob Shackleford, Luke Sharp, and Brooke Stewart.
Cadet Petty Officer First Class: Katlyn Adams, Cole Baker, Braxton Bedsaul, Mariah Blanton, Nicole Brigance, Luke Browning, Riley Curran, Reece Drake, Nathan Foster, Dakota Forrest, Jason Hernandez, Ruby Hobbs, Gabriel Keefover, Matthew Lewis, Luke Murray, Cole Parker, Stephen Pierson, Trevor Ragan, Dylan Richardson, Brianne Sexton, Jesse Shipley, Timothy Snider, James Stagner, Cyle Strope, Kaleb Swanson, and Taylor VanZandt.
Cadet Chief Petty Officer: Tori Billups, Damion Bryant, Ethan Gannon, Walter Geiman, Dayton Graves, Mariah Kreuger, Colton Milholland, Cordell McCord, Scarlett Roberts, Jennifer Shipley, Dakota Sillavan, and Scarlett Roberts.
Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer: Derek Conti, Katlyn Galligher, Justin Hudson, Shelby Kling, Isiah Marshall, Shane McHaffie, and Drew Wirth.
Cadet Ensign: Lakin Burns, Chelsea Enloe, Brandon Hounslow, Preston Lindsay, Corey Morrison, Dwight Roberds, Hunter Roberts, and Victor York.
Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade: Chase Alumbaugh, Greg Burton, Elisah Riggin, Austin Seelye, Noah Shelledy, and Lindsey Smith.
Cadet Lieutenant: Hallie Boyd, Jordan Fancher, Hunter Milholland, Amy Miller, Gabe Randolph, Alan Swann, and Brandon Twitchell.
Along with promotions, several awards were given out. The following cadets received the Tiger Leadership Medal: Nautika Cruse, Alan Elder, Adam Gallegos, Justin Hudson, Shane McHaffie, Caleb McMurtrey, Amy Miller, McKenzie Pena, Bobby Peters, Gabe Randolph, Coral Rios, Kasy Rowe, Halea Slack, Brooke Stewart, Matthew Walters, and Michallia Worley.
Cadets that received the Principle Academic Award included: freshman, Jasmine Felin with a 4.05 and Hunter White with a 4.0; sophomore, Brayden Shell with a 4.01 and Cole Baker with a 3.87; junior, Coral Rios with a 4.16 and Logan Bender with a 4.1; and senior, Halea Slack with a 4.04 and Matthew Walters with a 3.84.
Distinguished Cadet ribbons went to: freshman, Nautika Cruse; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Amy Miller; and senior, Matthew Walters.
The following cadets received Honor Cadet Ribbons: freshman, Jasmine Felin; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Coral Rios; and senior, Halea Slack.
Cadet of the Month certificates were presented to: November: freshman, Thomas Adcock; sophomore, Brayden Shell; junior, Coral Rios; and senior, Halea Slack; December: freshman, Nautika Cruse; sophomore, Cordell McCord; junior, Amy Miller; and senior, Taylor Shell; January: freshman, Brooke Stewart; sophomore, Justin Hudson; junior, Jacob Nelson; and senior, Bobby Peters; February: freshman, Tory Butler; sophomore, Shelby Kling; junior, Alan Swann; and senior, Alan Elder; and March: freshman, Luke Sharp; sophomore, Shane McHaffie; junior, Michallia Worley; and senior, Matthew Walters.
In open (or advanced) shooting, Justin Hudson took first place, with Hunter Milholland following in second, and Derek Conti in third. In basic (or beginning) shooting, Kasy Rowe took home first place, Luke Sharp in second, and Jacob Shackelford following in third.
Along with unit awards, the following associations and organizations presented awards to these cadets: Special Operations Association, Drew Wirth; Scottish Rite Award, Hunter Milholland; Military Order of World Wars, Isaiah Marshall; Order of Dadalian, Gabe Randolph; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Michallia Worley; Navy League, Coral Rios and Brandon Twitchell; American Legion Post 639, Jacob Shackelford and Brayden Shell; American Veterans Association, Amy Miller; Army, Caleb McMurtrey (Academic) and Taylor Shell (Athletic); Surface Warfare Association, Katlyn Galligher and Jacob Nelson; Sons of the American Revolution, Jordan Fancher; Daughters of the American Revolution, Marenna Ogle; Marine Corps, Alan Elder (Academic) and Bobby Peters (Athletic); Military Officers Association, Derek Conti; National Sojourners, Hallie Boyd; and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Nautika Cruse and Alan Swann.
“Next year will interesting,” said Captain Steve Burnett, Willard NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor. “We have a solid team for next year, and with the seniors helping to train them before they graduate, I have no worries.”
Willard Athletic Team Takes Second Place at an Regional Athletic Challenge
The Willard Navy Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps took second place at a Regional Athletic Challenge. Eight schools met at the Shawnee Mission North High School on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Shawnee Mission North (SMN) is located in Overland Park, KS and hosts the challenge once a year. Cadets go through a series of physical activities including: push ups, sit ups, pull ups/arm hangs, 100m and 200m dash, 1 mile run and a Combat Fitness Test (CFT).
SMN placed first overall, and Willard came in second. Willard and Shawnee Mission North have always had a very strong rivalry, especially when it comes to PT. They have a friendly rivalry and enjoy the tight competition. This year, Willard had four teams, a Male A Team, Male B Team, Co-Ed, and Female A Team.
Nautika Cruse (Freshman) said, “I really enjoyed the challenge!” For many, this was their first competition and really enjoyed the friendly rivalry. It was a nice experience for the cadets to get exposed to and hopefully made them want to go again next year. Other cadets enjoyed their last PT challenge and will always have the memories that were left from them. Cadet Taylor Shell (senior) said, “I’m sad that this is my last PT challenge, but at least it was a good one!” Captain Steve Burnett said, “It’s always a positive thing whenever we have cadets that are excited to compete, and they keep a good attitude about it. A wonderful sight to see is when our cadets don’t place first, yet they congratulate the other teams with a bright smile on their face. It is simply inspiring”.
Everyone loves good competition, and that is exactly what the participating schools got. Many schools came to compete for the first time, and their presence made it the biggest PT challenge that Willard has competed in. This allowed for cadets from all of the schools to create friends, memories, and more competition. Hopefully, all of the schools will return next year. As always, everyone is preparing and excited for the next PT challenge.
All schools have a great team, especially Willard. The Male A Team consisted of Bobby Peters, Alan Elder, Nathan Hart, Taylor Shell, Tristin Chapman, Drew Wirth. Male B Team consisted of Matthew Walters, Alex Harsh, Jacob Shackelford, Taylor Davis, Gabe Randolph, Cyle Strope. Female A Team was Coral Rios, Hallie Boyd, Halea Slack, Katlyn Galligher, McKenzie Pena, Scarlet Roberts. Co-Ed Team consisted of Ethan Gannon, Walter Geiman, Noah Peters, James Stagner, Nautika Cruse, Michallia Worley.
The Willard Navy Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps took second place at a Regional Athletic Challenge. Eight schools met at the Shawnee Mission North High School on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Shawnee Mission North (SMN) is located in Overland Park, KS and hosts the challenge once a year. Cadets go through a series of physical activities including: push ups, sit ups, pull ups/arm hangs, 100m and 200m dash, 1 mile run and a Combat Fitness Test (CFT).
SMN placed first overall, and Willard came in second. Willard and Shawnee Mission North have always had a very strong rivalry, especially when it comes to PT. They have a friendly rivalry and enjoy the tight competition. This year, Willard had four teams, a Male A Team, Male B Team, Co-Ed, and Female A Team.
Nautika Cruse (Freshman) said, “I really enjoyed the challenge!” For many, this was their first competition and really enjoyed the friendly rivalry. It was a nice experience for the cadets to get exposed to and hopefully made them want to go again next year. Other cadets enjoyed their last PT challenge and will always have the memories that were left from them. Cadet Taylor Shell (senior) said, “I’m sad that this is my last PT challenge, but at least it was a good one!” Captain Steve Burnett said, “It’s always a positive thing whenever we have cadets that are excited to compete, and they keep a good attitude about it. A wonderful sight to see is when our cadets don’t place first, yet they congratulate the other teams with a bright smile on their face. It is simply inspiring”.
Everyone loves good competition, and that is exactly what the participating schools got. Many schools came to compete for the first time, and their presence made it the biggest PT challenge that Willard has competed in. This allowed for cadets from all of the schools to create friends, memories, and more competition. Hopefully, all of the schools will return next year. As always, everyone is preparing and excited for the next PT challenge.
All schools have a great team, especially Willard. The Male A Team consisted of Bobby Peters, Alan Elder, Nathan Hart, Taylor Shell, Tristin Chapman, Drew Wirth. Male B Team consisted of Matthew Walters, Alex Harsh, Jacob Shackelford, Taylor Davis, Gabe Randolph, Cyle Strope. Female A Team was Coral Rios, Hallie Boyd, Halea Slack, Katlyn Galligher, McKenzie Pena, Scarlet Roberts. Co-Ed Team consisted of Ethan Gannon, Walter Geiman, Noah Peters, James Stagner, Nautika Cruse, Michallia Worley.
Cadets Visit USMA, USMMA, and USNA
The over 2,500 mile trip began Saturday, September 6th, ending Thursday, September 11th. Twenty of the Willard N.J.R.O.T.C. (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadets left for a visit to three military academies. First up on the list was West Point, however the trip there was the beginning obstacle.
The United States Military Academy, otherwise known as West Point, is located in New York. After traveling over two thousand miles from Willard, the cadets arrived at their destination. Two Willard graduates are currently attending the academy, Zach Newman and Calvin Kieswetter. Luckily for them this week was something called branch week. Branch week is a week dedicated to help West Point cadets try to decide exactly what they want to do in the military. Also the cadets were allowed to participate in a P.T. (physical training) challenge, which is a part of a class required to be taken called Military Movement. The challenge consisted of multiple strenuous activities such as: army crawling, jumping off a balance beam and doing a summersault, climbing over a wall, and swinging across monkey bars. This year’s commanding officer, Matthew Walters said “I loved it, beautiful architecture, beautiful views. I am definitely pushing to get in.”
Their next destination was the United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Staten Island, New York. The Willard N.J.R.O.T.C. graduate from last year, Brett Largent, is currently there. Our twenty cadets that attended were given the opportunity to tour the campus, getting an
inside look at walk its like to attend school and live day to day life. The best part about the entire
day according to some cadets was the simulator. Logan Bender said the academy was a “beautiful place” and had a “small tight knit community. I loved it.” Cadet Jacob Nelson said he was now really interested into USMMA, based the rewards and choices you have after they graduate.
The last campus that the cadets visited was the United States Naval Academy, located in Maryland. The Willard N.J.R.O.T.C. Unarmed Drill Team Commander from last year, Jacob Broz, is currently serving his four years there. Upon arrival the cadets were given a briefing over what it takes to
get into the academy, otherwise called admissions. They also toured the visitors center, gazed at the
chapel and visited multiple classrooms. The classrooms are really small compared to the number of
students attending. Shane McHaffie said that the naval academy was definitely one of the coolest places he had ever visited.
The following cadets were on the trip: Logan Bender, Abby Bennett, Tori Billips, Alan Elder, Adam Gallegos, Mariah Krueger,Matthew McCowen, Shane McHaffie, Colton Milholland, Jacob Nelson, Jacob Norton, Blake Parton, Hunter Roberds, Scarlett Roberts, Jacob Shackelford, Hannah Sharp, Luke Sharp, Jordan Stout-Mitchell, Matthew Walters, and Drew Wirth.
Willard NJROTC Cadets visit Whiteman AFB
On August 18th 2014 a lucky group of Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets were able to visit Whiteman Air Force Base. When asked what their favorite part of the trip was it was almost a unanimous answer.
“The tour of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) building was very interesting and informative.” Stated Cadet Kaden Bledsoe. The cadets saw EOD technicians who are specially trained to deal with construction, deployment, and disarmament of high explosive munitions and other types of ordnance.
Another Cadet, Andrew Bannon gave us a little bit more insight into the day spent at Whiteman Air Force Base. “We saw the Minute Man 1 Missile Command Module and the Predator UAV drone and were able to learn a lot about them.”
Cadets were also able to view the RAPCON weather tower, otherwise known as the Air Traffic Control Tower and Air Operations.
“I had a great time at Whiteman!” Exclaimed Cadet Nathan Hart, “I’m glad I was able to have an experience like that. I learned new information about different departments in the Air Force I didn’t know about.”
Other Cadets who attended included, Caden Belcher, Garrett Boxberger, Riley Curan, Lisa Eldred, Keanu Evans, Chase Hicks, Justin Hudson, Monty Jones, Preston Lindsay, James Mcgee, Shane Mchaffie, Kyle Mclain, Jeremy Midcap, Donovan Mikel, Luke Murray, Zach Needham, Kimberley Needham, Cole Parker, Mckenzie Pena, Damon Provinge, Kris Reyes, Kasy Rowe, Jacob Shackleford, Elliot Smith, Alex Smith, Hunter Smith, David Steed, Brooke Stewart, Cyle Strope, Alyssa Swanson, Makayla Vanarsdall, and Kenzye White.
Our NJROTC Unit loves to visit Whiteman Air Force Base; hopefully we can visit again!
On August 18th 2014 a lucky group of Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets were able to visit Whiteman Air Force Base. When asked what their favorite part of the trip was it was almost a unanimous answer.
“The tour of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) building was very interesting and informative.” Stated Cadet Kaden Bledsoe. The cadets saw EOD technicians who are specially trained to deal with construction, deployment, and disarmament of high explosive munitions and other types of ordnance.
Another Cadet, Andrew Bannon gave us a little bit more insight into the day spent at Whiteman Air Force Base. “We saw the Minute Man 1 Missile Command Module and the Predator UAV drone and were able to learn a lot about them.”
Cadets were also able to view the RAPCON weather tower, otherwise known as the Air Traffic Control Tower and Air Operations.
“I had a great time at Whiteman!” Exclaimed Cadet Nathan Hart, “I’m glad I was able to have an experience like that. I learned new information about different departments in the Air Force I didn’t know about.”
Other Cadets who attended included, Caden Belcher, Garrett Boxberger, Riley Curan, Lisa Eldred, Keanu Evans, Chase Hicks, Justin Hudson, Monty Jones, Preston Lindsay, James Mcgee, Shane Mchaffie, Kyle Mclain, Jeremy Midcap, Donovan Mikel, Luke Murray, Zach Needham, Kimberley Needham, Cole Parker, Mckenzie Pena, Damon Provinge, Kris Reyes, Kasy Rowe, Jacob Shackleford, Elliot Smith, Alex Smith, Hunter Smith, David Steed, Brooke Stewart, Cyle Strope, Alyssa Swanson, Makayla Vanarsdall, and Kenzye White.
Our NJROTC Unit loves to visit Whiteman Air Force Base; hopefully we can visit again!