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Area youth shine during JROTC Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. John Frazier
  • 171st Recruiting Office
Coraopolis, PA --       The 171st ARW hosted its 8th Annual Jr. ROTC Day. With the help of many agencies it was a great success. There were eight schools from the surrounding area that participated in the event, with almost 250 cadets on the ground and 50 senior cadets that had the opportunity to fly on an incentive flight.
     Each year we try to make the event exciting so that more of the cadets participate. This year we changed up the ground events that were judged to include: Formation Challenge, Drill Challenge, Military History Challenge, Tug-O-War, and the Push-Up Challenge. Based on the reaction of the cadets, they all seemed to enjoy the events.
The Schools that were in attendance were: Ambridge, Seneca, Pine Richland, Oliver, Penn Hills, 911th CAP, Morgantown CAP, Lewis County, and, due to unforeseen circumstances, there were three schools that were only able to send their senior flyers: Valley, West Mifflin, and South Garrett.
     There was much positive feedback. Here is what some of the instructors had to say:
     "It was a great day for our cadets...they really enjoyed taking part in the day's events. Additionally, missing class was a big plus for them as well!"--Gasparetto (Pine Richland)
     "We all owe you our appreciation for hosting the event this year and putting what had to be many, many hours into coordinating for the Cadets with the various groups and schools. Thank you for allowing our Cadets this opportunity." -Lopez (911TH CAP)
     "Thank you so much for a great day. Our cadets and seniors really enjoy your event and look forward to next year." -Loughman (Morgantown CAP)
     "My cadets were quite thrilled at the opportunity to visit you all, the air craft, speak to the crew and pop in to learn what some mechanics were doing on a KC-135. Thank you again for your efforts and I can only hope the 171st, the PAANG and the USAF will continue with this noteworthy example of our constitution at work." -Sheaffer (South Garrett)
     "We would like to thank you for hosting the event and for the invite. The Cadets who attended enjoyed the experience." -Curtis (Ambridge)
     "On behalf of our Junior ROTC cadets I want to thank you for the opportunity to participate in last week's Junior ROTC Day. The feedback I have received from each cadet has been overwhelmingly positive." -Cassetori (Oliver)
     "Thank you for hosting a wonderful event. Our kids had a wonderful time and look forward to participating again next year. This is their field trip of choice."--Johnson (Seneca, Erie)
     "I echo that the thanks go to you and the 171st ANG. Penn Hills cadets had a blast and interacting with the other JROTC units from the area is beneficial and important. Your team, as always, put off an outstanding and informative program. We also look forward to the 9th Annual event. Bravo Zulu!" Morabito (Penn Hills)
     Enrollment in AFJROTC does not subject students to any military obligation and is not an accessions or recruiting program. Air Force JROTC provides its students with the tools for success after high school regardless of career path. However, there are benefits available for students wishing to pursue further military avenues.
     Qualified AFJROTC cadets who complete 2 years of the program may compete for Air Force ROTC College Scholarships. Qualified AFJROTC cadets are eligible for direct application to military academies under a program specifically reserved for ROTC and JROTC cadets. If students choose to enter military service immediately after graduation, those completing two or three years of the AFJROTC program are entitled to enlist at higher pay grades than normal enlistees. Students who complete two or three years of AFJROTC may receive credit for one semester or one year of college Air Force ROTC program respectively.
     The base recruiting office would like to express their gratitude to all of the personnel from the various sections on base that helped to make this year's event a success. As well as a special thank you to: Shop -N- Save (Toni Cucunato and Mark Trautman), IBExpress (Mary), Pizza Joes (Carol), Trophy Works (Judy Mullens), 911th Club (Darren Mayfield) for providing great prices and excellent service in support of the event.