TCHS JROTC cadets enjoy 5th annual summer camp; Cadets Thomas and Boyington earn Advanced Leadership Award

Shortly after the school dismissed to signal the start of summer, twelve high school students that are members of the Taylor County Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) headed to the trenches in Fort Benning, Georgia for JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) Benning 2012.

Approximately 350 JROTC cadets from 26 high schools and 60 JROTC instructors participated in the week-long camp, which was held from June 3 through June 8, 2011. Cadets of JCLC Benning 2012 lived and worked with their peers in a hands-on military environment. More than 16 courses and activities were held for cadets. Among the activities were leadership and citizenship building exercises, water safety, teamwork development, drill and ceremony, repelling, and obstacle courses.  All are designed to challenge cadets and provide them small unit leadership opportunities.

Cadets Thomas and Boyington were selected among their peers within their platoons as the best leaders for this year’s summer camp cycle. Both cadets received a trophy for their outstanding performance.

The Benning JCLC has become joint because it includes two Alabama Marine Corps JROTC programs.

Notably in attendance for VIP day was Mrs. Michele Kimble, CTAE Director. Mrs. Kimble took advantage of the opportunity to join cadets for a super lunch in a traditional military dining facility. She also commented on her appreciation for the JROTC program and its benefits.

SFC (R)) Smith and I are very proud of the progress and success of our cadets. We would like to thank all of our great supporters in the community for again making your JROTC program a great success. We look forward to another wonderful, exciting and even better year this coming school year.  Hooah!

Article written by Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Irving R. Bush, Senior Army Instructor