Thompson Jr. ROTC sees strong start to semester

Published 3:09 pm Monday, October 24, 2016

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Thompson High School Air Force Junior ROTC is off to a great start this school year. After finishing a record year last year, the Air Warriors of AL-932 this year are picking up where they left off.

Last year, the cadets performed more than 2,100 hours of community service, earned an “Exceed Standards” rating on their Air Force inspection, hosted the community’s Veteran’s Day ceremony, participated in more than 40 other activities including a fantastic military ball, held an overnight Memorial Bataan Death March, and instituted the spirit push up tradition at home football games.

Already this year, the cadets have performed more than 300 hours of community service, engaged in 10 separate activities, and are continuing the spirit push up tradition.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, 13 cadets visited the Chandler Health and Rehab Center, where they visited with residents, painted fingernails and played games.

The number of cadets is also increasing, up more than 15 percent over last year with a total of 136 cadets involved in the program this year.

To help cover the costs of all the many programs and events they are involved in, the cadets hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year, including selling THS spirit clothing, cookie dough and Yankee Candles. Donations are always appreciated.

Air Force Junior ROTC is dedicated to developing citizens of character who are committed to serving their community and nation.

If a student takes Junior ROTC in high school, they are not obligated to joining the military after high school.

The Air Force Junior ROTC program emphasizes development of “life skills” that will help students long after high school. These skills include leadership, followership, teamwork, public service, attention to detail, interpersonal communications, self-discipline and other soft skills.