(Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault, 4th Combat A... VIEW ORIGINAL
(Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault, 4th Combat Avi... VIEW ORIGINAL
(Photo by Sgt. ... VIEW ORIGINAL
(Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Offi... VIEW ORIGINAL
(Photo by... VIEW ORIGINAL
ELBERT, Colo. -- Fort Carson medics ensured the safety and health of 200 cadets attending the Colorado high school Army Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge Camp, at Magness Cub Scout Adventure Camp in Elbert, June 9-13.
Medics from 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, were an important part of the operations at the camp.
"The camp wouldn't be operational without the medics from the CAB," said retired Command Sgt. Maj.
Patrick Roddy, Montebello High School JROTC instructor. "We have to have medics on site because most of the instructors are not medically qualified. The medics were up at all hours of the night to make sure our cadets were healthy and safe."
The medics provided treatment and preventive care for many Colorado high school cadets.
"There are approximately 21 Colorado high schools and one from New Mexico in attendance of this camp," said retired Lt. Col. Randy Nielson, Denver Public Schools director of Army Instruction. "The CAB medics provided medical classes and over-watch for more than 200 cadets."
The cadets have learned a lot since they arrived the first day of camp, said Sgt. Jeizel Molina, flight medic, Company C, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th CAB.
"It was nice to see the cadets' progress over the short time that we've been here," said Molina. "They are growing more confident and conquering a lot of their fears during camp. Even though some of the cadets won't join the military, they are still trying to make a difference in their own lives."
Pfc. William Plavetes, health care specialist, Headquarters Support Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th CAB, said he enjoyed instructing basic medical classes to the cadets.
"We modified our combat lifesaver class to teach the cadets," he said. "We taught skills such as how to apply a tourniquet, check the airway, splinting and preventing infection. I liked teaching the cadets because they soaked up all the knowledge that we could offer."
JROTC cadets enjoyed the leadership camp and found many benefits in attending.
"This camp is fun," said Cadet Serena Goodsell, Pueblo West High School JROTC. "I get to spend time with friends and make new ones. I believe I've learned valuable leadership skills. This camp has helped me want to be a leader whether or not I join the military in the future."
"I look forward to joining the military and strive to excel in the JROTC program," said Cadet Vanessa
Casillas, Denver West High School JROTC. "I feel great being at camp because it helps me improve
my speaking skills and how to lead people. I believe this camp is great preparation for joining the military," said Casillas, who plans to join the military as a nurse.
The instructors hope the lessons that the cadets learn help them for whatever career paths they choose in the future.
"We want them to use the confidence and skills they learned in the camp after they graduate," said
Nielson. "These cadets will be way ahead of their competition when they go to interviews or even join the military because of the training that JROTC has provided them."
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