DAVENPORT, Iowa -- One good deed deserves another.
That's how things played out as a senior leader for the Army Sustainment Command, headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., visited a local high school Feb. 27 and thanked them for their assistance at a command New Year's reception.
ASC's Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer handed out autographed photographs, "Army Strong" pens, and gave professional advice to Junior ROTC cadets attending Davenport Central High School, home of the Blue Devils. The photographs had Spencer, Brig. Gen. John Wharton, ASC commanding general and senior mission commander of RIA, and the cadets posing together at the reception Jan. 12.
The cadets ran the coat check during the New Year's event. Visitors included community leaders, educators, elected officials, and RIA leaders. Wharton hosted the re reception which was held in historic Quarters 1.
The reception was divided into three visitation sessions. Students present included: Cadet Lt. Col. Roy Schindler, Cadet Capt. Brandon Van Winkle, Cadet Staff Sgt. Trey Anderson, Cadet Sgt. Jack Polaschek, Cadet Capt. Alexander Cluff, Cadet Capt. Josie Miller, Cadet 1st Sgt. Sterlin Dieken, Cadet Capt. Kendal Ritchie, Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Tylar Buck, and Cadet Sgt. 1st Class Brett Morales, who has since been promoted to the rank of cadet major.
During his address to the cadets, Spencer thanked them for their interest in possible military service.
"It's all about service to the nation -- doing something bigger than yourself," Spencer said.
He pointed out that less than 1 percent of the U.S. population serves in the Army.
At this high school, the JROTC program enjoys an 8.6 percent student participation rate with 130 enrolled out of a school population of 1,500, program coordinators said during the visit.
Army retired Lt. Col. Joe Moralez is the senior Army instructor and is assisted by Army retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Matson. Each received a command coin from Spencer for their continuous service to the nation.
Social Sharing