JROTC has formed them into future leaders -- on Thursday Team Redstone showed them what possibilities exist in that future.
More than 500 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from schools across the Tennessee Valley paid a visit Redstone Arsenal April 14 for Team Redstone's 2016 JROTC Day. The annual education outreach event opens the gates of the installation to the future leaders, allowing them a glimpse at the career paths that exist in their own backyard, and the important role those careers play in supporting the warfighter.
"This day was designed for Junior ROTC cadets to not only celebrate the 100th anniversary of JROTC, but also to help them make decisions about their careers, their education and their way forward in life," said Barbara Williams, school liaison officer for the Garrison, and lead organizer of the event. "We believe that the volunteers and organizations that were here today provided a way ahead for them as they think about college, careers, the military. We believe it was a successful day for all."
Maj. Gen. Edward Daly, deputy chief of staff for the Army Materiel Command, welcomed the future leaders to Redstone, and imparted five life lessons he's learned throughout his career as a Soldier: seize the moment, work hard, have a moral compass and stick to it, "be a team player" and plan for the future.
"Dare to be great," Daly said. "Be confident. Seize the moment and do great things with the opportunities that lie ahead for you. You're going to blink and you're going to progress four or five years and you're going to say, 'Where did the time go?' Seize the moment right now. And remember that people are looking at you to provide purpose, direction and motivation. Give them the very best and do things to ensure they know you care. Inspire them to achieve the unthinkable."
In addition to remarks from Daly, students competed in a PT challenge and Knock-Drill, listened to panelists share their thoughts on leadership, and visited stations that included a variety of hands-on displays from weapons systems to a Chinook helicopter, as well as working dogs and the chance to chat with military recruiters.
"What a tremendous event put on by the Redstone team," said Col. Patrick Michaelis, brigade commander for the 2nd Recruiting Brigade. "It has provided young leaders who, by virtue of being part of JROTC, are interested in service to the nation, in its many forms, a venue to explore the range of options."
For Austin High School cadets Diana Garcia and Semaj Johnson, highlights of the day included hearing from Team Redstone employees about their journey to their chosen field, to networking with cadets from other schools. Both seniors, Johnson will attend Mississippi State in the fall; Garcia Calhoun Community College with the goal of one day attending law school. The duo agreed JROTC has helped get them to where they are today.
"Far beyond just learning the ROTC basics, he actually prepares us for life challenges," Garcia said of her JROTC instructor, retired Lt. Col. James Walker. "He takes the time out of his day to help us out with everything."
Participating high schools included: Albertville, Athens, Austin, Buckhorn, Columbia, Decatur, Grissom, Huntsville, James Clemens, J.O. Johnson, Lee and New Century, Limestone County Career Technical Center, Madison County and Sparkman. Lee/New Century cadets were the champions in the PT challenge, with cadet Adam Rodriguez from Decatur High School winning the Knock-Out Drill. Columbia took home the honors of Most Spirited.
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