JROTC lead the way

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  North Pole High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets led the way in North Pole High School's Homecoming military salute September 10, 2010.

Spectators lined the streets in support of the contributions made by our military and their families as the JROTC cadets marched through the streets of downtown North Pole.

The JROTC cadets proudly led the parade through downtown North Pole with unmatched military bearing and a sense of professionalism that made the on looking crowd cheer in support. The event reflected the close relationship between the community and its military.

With the help of retired Air Force Maj. James Alonzo, JROTC instructor, cadets were able to assist fellow students with this weekend's activities.

"The kids are ready to go," said Mr. Alonzo. "They're always ready to help wherever they are needed."

For this year's homecoming the students of North Pole High School brainstormed the theme of this special weekend. They agreed on hometown heroes considering it would be the nine-year anniversary of 9/11.

"The theme is hometown heroes," said Walter Armstrong, NPHS activities coordinator who has been active in this district for more than twenty years. "The freshman class represented the Air Force."

The students dedicated the entire weekend to the contributions and the sacrifices made by servicemembers and their families. The weekend's events demonstrated the community's appreciation for their military.

"Tomorrow afternoon before the game we will have representatives from each of the different branches of the military coming on to the field to present the colors with our color guard," said Mr. Armstrong. "It's in memory of 9/11 but also the sacrifices being made right now in response to 9/11. The sacrifices that allow us to still do what American students have done for years and years.

"This is definitely a way for us to say thank you and we do appreciate it," he added.

The cadets are eager to have an active role in their school and their community. Several of the cadets were scheduled to play in the game Saturday, September 11.

"It's something I give them credit for," said Mr. Alonzo. "The kids got something out of this too. They had to focus, they had to build camaraderie amongst each other and help each other make it through."

The events of this weekend showcase the efforts of a community that is grateful for the contributions of its military and also show the importance of working together as a community.