Current Articles
Article courtesy of our PAO Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16th, 2023
Willard NJROTC Drone Team Competes in Missouri’s First Top Drone Academy!
On November 16, 2023, the Willard High School NJROTC Drone Team travelled to
Camdenton, MO to participate in Missouri’s first ever Top Drone Academy! Participants for the Drone Team were Levi Higginbotham, Elijah Rhodes, Dominick Brewer, Warren Phillips and Landon Raab. The event was hosted by Missouri’s Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) and started out with presentations from MU S&T’s Multirotor Team and independent company Agri Spray Drones. The first competition was the FAA Knowledge Exam in which Willard High School swept the contest at the student level: 1st place - Dominick Brewer 2nd place - Elijah Rhodes 3rd place - Warren Phillips It should be noted that these cadets are active participants in the Drone Team and are currently enrolled in the Drone Aviation course at Willard High School. After lunch, presentations continued with speakers from the MU School of Journalism, the MO State Highway Patrol and construction and paving company Capital. They spoke on how drone operations made their work efforts much more agile and flexible so that students understood what benefits could be awaiting them in the future. The final hours of Top Drone Academy saw participants competing in a handful events that challenged students in their component/use and air worthiness knowledge with the results listed below: Drone Maintenance and Repair 1st – Team A, Willard High School: Levi Higginbotham & Elijah Rhodes Crime Scene Investigation 2nd – Team E, Willard High School: Dominick Brewer, Landon Raab Drone Photography – Secondary Students 3rd– Team C, Willard High School: Warren Phillips, Landon Raab Drone Flight Skills 1st – Team A, Willard High School: Levi Higginbotham and Elijah Rhodes 2nd– Team E, Willard High School: Dominick Brewer and Landon Raab 3rd- – Team C, Willard High School: Warren Phillip and Landon Raab The team is definitely looking forward to next year’s Top Drone Academy event for sure! |
Article courtesy of our PAO Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10th, 2023
Veteran's Day Assembly at Willard High School!
On November 10th , 2023, the faculty and student body of Willard High School celebrated by hosting their annual Veteran’s Day Assembly in the Main Gym. Veterans from the Willard Community were greeted by the Willard NJROTC Sabre Guard to welcome them in and wonderful music was played courtesy of Willard High School’s Award-Winning Band: The Cutting Edge. The guest speaker, Missouri State University’s Professor of Military Science, LtCol Michael Lengel, shared some very kind and heart-warming words with those in attendance. The cadets of Willard NJROTC lined the mezzanine as a show of great respect to those that served, protecting freedom and democracy for our grateful nation! Thank you to Veterans near and far on this day of remembrance!
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Article courtesy of our PAO Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 3rd, 2023
Willard NJROTC AMI, Drone and Drill Meets - November 2023!
On the morning of November 3rd , 2023, the cadets of Willard High School NJROTC came to formation as it prepared for its annual Area Manager’s Inspection. CDR Merv Dial of Area THIRTEEN travelled to Southwest Missouri in order to inspect the cadets and check the overall health and compliance of the NJROTC program at Willard. CDR Dial took time to talk with every cadet and provided them keys to success in life. He even took time with the Battalion Staff to review their efforts for leading the junior cadets, inspecting the material readiness of Supply and engaged with the Drone Leadership before their next major event only a few hours later. That afternoon, Willard High School NJROTC hosted their second ever Drone Meet. With 11 teams competing this year, the competition was much more challenging.
The top 3 teams were as follows: Overall Team Results: 1st Place – Willard 1 2nd Place – Claremore 1 3rd Place – Willard 2 On November 4th , 2023, Willard High School NJROTC hosted their annual Drill Meet. With 8 teams competing this year, the entire operation was a massive ordeal that required many parents helping out. The Willard NJROTC Booster Club provided breakfast and grilled burgers and hot dogs for more than 300 parents and students to make sure that the entire event maintained a strict timeline. When the knockout competition was complete, the Awards Ceremony took place to recognize of the accomplishments for everyone involved. The top 3 teams were as follows: Overall Team Results: 1st Place – Shawnee Mission North 2nd Place – Mountain Home 3rd Place – Alma The Drone and Drill Meets marked the official start of competition for Area THIRTEEN for School Year 2023-2024. It’s going to be a very competitive season indeed! |
Article courtesy of our PAO Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8th, 2023
Willard NJROTC Travels to the Air Force Academy and Kansas State University!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8th, 2023
Willard NJROTC Travels to the Air Force Academy and Kansas State University!
During the first week of September of 2023, Willard NJROTC drove to Colorado Springs, CO and climbed to an elevation of 6,500 feet! On September 7th, they arrived at the United States Air Force Academy for a tour of the vast 18,500-acre campus! Starting at Davis Field, these cadets were introduced to 2LT Benavedez who facilitated a tour and discussion of the Sail Plane Team, the Glider Team and the Para Jumping Team all within the first hour of the tour! They were introduced to some of the most high-tech simulators and began a near 2-hour visit with the immense Athletic Program and its massive buildings to support the 27 collegiate teams there on campus! The day finished up with a tour of the Academic facilities that was led by Mr. Frank Perez. Following the tour, the Willard NJROTC cadets took a moment to take in some of Colorado’s natural scenery by visiting Garden of the Gods. Cadets that came on this trip included Adison Ehrhart, Makayla Tardie, Kalyn Proebstel, Levi Higginbotham, Elijah Rhodes and Wyatt Mitchell.
The next day, Willard NJROTC headed to Manhattan, KS to tour Kansas State University, specifically the Air Force ROTC program. 1LT Patrick Whaley and company provided a detailed presentation about their program and the opportunities that are afforded to their students. The campus was nothing short of amazing! The staff and student body were very friendly and the dining faculty was exceptional with many delicious food choices! The cadets even had a moment to meet up with a former Willard NJROTC Alumni, Thomas Adcock, where he and Elijah Rhodes did a few dozen push-ups or so to get the blood following.
The next day, Willard NJROTC headed to Manhattan, KS to tour Kansas State University, specifically the Air Force ROTC program. 1LT Patrick Whaley and company provided a detailed presentation about their program and the opportunities that are afforded to their students. The campus was nothing short of amazing! The staff and student body were very friendly and the dining faculty was exceptional with many delicious food choices! The cadets even had a moment to meet up with a former Willard NJROTC Alumni, Thomas Adcock, where he and Elijah Rhodes did a few dozen push-ups or so to get the blood following.
Article courtesy of our PA Department Head and Assistant (Respectively), c/LTJG Akeman and c/PO1 Proebstel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25th, 2023
Honor Flight of the Ozarks - August 2023
On August 23rd, 2023, the Honor Flight of the Ozarks boarded aircraft to head to Washington, DC in order to give local Veterans that served in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Conflicts an opportunity to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The Cadets of Willard High School NJROTC arose early that morning to support this amazing organization! As Veterans proceeded towards security at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, they were welcomed by the Cadets of Willard High School NJROTC who rendered them honors, saluting them and thanking them for their service to our grateful nation. These Veterans returned the thanks and they were very impressed by these young men and women, willing to wake up early in order to see them off for a journey of thanks and remembrance for where they were and what they accomplished. While it could be challenging for teenagers to understand what sacrifices these men and women made during the most challenging of times, these students of Willard High School had an opportunity to engage former service members in order to build their understanding of the sacrifices that Veterans around the nation have made and why they should be honored and remembered for their service.
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Article courtesy of our SNSI Mike Hartline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10th, 2023
Willard High School NJROTC Hosts AREA 9 Drone Camp
Willard High School NJROTC hosted the AREA 9 Drone Camp from August 9th thru August 10th, 2023. 6 schools from the regional area participated with approximately 40 students working with drones. Activities included Lap Race, Slalom and Race Track work to include in- classroom training course work on understanding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and risk mitigation techniques. Advanced work efforts included competitive work on Minesweeping and Close-Air Support events utilizing materials such as Ping Pong balls. These efforts were challenging for the cadets and they thoroughly enjoyed being in a team environment! The event also involved Rocket Drones, a company that specializes in drone racing and provides demonstrations on specific drone racing equipment that are utilized by other educational and collegiate centers around the nation. The event ended with a fun and engaging competition involving Drone Limbo which challenged the cadets even more. Students and Instructors alike enjoyed the event, which was an enjoyable way for the regional NJROTC Drone programs to end their respective summer time events. Let’s get ready for the start of School Year 2023-2024!
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Article courtesy of our PA Department Head and Assistant (Respectively), c/LTJG Akeman and c/PO1 Proebstel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9th, 2023 2023 Leadership Camp The Willard High School NJROTC Unit hosted the Ozark Leadership Camp for Area NINE from June 19th thru June 24th, 2023. This event saw more than 170 cadets interacting with one another. Ten schools were represented from the states of Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The camp focused on developing leadership skills that cadets could bring back to their school’s programs in order to help bridge the gaps with leading young men and women from diverse backgrounds. This year, the NJROTC instructor pool worked together to make the camp environment more impactful. Providing some additional structure, the entire camp was divided into 4 companies that were comprised of Cadre, Leadership Academy and Basic Leadership Training cadets. The objectives for these students were to learn how to improve upon habits of orderliness, citizenship, precision, and to develop respect for constituted authority. Training events included various trainers and simulations; dedicated instructor facilitated training on etiquette and leadership, inspections and attention to detail, and other team building exercises. As an added bonus, the Executive Officer from the University of Missouri NROTC Unit, CDR Richard Dean, USN, attended the leadership training and provided insight on the NROTC Preparatory Programs (NPP) Office to promote additional information to qualified applicants who may be seeking opportunities to attend college. The end result of Leadership Camp was the graduation ceremony that occurred on June 24th, 2023. Leadership Academy graduates earned their Leadership Cords and Basic Leadership Training graduates earned their Leadership Ribbons. The lasting impact of this event is that cadets of NJROTC programs in the regional area begin to develop bonds and friendships that can be very impactful for years to come. They will see each other at upcoming Drill Meets, Marksmanship Matches and Drone Competitions. This developing network of young men and women will have positive impressions for each school’s NJROTC program and will help retain young talent while developing future leaders within their respective programs. |
Article courtesy of our PA Department Head and Assistant (Respectively), c/LTJG Akeman and c/PO1 Proebstel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30th, 2023 2023 Change in Command The 2022-23 school year has come to a close and Willard’s NJROTC unit has completed its Spring Awards and Promotions Ceremony (A&P). On April 28, 2023, they saw the passing of the torch between the new and old CO, XO, and CMC. Since then, the new leadership has hit the ground running. c/CDR William Tropepe handed his role off to c/LCDR Braxton Brewer, the unit's new Commanding Officer. c/CDR Kadence Jones handed off her role as the unit's Executive Officer to c/LT Wayne Hopper while c/ENS Christyn Brown handed off her role as the Senior Enlisted Leader to c/CMC Adison Ehrhart. c/LCDR Brewer says he feels “prepared but not excited.” He also stated that he feels like he knows what his tasks are, but he isn’t sure how he can complete them effectively. Brewer’s new responsibilities include leading the unit, efficiently delegating tasks, overseeing the completion of tasks, and providing pass down to his new chain of command. He is also the connection between the unit and the NJROTC Instructors. c/LT Hopper's new responsibilities include listening to department heads, making sure things run smoothly while helping carry out tasks as directed by the CO. Hopper says he is “absolutely excited” about his new role within the unit. Hopper is also the direct report for Operations and Administration. c/CMC Ehrhart is in charge of all enlisted cadets and department assistants. She wasn’t necessarily surprised by her position but she didn’t expect it either. She says she was “surprised because of competition but also expected to do good.” CMC is also a part of the ‘triad’ with the CO and XO making up the other pieces. Everyone in leadership has had to work for it and has advice for those who want to be in leadership as well. Some, like Ehrhart, may say “Just do the work” while other pieces of advice say “You get what you work for,” according to Hopper. Either way, working hard for what you want, standing by your decisions, and being respectful gets you far in leadership. Other leadership positions include: Drill Commander and Assistant - c/ENS Aden Heflin and c/CPO Ryan Mauschbaugh Color Guard and Assistant- c/CPO Quinton Boone and c/PO2 Wyatt Mitchell PT - c/SCPO Eli Rhodes Academics - c/PO1 Makayla Tardie Drone Commander and Assistant - c/SCPO Levi Higginbotham and c/SCPO Elijah Rhodes Marksmanship Commander and Assistants - c/CPO Jackson Holt, c/PO1 Makayla Tardie and c/PO2 Wyatt Mitchell Operations - c/LTJG Coel Breesawitz as Operations and c/CPO Logan South Administration/MWR - c/ENS Christyn Brown Maintenance - c/SCPO Levi Higginbotham and c/PO2 Damian Morales Supply - c/CPO Gage Smith and c/PO2 Kody Price IT - c/CPO Logan South and c/PO2 Xavier Bumgarner PAO - c/LTJG Tyler Akeman and c/PO1 Kalyn Proebstel New leadership creates new opportunities for growth and opportunities for challenges. But, like always, the unit continues to adapt and overcome. Summer break has many opportunities for leadership to begin to understand their positions with major events to include LA/BLT and Ozark Empire Fair. However, some cadets have already began to figure their roles out during community service events such as Honor Flight of the Ozarks. The next few months will be full of growth and a few struggles, but Willard’s NJROTC unit will overcome and continue to grow stronger in the 23’-24’ school year. |
Past Articles
Articles From our PA Department Head c/LT Hallie Vaughn FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18th, 2020 Willard NJROTC Travels to San Diego San Diego, CA-- Monday, February 10th, a group of 22 cadets left for San Diego, California. They spent the week touring multiple sites that included the USS Midway Museum, USS Dewey, USS Scranton, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Museum, and Disneyland. It’s not every day that these cadets get to do push ups on a nuclear submarine or eat in the mess hall of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer; so this experience is something they will all remember forever. Beginning Tuesday, the cadets left MCRD to visit HSC-4 Black Knights Helo Squadron at Naval Air Station North Island, where they met multiple helicopter pilots and experienced a simulator. Following the tour from the helo pilots, Willard left for the USS Midway Museum. There, the cadets explored the flight deck and bridge of the aircraft carrier, taking pictures and buying new merch. Reflecting on the day, Cadet Lieutenant (c/LT) Dupire said, “my favorite part was going to see the helo squadron. I think this unit is so lucky to have a SNSI like Captain to bring us places like this and have these experiences. I learned so much about the Navy and all of the moving components. I think it is crazy how everything works like clockwork- every little job does matter.” Wednesday brought a big day for the Willard cadets. Beginning at 0800, they explored the MCRD San Diego museum and experienced the wrath of a duo of Marine Corps drill instructors. The cadet’s Q&A turned into physical exercise and free entertainment for the chaperones, Captain Burnett and Senior Chief Bishop. The main event of the day was the tour of the USS Dewey. To be allowed on board, every cadet had to go through the proper procedure of saluting the ensign and the officer of the deck, then requesting permission to board the ship. From here, Willard explored the ship: going below decks, eating in the mess hall, looking at the berthing (sleeping quarters), touring the bridge and flight deck. Cadet Commander (c/CDR) Miller and Cadet Lieutenant Commander (c/LCDR) Simmons presented a mounted half hull to the CO of the ship and another was gifted to the Master Chief by Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer (c/MCPO) Lacy. Cadet Petty Officer Second Class (c/PO2) Young reflected on the day saying, “It is not everyday you get to tour a battleship! That was by far my favorite thing we did on this trip. San Diego was an amazing experience.” Thursday the 13th, Willard toured Damage Control Training school. Here, the cadets tried on fire suits and walked through the training rooms where they learned some procedures a ship will take to combat a fire or a water breach onboard. Afterward, Captain Burnett surprised the group with a trip to the local bowling alley. Following the bowling alley, Willard received a presentation from a Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land) and SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen). To a few cadets, this was their favorite part of the entire trip. Cadet Seaman (c/SN) Mitchell reflected that, “meeting the SEALs was definitely my favorite part of the trip. Getting the chance to see and experience what the Navy is like was remarkable. Before we left for San Diego I already knew that I wanted my future career to be in the Navy; so after this trip I know for a fact that the Navy is where I belong.” The trip didn’t end with the SEAL presentation. Willard traveled to Naval Base Point Loma and toured the USS Scranton. Here, the cadets toured the submarine asking the sailors aboard about ship operations and everyday life on mission. Willard wrapped up the week by spending Valentine’s Day at Disneyland! They split off into groups with a chaperone for each, and had a day full of magic. c/CDR Miller and Senior Chief Bishop built their long awaited lightsabers and everyone shopped and rode plenty of rides. Overall, this trip was an outstanding experience for the cadets. Many left San Diego with a confirmed sense of what they want in their future careers and some unforgettable memories. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2020 Willard NJROTC Earns Sixth Straight Trip to Navy Nationals Drill Meet Oklahoma City, OK-- Saturday January 25th, the Willard Drill Team placed second at the Area-Nine Championship, marking this the sixth year in a row that the team has made it to Pensacola, Florida. Willard competed against schools from Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. For many cadets this will be another shot at nationals, but for some this is their first time qualifying. Cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class, Tropepe is of those qualifying for the first time. Commenting on the weekend he said, “The night before the competition I was really nervous and was anxious throughout the day Saturday. But after performing each routine and completing the inspection, everything seemed to have flown by so fast that I felt we weren't there long enough. Those moments Saturday are the reason I wake up at 4 in the morning and leave school at 6. They are the reason for all of the hard work I and so many cadets put in everyday. With hard work comes great rewards, and that is why Willard is going to nationals this year.” Saturday’s events included Personnel Inspection (UPI), Armed and Unarmed Basic Drill, Color Guard, Academics, Armed and Unarmed Exhibition Drill, and Physical Training (PT). The team did exceptionally well in UPI earning second place. “I was so proud of the team. In practice we’d been isolating areas of improvement and one key area was that of sounding off clearly and confidently. From where I was, I was able to hear every cadet sound off and the energy held firm throughout the entire inspection. It was so awesome to see improvement in the team and a stellar performance at that,” said Cadet Commander (c/CDR) Miller. Following UPI, the Unarmed Regulation team was on deck. Commanded by Cadet Lieutenant (c/LT) Abbey, the team set the bar high for following teams and earned second place. “I am so proud of my team. Their hard work and dedication shone through when it came to competition. I could not ask for a better team to lead,” said c/LT Abbey. The Color Guard Team competed directly after Unarmed Regulation. Commanded by c/LT Shackelford, the team placed fifth. Shortly after the Color Guard, Armed Exhibition performed. The team was commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Kidwell, and they placed third. c/LTJG Kidwell commented on the performance saying, “It was a great performance altogether. Leading up to it we had some shortcomings with missing team members in practice, but we always seem to pull together at the end. I’m hoping for an even better performance at nationals in April!” Armed Regulation did exceptionally well and left the deck with a second place victory. The team’s commander, c/CDR Miller commented on the routine saying, “the team really brought it for this routine. We’d been breaking down the routine into manageable portions where the team could train at the squad level. Reg is a different beast because it requires true repetition of the same movements, however these guys really stuck it out and produced an amazing performance.” Following Armed Regulation, the Academic Team took their tests and placed third overall. As for Unarmed Exhibition, their performance was outstanding. Many cadets commented that the performance was the best they had seen. They were correct about that, as the team placed first! Cadet Lieutenant Commander (c/LCDR) Simmons commanded Unarmed Exhibition and had some praising words for the team, “I cannot be more proud of the cadets. Through several early mornings and late evenings we were able to come together and have an absolutely fantastic performance. I’m glad that we were able to accomplish this but I’m even happier that we were able to celebrate this victory as a team.” The Physical Training Team ended the day triumphantly with second place. They placed first in pushups, second in situps, and first in the 100 meter relay run. Quite a few cadets did great individually. Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class (c/PO2) Chapman placed second in male pushups, and c/LTJG Rauch placed first. c/LT Zickmund placed 5th in female sit ups and c/LT Shackelford earned 3rd place in the male sit ups. The CO of the PT team, c/LT Zickmund, was ecstatic about the team’s performance saying, “I am so proud of the team on how hard we worked. I’m still in shock about how well we did in the race!” Competing in Armed Regulation: c/PO2 Chapman, Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer (c/SCPO) Chism, c/LT Dupire, c/LTJG Dutton, c/LTJG Fitzanko, c/Ens Jeffries, c/SCPO Jenkins, c/LTJG Kidwell, Cadet Seaman (c/SN) Lewis J, c/CDR Miller J, c/PO2 Musil, c/LTJG Rauch, c/LT Shackelford, and c/LT Welsh. Competing in Armed Exhibition: c/LT Bishop, c/SCPO Buffington, c/PO2 Chapman, c/SCPO Chism, c/LT Dupire, c/LTJG Fitzanko, c/Ens Jeffries, c/LTJG Kidwell, c/CDR Miller J, c/PO2 Musil, c/LTJG Rauch, c/LT Shackelford, and c/LT Welsh. Competing in Unarmed Regulation: c/LT Abbey, c/LTJG Akeman, c/PO2 Clifton, c/LT Cox, c/SCPO Eaton, c/SCPO Howell, c/MCPO Lacy, c/PO3 Miller C, c/SN Mitchell, c/PO3 Tropepe, c/LT Vaughn, c/LTJG Woods, c/PO2 Young, and c/LT Zickmund. Competing in Unarmed Exhibition: c/LT Abbey, c/LTJG Akeman, c/PO2 Clifton, c/LT Cox, c/SCPO Eaton, c/SCPO Howell, c/MCPO Lacy, c/PO3 Miller C, c/LCDR Simmons, c/PO3 Tropepe, c/LTJG Woods, c/PO2 Young, c/LT Zickmund. Competing in Color Guard: c/LTJG Kidwell, c/CDR Miller J, c/LT Shackelford, c/LCDR Simmons. Competing in Academics: c/LT Abbey, c/LT Bishop, c/PO2 Chapman, c/SCPO Chism, c/LT Dupire, c/LTJG Dutton, c/Ens Jeffries, c/SCPO Jenkins, c/MCPO Lacy, c/CDR Miller J, c/PO2 Musil, c/LT Shackelford, c/LCDR Simmons, c/LTJG Woods, c/PO2 Young. Competing in PT: Cadet Chief Petty Officer (c/CPO) Bryant, c/CPO Biggs, c/PO2 Chapman, c/LTJG Fitzanko, c/SCPO Howell, c/Ens Jeffries, c/LTJG Kidwell, c/MCPO Lacy, c/PO3 Miller C, c/CDR Miller J, c/PO2 Musil, c/LTJG Rauch, c/PO3 Roberts, c/LT Shackelford, c/LCDR Simmons, Seaman Recruit (c/SR) Stevens, c/PO3 Tropepe, c/LT Vaughn, c/LT Welsh, c/PO2 Young, and c/LT Zickmund. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2019 Willard NJROTC Shooting Team Qualifies for Navy Nationals Willard, Missouri-- Earlier this week, the Willard shooting team sent their results in for the annual Postal Competition. This competition is open to all JROTC teams and individuals. The shooting team members did outstanding--earning 7th place out of 289 other competing teams, qualifying them for Navy Nationals. As for Area 9, Willard placed 2nd out of 27 competing teams. Ensign (c/Ens) Jeffries commented that, “the team did very well! This is the first time in almost 10 years that we have had an entire team qualify for Navy Nationals. I’m super proud of these kids, and I hope they are proud of themselves. Be ready to find us in Chandler, Arizona!” Each cadet who competed did great! Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Fitzanko shot her personal best, and earned 6th place out of 2,606 shooters. (c/Ens) Jeffries placed 14th, Senior Chief Petty Officer (c/SCPO) Chism placed 54th, Petty Officer 3rd Class (c/PO3) Roberts placed 133rd, and Petty Officer 2nd Class (c/CPO2) Young placed 143rd. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9th, 2019 Willard NJROTC Places 9th at Gary Anderson Invitational Anniston, Alabama-- The Willard shooting team left for their match early December 6th and competed Saturday the 7th. The team shot their way through to 9th out of 34 teams. The CO of the Shooting Team, Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Woods commented that the team, “performed great! Overall, it was a good trip. The cadets had lots of fun and shot excellent.” Individually, the team members did very well. Ensign (c/Ens) Jeffries shot a 540 out of 600, finishing 6th out of 142 shooters. She earned herself a silver medal. Lieutenant (c/LT) Shackelford shot a 517 and placed 37th, earning his new personal best. He was presented with a bronze medal. Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Fitzanko shot a 504, placing 61st, and was one point away from a bronze medal. Senior Chief Petty Officer (c/SCPO) Chism shot a 498, finishing 71st. Then Petty Officer 2nd Class (c/PO2) Young shot a 496, placing 75th. Commenting on the weekend, c/SCPO Chism said, “We had a good trip to Alabama! We didn’t shoot exactly where we wanted to, but it was still a great experience for us. It shows where we need to improve. This was also our first big competition, so in all reality, we are just getting the season started. I believe we are going to have a successful year in shooting!” November 15th-16th, 2019 Willard Places Second Overall in Shawnee Mission North Athletic Challenge Overland Park, Kansas-- Three teams of Willard NJROTC cadets participated in an athletic challenge at Shawnee Mission North on November 16th. Lieutenant (c/LT) Zickmund and Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Rauch, the Commander (CO) and Executive Officer (XO) of the PT team, led the female, male, and co-ed teams in securing second place. The events included two minutes of pushups and situps, pullups or flexed arm hang, a mile run, 100 meter relay, and a combat fitness test. When asked about the competition, Petty Officer 2nd Class (c/PO2) Musil commented, “It’s a totally different experience from a regular drill competition. It’s a load of fun and a great way for the team to connect with each other as well as other schools.” Beginning early in the morning and stretching into the afternoon, the teams worked hard to achieve their goal: have fun and make Shawnee sweat! Each individual team then placed second in pushups, situps, pull ups, and the mile run. They took first in the 100 meter relay, and in the combat fitness test. The day’s events were a success, and when asked how the team competed, c/LT Zickmund replied saying, “I was really proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard even when we didn’t have much time to prepare for the challenge. We were there to win and have some fun! They all had a blast, and second place was well deserved. Great job team!” Cadets on the female team: Senior Chief Petty Officer (c/SCPO) Buffington, c/LTJG Fitzanko, Ensign (c/Ens) Jeffries, c/LT Welsh, c/PO2 Young, and c/LT Zickmund. Cadets on the male team: Chief Petty Officer (c/CPO) Bryant, c/LTJG Kidwell, c/PO2 Musil, c/CPO Oursbourn, c/LTJG Rauch, and Petty Officer 3rd Class (c/PO3) Roberts. Cadets on the co-ed team: c/CPO Biggs, c/LT Rowe, c/LT Shackelford, Seaman Recruit (c/SR) Stevens, c/SR Tropepe, and c/LT Vaughn. August 26th, 2019 Willard NJROTC Cadets Tour the Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Co.-- “The academy had the best swimming hall I have ever seen! Just the athletic facilities in general were stunning,” reflected Seaman Recruit (c/SR) Miller over the Air Force Academy trip. On Wednesday August 21st, 29 Willard NJROTC cadets departed for the Air Force Academy (USAFA) located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In just a matter of three and a half days, the cadets partook in a tour of Bent’s Old Fort, Garden of the Gods, and USAFA. Thursday August 22nd, the cadets began their tour of Bent’s Old Fort. This fort is a reconstructed 1840’s fur trading post; it was a place for peaceful trade between tribes and travelers. The cadets were able to learn the history and legacy of the fort. Later that day, the cadets arrived at Garden of the Gods. They toured and experienced the beauty Colorado has to offer by walking the trails, climbing the great rocks, and viewing the National Natural Landmark. Friday August 23rd, the long awaited tour of USAFA arrived. The Willard NJROTC cadets are fortunate to have this opportunity to visit the prestigious school. It provides those who are bound for service academies, a chance to get an inside look at their prospective future. During the tour, the cadets visited many facilities on campus. There are numerous athletic buildings that provide a wide variety of options for athletes. For example, there is an olympic sized pool, ice rink, indoor football field and track, and several basketball courts. They even watched some academy parachutists jump out of a plane. The cadets experienced the academy's famed Cadet Chapel as well. This is one of the most visited sites on campus due to its magnificence in look and amount of worship options. When asked about the USAFA trip, c/SR Taylor Gold said her favorite part was witnessing the parachutists. The trip was a great experience for new and returning cadets. Reflecting over the USAFA trip, Lieutenant (c/LT) Simmons commented, “Overall I would say that visiting the United States Air Force Academy was an incredible opportunity. The ability for us to be able to travel to the academy and learn about the numerous opportunities it offers is something that I'm sure has had an impact on all of the cadets that attended, and will continue to have an effect on them in the future.” Cadets involved: c/LT Abbey, c/SR Bell, c/SR Blackburn, Chief Petty Officer (c/CPO) Bryant, Lieutenant Junior Grade (c/LTJG) Cox, Petty Officer 2nd Class (c/PO2) Curtman, c/SR Davis, Gold, c/SR Heidebrecht, c/SR Hudson,c/SR Jennings, c/SR McTeer, c/SR Chris Miller, Lieutenant Commander (c/LCDR) Jack Miller, c/PO2 Roberts, c/LTJG Rowe, c/LT Simmons, c/SR Swadley, Petty Officer 3rd Class (c/PO3) Thomas, c/PO3 Turner, c/PO3 Ulrey, c/PO2 Young. 27 April, 2019 Willard NJROTC Cadets and Community Service Opportunity It is not everyday that one gets the opportunity to give back to the community or to a friend. But that is exactly what Willard NJROTC cadets took part in on April 27th, 2019. Cadets: Woods, Chism, Oursbourn J, Miller, Anderson, Graef, Davenport, Welsh, Buffington, Cox, Smith, Young L, Chapman, and Wilson were given the honor of helping former Willard NJROTC c/Commander Tory Butler’s grandparents. Tory’s grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Ray Banning, is a Vietnam veteran, having served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer with the 1st Cavalry. Being a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, LTC Banning is proud of the unit’s accomplishments and the values it displays. He has traveled with the unit on multiple trips all over the country, and helped the unit in as many ways as he possibly can. This is why the Willard NJROTC cadets, including the new unit Commanding Officer c/LCDR Miller, were happy to help given the opportunity. The cadets partook in activities such as clearing weeds, cutting vines, mowing, sweeping, and doing other various yard work and activities that required attention. “I’m glad that the unit had the opportunity to help someone out that’s also helped us and someone that we know personally,” said c/LCDR Miller recalling the service project. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 Willard NJROTC Cadets Receive Over $600 Thousand In Scholarships WILLARD, Mo.--Five Willard High School NJROTC cadets received scholarships worth over 600-thousand dollars Tuesday evening, May 7th at the Willard High School Scholarship Night. Cadet Commander Colton Key and Cadet Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Bein were awarded Navy ROTC scholarships, Cadet Lieutenant Commander Madison Young and Cadet Ensign Savanna Slack both got National Guard scholarships, and Cadet Lieutenant Commander Ian Lacy received an Air Force scholarship. Lacy has been with the program for his entire high school career, and after graduation he will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he will study electrical engineering. Reflecting upon his high school career, Lacy said, “The program helped make me into who I am, and helped me get into MIT and get an Air Force ROTC scholarship.” Key has been with the Willard NJROTC for four years as well, and plans to attend the University of Missouri on his Navy ROTC scholarship. Speaking about the impact the program has had on him, Key stated, “This program has given me opportunities to grow my leadership abilities and confidence. This program has also given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and create unforgettable memories.” Bein will be attending the University of Maine in Orono with a degree in biology. She has been in the Willard NJROTC program for four years as well as being a former US Naval Sea Cadet. Reflecting on how the program has affected her, Bein stated, “This program has really set me off in the direction that I am meant to be going in, I have met several people in this unit that have influenced me tremendously and I am proud to say that I can consider them as friends.” Young has been with the Willard NJROTC for the entirety of her high school career and was Commander of the Drill and Color Guard teams. She will begin Basic Training on July 8 for the Army National Guard. In January, Young will attend Missouri State University where she will major in Biology and Pre-Med, and minor in Military Sciences to become an Officer in the Army National Guard. After this, she plans to become an OB/GYN. Recalling the past few years, Young said, “The Unit has been very influential. It has helped motivate me to keep me on my path of following my dreams for my future.” Slack also has been in the Willard NJROTC program for four years. She has enlisted with the Army National Guard and will attend basic training on September 3rd. In August, Slack will attend Missouri Southern State University where she will major in Criminal Justice. After this, she plans to become a Police Officer. Recalling the past few years, Slack said, “The program has influenced me to become a better leader and has reminded me to stay on a good path and follow my dreams of being in the military. I have had my mind set on going into the military ever since 7th grade, and the program has helped me tremendously and has made my dream for my future become a reality.” “I’m extremely proud of all the cadets who earned scholarships,” said Capt. Steve Burnett, the Senior Naval Science Instructor at Willard High School. “I’ve watched them grow and develop into exceptional leaders and I know they will excel in their chosen services,” he concluded. -30- |
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