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Air Force JROTC should be recognized

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  • Originally published June 3, 2011 at 8:06 p.m., updated June 5, 2011 at 3:25 p.m.

Editor, the Advocate:

Another school year ends, and it becomes a time for reflection about a group of students who seek no recognition but deserve a lot.

For 16 years, we have been very lucky to have the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. For a number of years, they have performed thousands of community service hours.

This year alone, they served in separating and sorting the food collected by the post office, assisting the veterans in selling poppies (collecting close to $4,000 - a first), cleaning neighborhoods with Keep Victoria Beautiful, posting close to 2,000 flags in the Healing Field (a feat in itself), posting more than 500 flags last year, Helping Habitat for Humanity in working with the obstacle course, helping countless elementary schools with their school carnivals over the years, helping nursing homes with their festivals and performing posting of flags at football games, parades and various community functions.

Why do I think it's time for some recognition because if the AFJROTC does not meet the Air Force requirements of the number of students in the program, VISD is in danger of losing the AFJROTC program. A student does not have to join the military to be in the AFJROTC. Yes, they are able to participate in sports. AFJROTC is to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

I know that certain counselors told students that the quota had been met for joining AFJROTC, but there no quota on the number of students who are able to join.

Espiridion Castillo, Victoria



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Comments

  • Texican Texican Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    Amen. I joined AFJROTC in Victoria as a high school junior in 1996. I went to VHS and had to set up a "cross town" agreement to attend the ROTC class at Stroman. I would do it all over again.

    I credit my participation in the program with my attention to detail, assertiveness (it really brought me out of my shell), and several lifelong friends.

    I'm now a professional pilot and adjunct professor at a university, and hold a graduate degree. Victoria's AFJROTC produces success stories and should be lauded as such.

    June 5, 2011 at 12:24 p.m.