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Brigadier General Slocum Awards Junior ROTC Cadets

  • Published
  • By Capt. Anthony J. Lesterson
  • 127th Wing
Brig. Gen. John D. Slocum, 127th Wing commander, presented awards to 10 teams of approximately 25 members of Junior ROTC cadets on Oct. 17, 2015, at Anchor Bay High School in Ira Township, Michigan.

The cadets were recognized with numerous awards after a day of competitive drill movements with participants from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The competition between the groups helped each cadet to hone their skills and continue to evolve together as a team.

"Each of you are learning the skills you need to be successful in a career and in life. You're showing courage, working as a team and learning to work in a stressful environment," said Slocum. "Winning teams are made up of a team that all hit singles not just one that can make a home run."

The Junior ROTC program enables students to build skillsets such as leadership, self-confidence and discipline, which are qualities that are necessary to thrive in any career. Each cadet is encouraged to get involved in the community and maintain a strong focus on continued education. Cadet leaders take it upon themselves to guide the cadets and give advice until the end of high school.

"All of my seniors meet with me several times throughout the year - and the younger students, too - and we talk about 'OK, what's the dream?' I have three criteria for them: it has to be something legal, something they enjoy and something they will be good at," said Col. Jeffery Carrothers, Anchor Bay ROTC senior instructor. "And then we start working with that student to show them the steps needed to reach their goals and to move toward their dreams."

Many of these cadets go through the program with some intending on going into the armed forces, however, many attend college and look at the possibility of a variety of careers.

During the competition one of the judges stood out in the crowd not only as a member of the Michigan Air National Guard but also as an alumni of the Anchor Bay Junior ROTC program.

"It's good to be back where I started," said Airmen 1st Class Margaret Wellman."I feel like I am helping out and giving support that is needed."