25 August, 2009
Spec John Rhoades
Junior ROTC alumni John Rhoades visited the Sarasota Junior ROTC Orientation Camp while home for 15 days on R&R, from Bagdad, Iraq.
Rhoades is a 2007 SHS graduate and left JROTC as Battalion Commander after successfully completing four years of enrollment in the program. Rhoades immediately enlisted in the US Army and is currently stationed out of Fort Lewis, Washington. Beginning at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Rhoades completed boot camp, and then traveled to Fort Huachuca, AZ, for his advanced training. Rhoades’ unit, I Corps, was deployed to Bagdad in March 2009, where Rhoades is serving at the Multi-National Corps as an Intelligence Analyst following a recent promotion.
After being asked about his experiences in Bagdad, Specialist Rhoades stated that the weather was similar to constantly having a hair drying blowing hot air on his face. While home on R&R, he has visited with family, friends, and his favorite local restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse. Technology has advanced so much over the years that he is able to keep in contact with his family several times per week. Rhoades’ hobbies include reading (science fiction and geo-international are his favorite genres), and playing video games.
Rhoades explained that while deployed, his days start at 00:30 through 12:30, 7 days per week. He misses his free time and weekends and advises the students “high school is easy compared to real life, so they should enjoy it.”
Rhoades returned to Bagdad on Sunday, leaving behind parents, brother, and sister. Hopefully Rhoades’ return to Bagdad is not as difficult as his trip home for R&R, which included traveling from Bagdad to Kuwait for a 20 hour layover, then on to Germany before flying to Atlanta.
Good luck Specialist Rhoades, and thanks for your dedication and service! You may write to John Rhoades at the following address. He’d love to hear from you.
Spec. John Rhoades
MNCI 2C CASE
I Corps
APO AE09342
U.S. Army Specialist John Rhoades
13 April, 2009
Army PFC Keith Lewis is another SHS JROTC alumnus serving our country in the Armed Forces. PFC Lewis is stationed at FOB (Forward Operating Base) Sharana, his destination after basic training. Lewis’ home base on American soil is at Fort Richardson, Alaska. PFC Lewis is part of the 25th Infantry Division; 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment.
PFC Lewis’ training includes Airborne as well as being a first responder. During this tour he carries the M 203 (Grenade Launcher). He plans to reenlist while in Afghanistan and then take the final training to become a certified medic.
PFC Lewis Is looking forward to visiting friends and family in Sarasota on his next leave. He is the brother of Cadet Kassis Lewis who is currently enrolled in the SHS JROTC Program.
26 March, 2009
The Annual Formal Inspection (AFI) occurs every year and is an event for which cadets must prepare themselves from the time school starts in August. Intense preparation begins at the start of the second semester in anticipation of the event on February 25. Inspectors from outside the Bulldog Battalion review the cadets in formation and drill, and examine the curriculum and supply records. Classroom areas must be immaculate and staff officers must be able to answer questions regarding the areas they oversee. Additionally, staff officers must present their jobs to the reviewers using a PowerPoint that involved weeks of preparation. Cadets must also be able to respond correctly to a variety of questions related to United States history and government. Cadet grooming had to be to standard and every uniform was dry-cleaned and pressed to a wrinkle free condition.
The diligence, practice and studying paid off as the Bulldog Battalion scored 2000/2000! The gold star remains on the uniforms! Bulldog coins were awarded to the following cadets: c/2LT Nick Hines, Alpha Company, c/SGT Ashley Neff, Bravo Company and c/SGT Andrew Mendoza, Charlie Company. Additional coins were awarded to c/SGT Deanna Root, c/SGT Erica Guzman, c/SGT Sarah Mathews and C/PFC Kassandra Lewis.
On March 5th, the Battalion celebrated with a BBQ after school. Cadets enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks, and relaxed by playing football, soccer and Frisbee.
28 January, 2009
Army Specialist Michael Babker
JROTC alumni Michael Babker volunteered his time and talent during a recent visit to SHS JROTC. Babker is a 2005 graduate and left JROTC as a c/MAJ and Battalion XO. He enlisted in the Army as an
Information Technology Specialist. He completed Basic Training at
Fort Jackson and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at
Fort Gordon. He spent one year at
Camp Casey, Korea and is currently assigned to Fort Gordon. Babker has been recognized as the Battalion Soldier of the month twice, Group Soldier of the Quarter and Fort Gordon Servicemember of the Quarter. His goals are to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and become a
Warrant Officer. Babker’s recent visit to SHS JROTC was his fourth. He volunteered his time by assisting with computer setups, cadet drill practice and shared many stories of his experiences in the Army. Email Babker at michaelb4ever@yahoo.com. Thank you Army Specialist Michael Babker!
27 January, 2009
Recently as Colonel T was opening his mail he found a wonderful piece of news. A grant in the amount of $4850.00 he wrote for an Outdoor Learning Center was awarded to SHS JROTC! The Outdoor Learning Center will consist of a 30’ rock climbing wall and a shelter pavilion in which classes can be conducted. Students will be instructed in the proper and safe use of the wall as well as the benefits of exercise and good nutrition. The Outdoor Learning Center will be constructed at Booker High as an enhancement to the rappelling wall currently in place there. All JROTC cadets and other Sarasota School District students will have opportunities to use the new facility. Thanks Colonel for obtaining funds to benefit student health!
8 December, 2008
Demonstrating again the resourcefulness for which he is known, Colonel Thibault was awarded a total of $1700 in grant monies for two proposals he submitted to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Both grants target young people and health. Specifically, the two grants, “Health & Fitness: A Recipe for Success” and “Juvenile Diabetes”, will allow Colonel Thibault to purchase supplemental materials for teaching JROTC cadets the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Thank you, Colonel, for pursuing opportunities to supplement the JROTC program. Congratulations on your success!
25 November, 2008
Colonel (R) Fred Thibaulr
Our own Colonel Thibault, JROTC Senior Army Instructor and teacher extraordinaire, was voted “Teacher of the Year” at Sarasota High. Colonel was surprised with balloons and cake by Principal Jeff Hradek and a contingent of teachers and office staff. Most of us are aware of Colonel’s tireless efforts as he oversees activities involving Raiders, Rifle Team, Color Guard and Drill Team. Colonel also spearheads JROTC community service projects, campouts, Booster meetings and solves the daily myriad of cadet comings and goings that begin early in the morning and last until well after school has been dismissed.
Colonel Thibault has a combined total of 24 years teaching experience, having taught at the university level in addition to his years teaching elementary and high school JROTC. He is a graduate of UF and FSU and holds a Ph.D. in Child Development. Colonel spent a combined 33 (20 years active duty) years in the Army serving three years as enlisted, service in Army Special Forces as well as Active Guard and the Army Reserve.
Colonel’s most memorable experience as a teacher occurred when a former student drove directly to Sarasota High School from the airport to tell him “Thank You”. This ex-JROTC cadet had just returned from a combat zone in Afghanistan, had been traveling on planes for two day, and his first stop was to thank Colonel Thibault for preparing him for life after high school. “Wow! Does it get any better than that!” exclaimed Colonel.
Our cadets are fortunate to have Colonel Thibault as a JROTC instructor, teacher and mentor. Congratulations Colonel! Email your best wishes to Colonel fred_thibault@sarasota.k12.fl.us
24 November, 2008
Midshipman Christopher Branning
The SHS JROTC Cadets enjoyed a surprise visit from Midshipman Christopher Branning, a senior at the United States Merchant Marine Acdemy at King’s Point, New York. Midshipman Branning showed an exciting video about the Merchant Marines and then graciously stayed for a question and answer session with the cadets. He shared the lucrative and interesting career opportunities that come with graduation from the Academy. Travel and work in 32 countries by Midshipman Branning was also highlighted. He also shared that the ethics of hard work, study and perserverance are requirments for success. Email Branning at christopher.branning.2009@usmma.edu if you would like to learn more about his experiences at the Merchant Marine Academy.
17 November, 2008
The Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors at today’s ceremony commemorating the handing over of the keys of the old High School to the Ringling School of Art and Design. Cadets in 2nd block were permitted to stay and watch the event. Many local dignitaries and school board officials were present. The team received well-deserved applause upon the conclusion of their part in the ceremony.
2LT Gus Jaramillo was a recent visitor to Junior ROTC. 2LT Jaramillo, originally from Portland, Oregon, is a recent graduate of USF where he studied History. He spent time with our cadets discussing ROTC scholarship opportunities and the military jobs and schools available to cadets upon graduation from college. Additionally, he helped our cadets prepare for the upcoming inspection as well as playing a few rounds of “Knock-Out” with each company.
