Read the Sarasota Herald Tribune article about our cadets’ service.
Former Cadet Graduates From Boot Camp
Seaman Alexander Snow
Alexander Snow, a 2009 SHS graduate and former JROTC cadet recently completed Navy Boot Camp at the Great Lakes Recruit Training Command. SHS JROTC is proud of Alex and his accomplishment!
Filed under Where They Are Serving
First Annual Heritage Oaks Country JROTC Golf Tournament
The First Annual Heritage Oaks Country JROTC Golf Tournament was held on Saturday 9 October. The tournament was a huge success and everyone had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day to be outside.
Golf Anyone?
Promoters Judy Johnston and John Cafiero, staff, booster leadership and 15 cadets organized and ran the event. The tournament hosted over 50 competing golfers. Everyone feasted on a very nice luncheon at the conclusion of the activity.
Bucs, COl and SGT Pulphus
Three of the Tampa Bucs and their “Mr. Nasty” mascot attended the event. “Mr. Nasty” showed how lucky his charity fundraising has made him by winning the “Closest to the Hole” prize: a Bar-B-Q grill donated by Home Depot. Raffle tickets were offered for a donation and the winners won a big screen LCD television and a blu-ray DVD player.
The cadets that supported the event helped in all phases of the tournament. The boosters set up and ran registration and assisted the cadets with most of the other tasks: a hospitality room featuring breakfast and snacks, soda and water stops, closest to the pin, prize tables and clean-up.
Booster Helpers
A cadet alumnus, Army Sergeant Mike Babker showed his support by becoming a hole sponsor when he donated $100.00 to SHS JROTC. Over 20 other hole sponsors joined Mike in his generosity.
Thanks to all who contributed their time, cash and efforts to this important fundraiser.
Cadets and Bucs
Filed under Oct-Dec 2010
Airman Pointer Visits JROTC
Airman Don “DJ” Pointer, a 2007 graduate of Sarasota High School and a former JROTC cadet, paid a visit to our ROTC cadets Wednesday. Serving with the United States Air Force as an MP, Pointer has completed two tours in the Middle East as security for EOD teams in Baghdad and Tikrit, Iraq. Cadets were treated to a fast paced slideshow displaying the sights and sounds of the Middle East.
Airman Pointer shows an exciting slideshow
Airman Pointer also talked about his years at Sarasota High School. He stressed to cadets the importance of setting goals and staying the course in order to achieve success academically and at work. During his talk, Principal Jeff Hradek made a surprise visit to the classroom and congratulated and thanked Airman Pointer for his service to our country. Following his presentation, Pointer answered questions from cadets about his time in Basic Training, Iraq and other military experiences. Upon completion of his military service, D.J. plans a career in law enforcement. Thank you Airman D.J. Pointer for your service to our country!
Airman Pointer answers questions from cadets
COL Thibault, Airman Pointer and proud father, Mr. Don Pointer
Filed under Aug-Sept 2010, Where They Are Serving
Orientation Camp 2010
Sarasota High School Junior ROTC held the beginning of the year Orientation Camp from August 17-20 at the Sarasota High campus. New cadets were instructed in the procedures and practices of the JROTC Program. Under the direction of SAI (Senior Army Instructor) COL Fred Thibault, JROTC cadet staff acted as leaders and trainers and shared their knowledge of military structure and chain of command, marching and drill, life-skills and goal setting and the all important team-building. Cadets learned the value of earning awards and promotions and how earning or losing daily points affects grades.
A new cadet learns procedures
A former cadet volunteers his time
New cadets engaged in physical activities such as tag football, push-ups, chin-ups and other calisthenics. The week culminated in an awards’ ceremony with each cadet receiving a certificate and a handshake and encouraging words from Colonel. Two cadets were honored with Bulldog coins (medals) for outstanding effort throughout the camp.
Cadets in formation for reveille
Instructions from COL Thibault
JROTC extends a heartfelt thank you to volunteers Theresa Morton and Paul Saddowski who arrived early each day and were the last to leave ensuring that camp procedures ran on schedule. Look for additional camp photos on the JROTC web site under “Pictures” in the navigation menu.
Filed under Aug-Sept 2010
Battalion Formal Inspection
It’s that time of year again as the Battalion Formal Inspection (BFI) swiftly approaches on 24 February. Inspectors test cadets on knowledge of the JROTC curriculum and personal appearance and grooming. Cadets must be able to answer questions during their in-ranks inspection based on staff briefings and basic uniform knowledge. The battalion staff must present with a PowerPoint presentation the staff duties and responsibilities.
Attendance and participation is critical during the BFI. Supply Records, Layout and Organization and Staff Coordination will be evaluated and scored. Training Schedules are another area that is inspected and scored. Finally, Battalion Drill and Color Guard are inspected and scored. With all this approaching, cadets have been drilling, cleaning, organizing and studying for this important day.
Preparing a Uniform
Studying for the BFI
A Perfect Bun (side)
A Perfect Bun (back)
Painting the Sidewalk
Filed under January 2010
Marine Corps Visit
Two members of the Marine Corps recently visited our cadets. These servicemen spent time answering questions about the exciting and rewarding service opportunities in the Marine Corps. Additionally, Sergeant Mitchell Messmer provided guidance for the upcoming Battalion Formal Inspection.
Sergeant Messmer Assists w/Cadet Appearance
Filed under January 2010
U.S. Army Specialist John Rhoades Visits O Camp
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
Filed under August 2009, Where They Are Serving
PFC Keith Lewis Serves in Afghanistan
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.
Filed under Where They Are Serving
Annual Formal Inspection
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.
Filed under Uncategorized
