A night of honor, service brings together JROTC classes
As part of the National Defense Act of 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the creation of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC.) This select group of young men and women has become the starting point for many of America’s military leaders. On Saturday, Chesterfield JROTC Programs gathered to honor those who have helped make the program a success and toast those who will lead the next generation of service members at the 6th Annual Military Ball.
Cadets from Thomas Dale, Meadowbrook, Monacan and Manchester were treated to a white table cloth meal while others participated in a traditional military ceremony.
The story of the night came from the Ball’s guest speaker, Lt. Col. Luis Rodriquez, Sr. Rodriguez is the father of Thomas Dale’s Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Luis Rodriguez, Jr. The Battalion Commander had the honor to introduce the guest speaker, which to his surprise was his father who has been serving overseas for most of his son’s JROTC career.
“Rodriguez (Jr) is a true leader,” said Thomas Dale’s JROTC instructor Maj (ret.) Deloris Turner. “He came to me three years ago and told me he wanted to be Battalion Commander in his senior year. He worked very hard to rise in the ranks and was selected by his peers to lead.”
Rodriguez senior offered an inspirational message to the cadets in attendance.
“Don’t be afraid of change, be afraid of NOT changing,” said Rodriguez, Sr. “Instill in others a sense of professionalism above reproach. Believe in these four words: Leadership, standards, safety and discipline. They will earn you victory when you face a challenge.
Manchester Principal Pete Koste was given the Commander’s Award for Public Service for his leadership, service and support of JROTC programs in Chesterfield.
