FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Over 15 high schools’ Junior Reserves Officers’ Training Corps programs were represented in the Fort Cavazos JROTC Skills Meet Saturday at Abrams Physical Fitness Center on Fort Cavazos.
Melanie Mahoney, school liaison officer, Child & Youth Services, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, shared the importance of hosting the more than 600 cadets.
“Not only are they competing, but they’re getting to see how (Fort Cavazos) operates, what an installation looks like … and those that are interested … it is great for recruitment as well,” she said.
Mahoney expressed how rewarding the event was and said the meet was successful due to the partnership between the Soldiers and sponsors involved.
“There is a lot of planning, time, blood, sweat and tears that go into (the skills meet) so seeing it come together … so we can go above and beyond for the kids and all the families that come out is amazing,” she said.
Mahoney also expressed thanks for the support from the garrison command team.
“It’s really good for the kids to see two high-ranking Soldiers be involved with them,” she said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos command sergeant major, participated in a last-man-standing game at the end of the competition, challenging students to quickly follow commands until only one was left. Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, gave remarks before the award presentation, sharing her own experience with JROTC.
“The Fort Cavazos JROTC Skills Meet strengthens community relations, including our Adopt-A-School partnerships,” Stokes said. “It also provides a no-cost opportunity for school district JROTC programs to compete and maintain accreditation. I, myself, am a product of the Air Force JROTC program. The structured environment (and) the leadership training helped provide a foundation for my decision to walk out of that high school when I was a junior and take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test.
“The discipline instilled in me during those years prepared me for the rigors of service, while camaraderie and sense of duty fostered by JROTC fueled my passion to serve my country on a larger scale,” she continued. “Overall my experience in JROTC played a role in shaping my decisions … (to) later become an officer in the United States Army.”
The students competed for the top spots in drill team, color guard, physical training and academics. Mansfield (Texas) High School Army JROTC, led by Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Kinnel, was named the Grand Champion after earning 11 other trophies from the individual categories.
“It feels really good,” said Cadet Alejandra Rodriguez, 17, commander of academics, about the win. “I know that my team has put a lot of hard work into it and we practice and we do what we do best.”
Cadet Alex Gensheer, commander of armed regulation and armed exhibition, agreed.
“It’s an honor to represent my city and my school and … to represent all my team members, my brothers,” he said. “I’m very proud of what they do.”
Cadet Gladyce Palacios, 16, commander of unarmed color guard and unarmed exhibition, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s really nice because I knew God was watching us the entire time,” she said.
The cadets remained humble, ready to practice and improve further.
“Even though we still have a lot of stuff to work on, I’m glad we accomplished it as a team,” said Cadet Alfreda Picotte, 17, commander of unarmed inspection and unarmed regulation.
Many parents, friends and peers came to support the Mansfield High School Army JROTC and the cadets said the support was important to them.
“The support helps all of us because we know we have people backing us no matter what happens on the pad and off the pad,” said Cadet Isla Pickering, 15, female PT commander.
Cadet Abdulraqeeb Shode, 17, commander of armed inspection and armed color guard, agreed.
“I think the support really helps me when I’m on the drill pad,” he said. “It makes me more motivated and want to put more energy into my performance.”
Cadet Dayonte Donegan, male PT commander, 17, felt the same.
“I think all the parents being here puts us in a mental state to do better and shows that we have a lot of people behind us,” he said.
Gensheer expressed his gratitude to Fort Cavazos for hosting the event.
“We would also like to thank Fort Cavazos for having us at their skills meet,” he said. “We really appreciate them having us and we look forward to coming back again.”
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