The Mayor Gerald Thompson proclaimed JROTC Day to be on March 29th in Fitzgerald, Georgia. In celebration, the Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church honored the cadets by having a JROTC Appreciation Service, which was held on Sunday, March 29, 2009. As the congregation sang praises, the JROTC color guard presented the colors and led Pastor Marvin Howard Sr., the JROTC Instructors, and the JROTC speakers to the pulpit. Cadet Captain Emily Dunston, Cadet Corporal Heather Hawes, Cadet First Sergeant Angel Wright, and Captain Johnny McElroy gave emotional messages about being faithful leaders.
The Holsey Chapel Church family showed their appreciation to the JROTC cadets by presenting each cadet a certificate recognizing their demonstrated citizenship, civic responsibility, and military orientation. They also awarded the four speakers a Public Speaking Certificate. The cadets presented a bouquet of flowers to the JROTC Secretary Mrs. Queenie Gear, and plaques to Master Sergeant Damon Carver and First Sergeant Kenneth Rosier.
Pastor Marvin Howard Sr. preached a strong sermon entitled “A Good Soldier” challenging the JROTC cadets and church members to never give up and be strong faithful leaders. At the end of the service, Holsey Chapel Youth Cadet Brandon Smith was promoted to Cadet Captain. Additionally, Cadet Captains Emily Dunston and Jarod McGirt were promoted to Cadet Majors.
The Senior Army Instructor First Sergeant Kenneth Rosier and Master Sergeant Damon Carver would like to give a special thanks to the parents and grand parents who came and supported our cadets. From the Fitzgerald High School Leadership, we thank Mr. Isom Harmon, Assistant Principal and from the Ben Hill County School Board of Education Mr. Charles Coney, Chief Administrative Officer.
JROTC is a continuing success story. From a modest beginning of 6 units in 1916, JROTC has expanded to 1,645 schools today and to every state in the nation and American schools overseas. Cadet enrollment has grown to 281,000 cadets with 4,000 professional instructors in the classrooms. Comprised solely of active duty Army retirees, the JROTC instructors serve as mentors developing the outstanding young citizens of our country.
More information is available on the Holsey Chapel website, www.cmefitzgerald.org .
