Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

In solemn tribute to those who served

Junior ROTC units from county high schools muster for a pre-Veterans Day celebration to honor military members.

By ELISABETH DYER
Published November 10, 2006

Ronni McAulay stands a little taller when she wears her military dress uniform.

"I love to wear the uniform. It's great to see the respect that people have for the military," said McAulay, a senior at Jefferson High School.

She was among many students and nearly 100 veterans who attended a districtwide celebration Saturday to honor military men and women in advance of Veterans Day.

Col. David Norsworthy from MacDill Air Force Base spoke and representatives from the district's 22 high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs honored veterans with a pass in review on Jefferson High's football field. Each school sent students to represent the Army, Marines, color guard, Navy and Air Force.

Dana Primus, 17, the corps commander of the Jefferson Air Force JROTC, called the cadets to attention and led the troops as they marched and saluted those gathered in the stands. JROTC came to Jefferson last year and now has 50 students.

Some students shy away from JROTC because they think joining the military is required, said McAulay, who aspires to be an officer in the Air Force and then an astronaut with NASA.

"There's no 'drop and give me 20' here," she said. "We teach responsibility and respect."

The course focuses on citizenship skills. More than 500,000 high school students are enrolled nationwide.

"It teaches you a lot about yourself," said Melissa Dinataly, 16. She joined at the recommendation of a friend.

Fourteen-year-old Javier Barcena carried the Air Force flag Saturday. He never used to say "yes, sir" or "no, ma'am." Now he always does.

"It shows respect, which not too many kids have today."

Elisabeth Dyer can be reached at edyer@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3321.

Fast Facts

To support troops

Dana Primus, 17, is the corps commander of Jefferson High's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He plans to make his career with the Marines.

His second in command, Ronni McAulay, 17, wants to be an Air Force officer and then a NASA astronaut

"I don't think everybody should have to support the war, but they should support the troops," Primus said.

Especially on Veterans Day.

Here are their tips for ways to show support:

- "Say 'thank you for what you're doing.'" - McAulay

- "Stand during the pledge. Don't talk." - Primus

- "Go volunteer, like at a veterans hospital." - McAulay

- "Buy an American flag." - Primus

- "Be a pen pal to someone stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan." - McAulay (Go to penpalsforsoldiers.org)

[Last modified November 10, 2006, 11:27:05]