NJROTC Undergoes Annual Inspection

Last month approximately 100 students at Colton High School belonging to the NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program underwent their annual inspection. There to inspect each cadet's uniform and military knowledge was retired United States Navy Commander Ken Lyles, who oversees District 11, of which the CHS NJROTC is a part, and Navy Commander Dave Brunkhorst, who oversees the group. The platoon was split into two separate squads and each cadet was inspected individually, with Commander Lyles asking cadets questions about the Navy and their activities and inspecting their uniforms. This year's inspection garnered additional community support, something NJROTC booster parent Kristine Zamora, whose son, Mathieu,is a junior at CHS and leader of the NJROTC colorguard, appreciated. "The two booster sections set up on the field were filled this year. It was nice to see more people showing support this year and the parents got to see the inspection," she said. Parents were joined by Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) school board members, CHS faculty and military members for the occasion. Both Brunkhorst and Zamora mentioned the program's Certificate of Recognition this year, given by Assemblymember Cheryl Brown. Field Representative Jon Gaede presented the award to Commander Brunkhorst during the ceremony on Brown's behalf. "That was a nice surprise," Brunkhorst said. School board member Patt Haro explained that she felt the NJROTC program "helps give students an advantage into entering the military, encourages them to maintain good grades and encourages them to always strive to be better." The cadets are required to perform community service, and they participate in various trainings, compete in field meets, and also regularly attend community functions - the most recent being the Colton Veterans Day Parade on Veterans Day. Following the inspection was a public awards ceremony. Awardees included Cadet Andrew Fleury, who received awards in the community service, academics, distinguished cadet and participation categories. Also receiving awards for participation were cadets Vincent Fernandez, Joel Najar and Frank Lara. Cadet Vanessa Sanchez was awarded the Color Guard Ribbon and cadet Samuel Gutierrez was promoted to the rank of senior chief petty officer, said Brunkhorst. Later that day, the 15 members of the cadet staff gave a private presentation to Commander Lyles, where they highlighted their achievements and goals for the rest of the year. "Overall," said Zamora, "the inspection went great. It was very organized. I feel like the cadets coming in this year are very motivated, and I think the unit has grown quite a bit. We have a good platoon." Brunkhorst said the group was looking forward to becoming more competitive in preparation for the upcoming drill and competition season. "We've done a few competitions already and have a nice set of trophies," said Brunkhorst. On Nov. 16 the cadets will travel to Rialto, where they will compete in the Carter High Sports Day.