Tapping new leaders is a time-honored JROTC tradition

A PWCS tradition for more than a decade, new Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) unit commanders and officers were inducted during an annual medal ceremony on May 26. The first event in 2004 involved only four schools and a handful of family members. Now there are units in nine schools and more than 1,600 cadets countywide, and their ranks are growing every year.

The occasion was heartwarming, warranting a long pause to reflect on all those along the way who helped shape these outstanding young cadets. The cadets share a commitment to uphold the ideals of character and leadership development, citizenship, and community service. The unit commanders are rising seniors, with a solid record of achievement in their units. Striking in their singular accomplishments and diversity, these leaders stand out as scholars who are also involved in sports and other extracurricular activities, and community service.

Superintendent Steve Walts, School Board Vice Chairman Lillie Jessie (Occoquan), and School Board member Alyson Satterwhite (Gainesville) were among those who spoke highly of the cadets and their accomplishments.

Dr. Walts presented the Superintendent’s Cup, a perpetual trophy awarded to the winner of a basketball tournament between the county’s JROTC units, to Potomac High School’s Naval JRTOC.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, JROTC instructors presented Fred Milbert, supervisor of JROTC, health, physical education, driver education, and athletics, a plaque in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the JROTC program. (Milbert is retiring from his position at the end of June, but will assume the position as girls’ basketball coach at the new Colgan High School.)

“The JROTC program has grown in our Division because of the tireless work of the instructors and the success of the student leaders and commanders. These are the people that share the value of the program with their friends, family, and community. This is why these programs are growing,” Milbert said.

For details on Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy JROTC units in Prince William County Public Schools, visit the websites of Battlefield, Forest Park, Freedom, Gar-Field, Hylton, Osbourn Park, Potomac, Stonewall Jackson, and Woodbridge High Schools.