MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N. C. -- “Sir, good morning, sir! Cadet requests permission to use your drill field sir,” a fresh-faced cadet from Myrtle Beach High School yelled.
“Permission granted cadet. Carry on,” replied steely-eyed Staff Sgt. Joshua B. Whann, a staff judge advocate from Headquarters Company, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
Whann and other Marines from MARSOC, along with Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from various units spent their Saturday as judges for 6th Annual Sgt. Eugene B. Ashley High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Meet in Wilmington, N.C.
The cadets where tested in several military skills including armed and unarmed drill, air rifle marksmanship, academics and physical fitness.
While the event offered few surprises to the hundreds of high schoolers in attendance, the biggest surprise was the judges who were actual active duty servicemembers from the surrounding area.
This was great opportunity for the school and the kids who have seen these servicemembers as active role models in their community, said Gerald D. Ward, the senior naval science instructor for Ashley High School. They also had more than 100 kids and parents volunteer their time to help the event be successful.
Ward and his cadre of volunteers, supported by the servicemembers, some from as far away as The Citadel in South Carolina, were more than ready to handle the tasks at the event.
For one judge, Pfc. William M. Broadhurst, a recent graduate of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., the event was a trip down memory lane as he was a member of the JROTC program and 2006 graduate of AHS.
“The program made high school easier for me and helped me prepare for my military career in the Marine Corps,” said the 18-year-old Broadhurst. “This opportunity was given to me when I was here and it’s my chance to give something back, as well as represent my Marine Corps.”
The day started with a mass formation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. Then the judges and the cadets, decked out in their service uniforms, positioned themselves for the morning portion of the event that would test each school’s marching ability on the drill field.
“I love watching the color guard competition as much as I enjoyed participating in it when I was here,” said Broadhurst. “[I enjoyed] the precision in the execution of it and the overall honor and respect that we show for the flags of our country.”
The schools also tried to dazzle the judges during the armed and unarmed exhibition drill competition.
“You can tell the kids worked really hard for this event,” said Whann, a 25-year-old native of Landenberg, Penn. “They all looked really good and we all had a lot of fun participating here.”
During the two-hour lunch break, the Naval JROTC programs competed in an academic test, while the judges and the other cadets changed into their respective physical training uniforms for the afternoon team-oriented events, including relay runs, a Marine Corps pull-up and flexed arm hang competition and more. There was also a tug-of-war competition. The winner’s of that event got a chance to test their strength against the Marine judges.
“They really get to show their school spirit in these competitions,” said Ward, a 59-year-old retired Navy Lieutenant. “It also boosts their self-esteem when they accomplish things they thought they could not previously do.”
The panel of judges kept the motivation going during the muggy day through the final event, an individual armed and unarmed knockout drill.
“Their motivation was motivating us. They respected us and we wanted all of them to do well,” said Cpl. Ivan O. Galvan, an administrative clerk from Logistics Company, MARSOC. “We could see their confidence, bearing and discipline. These ROTC programs are really helping bring them to the best of their potential.”
A round of ‘ooh-rahs’ and thunderous applause rewarded the judges’ hard work before the awards and the announcing of the overall winner, Cape Fear High School.
“It was great and everyone will (gain) more experience from it. We will use this experience to prepare for any future competitions and I would volunteer in a heartbeat,” said Galvan, a 21-year-old native of Brownsville, Texas. “This is something that not only servicemembers, but everyone should be involved in. Not just for themselves, but for the kids who are this country’s future.”