Thoughts on the Evening

Dinner tonight – Homemade french onion and mushroom soup, served under toasted sourdough bread and toasted provolone. Hey, I didn’t get fat because Irish Woman can’t cook.
After eating soup that just came out of a 500 degree oven as fast as I could without requiring skin grafts, I was off to a parent’s meeting for Girlie Bear’s JROTC class.
The class is taught by a retired master sergeant and a retired colonel of infantry. I’m not sure how old these two are, but I’m pretty sure the colonel has an efficiency report signed by Joshua.
- And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It is refreshing to go to a gathering at the school and be told that if my daughter works hard, I shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for her to do any of the extra things that JROTC offers like field trips, camping, and white water rafting.
- Of course, that means I’m trading green dollars for spare time, but I prefer to trade sweat for cash.
If Girlie Bear ever says she’s bored, there’s more for her to be doing.
Girlie Bear signed up for the school rifle team, and did the safety briefing/training this week. Next week they weed out those who didn’t learn. I’m hoping she remembers what I’ve taught her.
The colonel stressed that he is not a recruiter. He pushes education, respect, and self-reliance.
- He is, however, proud of how many of his students go on to either join the military or attend the service academies.
It says a lot that a good percentage of the adults who help with JROTC have kids that graduated years ago, but still want to contribute.
Girlie Bear is one of 205 JROTC cadets at her high school this year, which is astonishing.
- To put it in perspective, my high school in California cancelled its JROTC program a few years before I came along because no-one was signing up for it.
The program includes mandatory community service.
- It’ll either get the kids used to the idea of doing for others or it’ll get them ready for their first rungs on the judicial punishment ladder.
The colonel enforces the school dress code on both students and parents who participate.
- Quote – “I don’t need to see it. You don’t need to show it. Put on some clothes.”
Apparently Girlie Bear is going to be issued both ACU’s and a green dress uniform. Proper wear one day a week will be part of her grade. Guess I’m going to have to find my old copy of AR 670-1.
Use of the word “yeah” by a cadet got all of the cadets doing pushups.
- They all did it with smiles on their faces.
  - That’s a very good sign.

by daddybear71 on August 30, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Thought for the day

Posted by daddybear71 on August 30, 2012

https://daddybearsden.com/2012/08/30/thoughts-on-the-evening-6/

6 Comments

Bob
/ August 31, 2012

I was in JROTC for 3 years before going to college at North Georgia for a year before joining the Army for college money. JROTC is an awesome program, it kept me focused and away from distractions. When my son goes to highschool, he will be in JROTC.

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pediem
/ August 31, 2012

I wish that my high school had had JROTC available. I wasn’t able to participate in ROTC in college, but I took full advantage of Uncle Sam’s offerings to put me through medical school and paid back with pride.

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Bryn, Isle of Anglesey
/ August 31, 2012

“I don’t need to see it. You don’t need to show it. Put on some clothes.”
Amen…..
There are so many people of all ages, sex, & size that should be told this on a daily basis….

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Old NFO
/ August 31, 2012

JROTC IS a great program! Between that and Scouting, it gave me a good grounding in responsibility and being a good person! You’ll be proud of her!

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Wing and a Whim
/ August 31, 2012

That is awesome. Sounds like a great set of instructors, parents, and kids!

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derfreiheit
/ August 31, 2012

I’m thrilled to no end that there is a strong JROTC program around here. If they need shooting supplies get in touch with Friends of the NRA either at the state level or locally in Louisville. E-Town FNRA might be able to help too, but thats a bit out of their geography.

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