NJROTC salutes prosperous 2014; marches head first into new year

Riverhead High School Naval Junior Reserve Corps (NJROTC) cadets had a busy and productive month in December, ending 2014 on a high note.

On December 20th, 42 cadets competed in the Regional Southold Drill Meet at Mattituck High School. Eleven NJROTC Units and approximately 450 cadets from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey competed in the all day long event which involved drill, color guard, academics and physical fitness competitions. The Drill Team performed very well, placing 3rd Overall.

Outstanding performances by event leadership are listed below:

Varsity Unarmed Platoon – 1st Place led by Abigail Wehunt
Varsity Armed Platoon – 2nd Place led by Nicholas Waldron
Varsity Color Guard – 2nd Place led by Ashlyn Whyard
Varsity Academics – 2nd Place led by Muhammed Fareed
Physical Fitness – 3rd Place led by Todd Brewer
1st Year Cadet Squad – 2nd Place led by Michael Daniel
1st year Cadet Color Guard – 3rd place led by Shane Cahill

The unit, committed to community service, received an Award of Excellence from the Riverhead AARP and VFW Posts 6249 and 2476 for collection of 494.5 pounds of food during the Veterans Food Drive held during October. Additionally, 50 cadets helped Riverhead Rotary with the preparation of 200 Christmas Food Baskets for Riverhead families.

Boasting not just brawn (frozen turkeys are very heavy), 35 cadets flexed their vocal cords in early December Christmas Caroling at the Senior Care Center in Riverhead with the Lions Club.

Ending 2014 with a bang hopefully energized these young cadets for another packed event schedule this year. Upcoming events include:

The Annual Military Inspection (AMI), an exciting (and stressful) time for cadets, is set for Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m. at Riverhead High School gym. The unit prepares all year for this all day event, starting off the morning with individual uniform inspections, a traditional parade and review, and department inspections by the Area 4 Commander, or another upper ranking officer sent in their place.

Applebees Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on January 24th at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from cadets. There will be no tickets at the door. Proceeds will help finance unit trips and equipment purchases.

Navy Ball, a chance for cadets to experience a traditional military ball and celebrate a job well done, will be held on Friday, January 30 at Giorgio’s.