The Tecumseh Local School District is extremely fortunate to have an Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) unit at Tecumseh High School (THS)!
The Tecumseh Local School District is extremely fortunate to have an Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) unit at Tecumseh High School (THS)! Cadets work under the direction of Major James D. Couch (ret) and Master Sergeant Antonio G. Ruiz (ret). ROTC is a coed program which does not seek to recruit students to the military. Instead, ROTC programs seek to develop and encourage the characteristics of leadership, orderliness, self-reliance, self-discipline, pride in one’s self and pride in one’s unit and all of its cadets.
The unit has been honored for the many community service hours cadets have accumulated, and that’s special because, in addition to being full-time high school students, cadets might also be involved in music, sports and/or other school activities. The community service activities performed by the cadets are varied, and they certainly benefit an important cross section of people in and around New Carlisle. Cadets visit the VFW Hospital nine times per year to play bingo and to socialize with veterans. In addition, the THS AFJROTC unit has adopted a two-mile stretch of Highway 40 in front of THS, and once per month cadets pick up trash on each side of the highway.
Cadets send “Care Packages” to THS graduates serving overseas in the military, and they serve as the Color Guard accompanying the National Anthem at all home athletic contests. While this list only touches the very tip of the unit’s community service activities iceberg, the venture that might be most important occurs during the Christmas season. Cadets collect money, adopt up to 12 local families each year, and provide food and gifts so the family can experience a joyful Christmas holiday.
Many of the cadets participate in various marching and drill contests throughout the year, and the THS unit hosts its 28th annual contest on Saturday, March 11. The activities take place at the middle school and high school, and cadets from Ohio and other surrounding states will participate. Events begin early in the morning, and the contest ends with an awards ceremony at approximately 4 p.m. Click here for the schedule of events. You are invited to attend and see first-hand the incredible work of these dedicated students!
The THS AFJROTC cadets are a vibrant and essential part of the Tecumseh Local School District. These students consistently represent their unit, their school and themselves with integrity and honor. Many people complain about the work ethic of today’s teens, but the students who make up the THS AFJROTC unit are worthy role models for each of us! Thank you for all that you do to help your school and community!
Norm Glismann, Superintendent
Tecumseh Local School District
Posted Sunday, February 26, 2017