Hopi JROTC cadets participate in Veterans Day special

Twenty Hopi JROTC cadets awoke in the early morning hours on Nov.8. Their mission for the day was to participate in a demonstration for a Veterans Day Special at Chester Newton Charter, Sunnyside Charter, and Montessori School in Camp Verde.

They arrived at the school about a half hour before their demonstration began. As soon as the Hopi High School bus parked, the cadets unloaded and quickly got into formation. The color guard, meanwhile, was busy uncasing the flags. They would be the first ones up because they were posting colors for that morning's event. When it was time to begin, Cadet Captain Raylene Dashner marched the color guard across the field of the school. Following closely behind the color guard was the Bruin Battalion; they were led by Cadet Captain J'mal Lomakema. When the color guard was in position, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Leandra Calnimptewa recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Every adult and child that attended that morning's special ceremony had their hand across their hearts, while the cadets from the Hopi High School saluted. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Cadet Lt. Col. Leandra Calnimptewa presented her speech. She spoke of the fallen veterans that had given their life for their country. Many of the students and adults were touched by her kind and gentle words.

After her speech, Lt. Col. Leandra Calnimptewa introduced the demonstration of the drill team. The team's co-captain, Cadet Captain J'mal Lomakema marched them, they did left flanks, right flanks, column lefts, column rights and many more. Although they were all very nervous, they still managed to pull through on their demonstration. When their part was over, Cadet Captain Raylene Dashner led her color guard team into their performance. They showed the students how they uncase the flags and how to do sling arms with their rifles. Many of the movements they did are what they normally do when they participate in competitions.

When the demonstrations were all done, the cadets had the chance to talk to some of the students. The Hopi High Cadets received many different questions, mostly about the uniform. The cadets explained to the students what the different colored cords signified, and how they received the ribbons. After the questions, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Samuel Acevedo asked if anyone would like to learn the basic drill movements. One student raised his hand and bravely stepped out into the middle of the crowd.

Cadet 1st Lt. Samuel Acevedo then showed him the simple basics, the same movements the Hopi High Cadets were taught in the JROTC Program. Many more students were intrigued by this and more started to join in. After about ten minutes, Major Taylor announced that it was time for them to go. After quick good-byes and thank yous, the Hopi Jr/Sr High School Cadets were on their way back home.

All in all, the cadets honored the fallen veterans by proudly wearing their uniforms and showing respect to all who was around them that day.

This was a truly remarkable experience for all the Hopi High Cadets that participated. They hope to participate in another important event soon.