Submitted by Anthony "Tony" Minichiello
On Sept. 3, members of the American Legion Otto M. Walker Post 49 in Monticello visited Jefferson Somerset's Army ROTC unit. In the meeting, Post Commander Kenneth Faircloth, 1st Vice Commander Anthony Minichiello and Marine Corps League CWO Henry Lowery, USMC Ret., from Post 49, met with two ROTC officers, Capt. Kevin White and 1st Sgt. Terry Walker.
Their purpose was three-fold:
1. To introduce Minichiello to Walker and White and explain to them the Military Heritage Trail program established by AMVETS Tallahassee Post 1776 and joined by Post 49. This program is intended to take students to the memorials in Jefferson and Leon counties initially. The students will hear a short description of the events at Iwo Jima, Korea, Vietnam and WWII. They also will make a stop at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.
2. Faircloth discussed American Legion Post 49's programs on Americanism with objectives on Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service.
3. Faircloth invited the JROTC to participate in the upcoming Veteran's Day parade, which they, unfortunately, were unable to attend last year due to COVID-19. He also invited Walker and White to become members of Post 49.
Lowery said he hoped to visit in the future to discuss highlights of his 32-year career as a Marine and the opportunities available as a member of the Corps. He and Minichiello were also scheduled to perform a Service of Recognition for three heroes at rest in Rosewood Cemetery that afternoon.
Let it be noted that when Walker first arrived at Jefferson Somerset, there were five students in JROTC. In his first year, that number rose to 65; in year two, it rose to 105; and in year three to 320 students.
A curriculum of strict discipline is embraced by Walker's students, with a policy of no cursing allowed. He teaches communication skills that will enhance their ability in college, the military or whatever course they choose in their future.
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