Autumn Raulerson
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, nine of Jefferson County’s Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) cadets visited the U.S. Naval Air Station Pensacola. There, they had the opportunity to meet the U. S. Navy Blue Angels, an elite flight demonstration squadron.
The trip was organized by Donnie Burdick, the athletic safety coordinator at Jefferson County K-12 Community Partnership School (JCS). Burdick partnered with JROTC Army Instructor First Sgt. (Ret) Jesse Jackson, Jefferson County School District Office Receptionist Cassandra Pompey and the trip’s sponsors, the Lowe family. Together, they visited the air station in Pensacola, giving the cadets what Burdick described as a one-of-a-kind “military career experience.”
The trip was a way for the cadets to explore career opportunities in the field of aviation, with many choices outside of being a pilot. The cadets were also able to watch the Blue Angels’ final practice leading up to their annual Homecoming Air Show.
Burdick said, “The amazement and enjoyment in their eyes is why I do what I do.”
The cadets also visited the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, enjoying the historical aviation displays.
JCS thanked Burdick and Mrs. Lowe for organizing the trip, and First Sgt. Jackson and Mrs. Pompey for chaperoning. The JROTC cadets said they were thrilled by this opportunity to have fun and learn a lot about military career opportunities in the aviation field.
IN THE FEATURED PHOTO: The Jefferson County JROTC cadets visited the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola. Pictured, left to right, are: Cassandra Pompey (chaperone) Kemiyah Brown, Jada Parrish, Carlos Duarte-Urbina, Domingo Juan Diego, Jakilla Joyce, Billy Clark, Jo’Neshia Oliver, AvaLeigh Spangler, A’zhla Washington, James Weaver and Donnie Burdick (event coordinator). Photo Courtesy of Donnie Burdick