Two West Mifflin Area High School students have been selected as this year's Veterans of Foreign Wars outstanding Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets. Each was recognized during the annual AFJROTC dinner ceremonies held at the Westwood Golf Course April 25.
Winning top honors were Cadet Master Sergeant Shane Tilves and Cadet Staff Sergeant Natalie Ferraro. Each received a certificate and medal from VFW Post 914 West Mifflin ‘Intrepid’ Commander Charles Krebs.
'The commitment and dedication shown by these two young people to traditional American ideals is commendable,' said Krebs. 'The post is justifiably proud to honor such individuals who bring such great credit to the borough and the high school’s Corps of Cadets.'
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Award is presented annually to outstanding cadets who attain a grade of 'B' or better in AFJROTC with an overall average of'C' or better in all subjects from the previous semester. Other standards include showing a positive attitude towards AFJROTC, having an outstanding military bearing and conducting and demonstrating leadership potential.
Each West Mifflin cadet more than met the qualifications for the VFW's highest citation for the AFJROTC program. As the unit’s assistant saber team commander during this past academic year, Tilves’ efforts helped secure a second place trophy during a recent North Allegheny High School competition. Wrestling and playing football with the high school’s varsity squads also served Tilves well as he handily earned the AFJROTC distinct physical training warrior award for outstanding physical fitness.
To help earn her nod from the VFW, Cadet Staff Sergeant Ferraro led an AFJROTC color guard team as part of opening ceremonies at a Pittsburgh Steelers home game this past October. Ferraro also directed many other color guard activities at West Mifflin Area High School, as well as other venues. Additionally, she was selected as West Mifflin Area High School’s Cadet of the Month for October. |
