Fundamental virtues that make good citizens and soldiers are similar, according to members of V.F.W. Post 914 Intrepid of West Mifflin. Because of this, the post voted to donate $200 to West Mifflin Area High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officers at their recent August 27th meeting. Instructors Major Scott Kolar and Senior Master Sgt. Oreste DiCerbo accepted the donation Sept. 10th prior to the scheduled high school football game at Titan Stadium. The funds will be used to help equip the school's cadet color guard as they participate in the Veteran's Day Parade in New York City on November 11th.
According to Popovich, shared values make the post membership eager to assist the AFJROTC unit equip its color guard. "As veterans, we agree strongly with the objectives of JROTC - to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, character and self-discipline," he said. "The large number of cadets that have become involved in the program here in such a short period of time show how our young people in West Mifflin hold traditional values in high esteem."
The program seemingly has taken off like a jet interceptor. West Mifflin Area High School was one of only six schools in the United States to be selected as a new site for Air Force JROTC last year. According to Kolar, approximately 90 cadets are already in the program - making it one of the largest in Pennsylvania.
In addition to a core curriculum in leadership, cadets at West Mifflin study aerospace history and science, as well as participate in community activities including color guard performances, marching in parades, and helping non-profit organizations, as well as other activities such as the honor guard.
Starting later next year, cadets will be taking field trips to Air Force bases, space centers, museums and other educational historical centers. They can also compete for scholarships and apply directly to senior ROTC programs and to military academies.
The four-year AFJROTC program is available to 9th through 12th graders at WMAHS. Courses include the Frontiers of Aviation History, the Science of Flight, the Exploration of Space and Aerospace Science Options. |
