Lutheran High NJROTC

Covina Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 7, our unit participated in the Covina Christmas Parade. Our unit was part of the Rotary Club representative s during the parade. Rotary Club Covina Chapter is receiving a special recognition for their untiring efforts in hosting the “Field of Valor” where our unit was a part of ever since it was inaugurated nine years ago. All of our cadets were carrying the American flag, representing the 2001 U.S. flags that were posted at the Field of Valor in Covina, California. It was a significant event for our unit, a valuable learning experience and an enjoyable holiday parade for our cadets.

San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza Parade
On Saturday, December 7, NJROTC Lutheran High School participated in the San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza Parade. This was the first parade that we participated this school year. We sent a color guard detachment composed of seven cadets to represent our unit. We were honored to lead the parade and represent not only our unit but also our school to the community. This was an excellent learning experience especially for our NS-1 Cadets.

Air Rifle Competition at Reseda High School
On Saturday, December 7, NJROTC Lutheran High School’s Air Rifle Team competed in the Air Rifle Competition at Reseda High School under the leadership of Cadet Chief Petty Officer Nathanael Kaye. This was our third air rifle competition this year. The team competed in three shooting positions: prone, standing and kneeling. Our unit placed 5th out of 8 teams that competed. Cadet/CPO Kaye got 1st place in kneeling position and 3rd place in standing position. Our Air Rifle team is looking forward to the next competition.

Bridge creek Retirement Home (Community Service)
On Saturday, November 9, four cadets from Lutheran High School NJROTC unit went and visited the veterans residing at Bridge creek Retirement Home in the City of Covina. The cadets made some homemade cookies for military veteran residents. They talked to them and thanked them for their service. This community service event exclusively conveys our respect and gratitude to the veterans. Without everything they have done for the United States, there would be no peace.

Veterans Day LA, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
On Veterans Day, November 11th, six members of Lutheran High’s NJROTC unit participated in the inauguration of Veterans Day LA at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Many color guard units from different organization participated and several government dignitaries were present to celebrate the event. A number of media representatives were covering this inaugural event. It is the 100th anniversary of “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, which marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Also, we learned that the Los Coliseum was commissioned in 1921 as a memorial to LA veterans of World War I. To make the event more significant the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum giant torch was lit to recognize our veterans’ service and sacrifices for our nation. It was a proud moment for everyone present at the ceremony.

“Band of Brothers” Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12034 La Verne, CA
On Veterans Day, November 11th, 4 cadets represented our unit at the Veterans of Foreign War event in La Verne, California. Our cadets raised the US Flag and the Armed Forces flags of the United States in a solemn ceremony of remembrance of the veterans. Many retired US Military members attended the event. We thank and honor all veterans, retired or active, that fought and continue to fight for our county.

American Legion Chas. P. Rowe, Post No. 30
On Veterans Day, November 11th. Our unit participated in the Flag Disposal Ceremony at American Legion Post 30 in Pomona, California. Our unit sent four cadets to represent Lutheran High School NJROTC Unit. They assisted in a solemn military tradition of disposing unserviceable U.S. flags. Our cadets were honored in assisting the veterans and their family members in dedicating flags to be disposed for the sacrifices made by many of those veterans that were closed to their hearts. This is not only a “Flag Disposal Ceremony”, but also an important event to remind us as a nation never to forget those who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Remembrance Day Service
On Sunday, November 10th, Lutheran High School NJROTC Honor Guard participated in a Remembrance Day service at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Covina, California. Our unit’s honor guard presented the colors during the service to pay tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices. This was a combined recognitions for veterans from United States, Canada and England. Our cadets were able to meet a number of retired high ranking US, Canadian and British Military Officers and were inspired by these officers’ military achievements.

Field of Valor at Covina, California
On Saturday, November 9th, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit participated in a community event in Covina known as the “Field of Valor”, hosted by the Covina Rotary Club. The community posted 2,001 U.S flags on the field at Sierra Vista Middle School in Covina California to pay tribute to the veterans who sacrificed their lives for our nation’s freedom. It was an honor for our unit to lead the community in properly posting all these U.S. flags.

Veterans Day Color Guard Event - Shield of Faith Christian School
On Friday, November 8th, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit participated in the Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast at Shield of Faith Christian School. Our unit participated with a full color guard where we presented the colors consisting of the United States flag, Christian Flag, California Flag and the flags for the 5 U.S. military branches. We also honored the members of the different military branches by dipping their respective flag while their theme song was being played. The host school presented each veteran present with a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of their service and sacrifice for our nation’s freedom.

Air Rifle Competition at Chaffey High School
On Saturday, October 5, NJROTC Lutheran High School’s Air Rifle Team competed in an Air Rifle Competition at Chaffey High School. This was our first Air Rifle competition this school year. Cadet Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Kaye led the primary team, consisted of four cadets. There were three shooting positions: prone, kneeling and standing. There were twenty targets for each position. Our unit placed 4th out of 8 teams that competed. While individually, Cadet/CPO Kaye placed 2nd overall. Our Air Rifle team is excited for the next shoulder to shoulder air rifle competition.

Color Guard at the Homecoming Game
On October 12th, before the Homecoming Football Game started, our unit’s Color Guard presented the colors while the school choir sang the National Anthem. The Color Guard consisted of 6 cadets. Our cadets carried the American flag, Christian Flag, California Flag and the Unit Flag while two cadets carried rifles on each side upon entering the field. This was a great opportunity for the school and community to five respect to the symbol of freedom and country.

NJROTC Quiz Bowl
On October 5th, the first Academic Team Competition for this school year was held at Troy High School. Cadet Lieutenant Commander Montes led the Academic Team which included Cadet SCPO Walter, Cadet CPO Singley and Cadet PO2 Heinemann. This first academic competition was the opening of the NJROTC Academic Team Competition season for Area-11. Although we did not make it to the finals, all of the team members showed their best efforts and it was a great learning experience for everyone.

Troy Athletic Field Meet
On September 28, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit attended the Troy Athletic Field Meet held at Troy High School in Fullerton, California. At the competition, our unit competed against 25 other JROTC units in 15 different events. The events included: the Relay Runs, Volleyball Tournament, Basketball, Football Throw, Frisbee Golf, Boardwalk, Torpedo Run, Extreme Leapfrog, Endurance Relay, Dizzy Izzy, Boat Relay, Wheelbarrow, Pushups, Sit up and Tug of War. By participating in those different events, our unit applied the skills aimed to promote teamwork, communication and sportsmanship while having fun at the same time.

Olympic Training Center Tour & Miramar Air Show
On Friday, September 27, Lutheran High School’s NJROTC unit went on an Orientation trip to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California and at the Miramar Air Show in San Diego. The Olympic Training Center has the world’s best training and competition venues for the Olympics and Paralympics. Athletes are able to utilize the facilities to train in different Olympic sports which includes: Archery, BMX, track and field, kayaking, strength training, tennis, and volleyball. We observed some athletes training in BMX upon leaving the venue. It was a great experience for our cadets.
After visiting the Olympic Training Center, our unit attended the Miramar Air Show at the Marine Corps Air Station. Before the show started, we divided our unit into three groups to explore air station’s military static displays. We saw many different types of aircrafts, vehicles and weapons. Shortly after, we proceeded to the grand stand to watch the aircrafts’ aerobatic maneuvers. The highlight of the air show was definitely the Blue Angels. They were able to fascinate and entertained the audience the most.
Our field trip to San Diego County gave our cadets an educational opportunity to learn about the Olympics and Naval Aviation.

Lutheran High NJROTC updated their website address.

Lutheran High NJROTC updated their website address.

Cadet Installation
September 11, 2019 was this school year's First Uniform Inspection Day for our unit. This was the first time our new NS-1 Cadets dressed in their Service Khaki uniform. Navy Recruiter Petty Officer Second Class Devin Frejo conducted the first personal inspection. Our guest inspected each cadet and individually gave them feedback with regards to uniform and grooming standards. He also tested each cadet on well they know their Chain of Command and their Eleven General Orders.
For Cadet Installation, each member of the unit were introduced to the school assembly and family members that were present at the event. The color guard presented the flags while the school choir sang the National Anthem. Reverend Mason Okubo led the prayers for the unit’s success this school year and presided in installing Lutheran High School’s NJROTC unit. The newly appointed Staff Cadets were also introduced and several cadets were given awards and a number of them were promoted based on their accomplishments during the leadership training they have attended last summer.

Neptune Olympics
On September 7, 2019 Lutheran High School’s second NJROTC competition was held in Coronado, California. At the Neptune Olympics, our unit competed against 16 other schools in 7 different events which includes kayak race, where Cadet Seaman Recruit Thomas King and Cadet Seaman Recruit Josiah King won 3rd place just 4 seconds behind the first place winner. Meanwhile, on the Paddle Board race, Cadet LCDR Jonah Montes and Cadet PO3 Kaitlyn Heinemann tandem won the 2nd place trophy just 2 seconds behind the 1st place winner. It was truly an exciting day. Other events included surfboard 3-stooges race, zodiac hostage rescue, group swim and the sand castle building based on the commemoration of 911/Patriot Day. The Neptune Olympics was a great success. It was another great opportunity for the new cadets to learn to cooperate with each other. After the event, Master Chief David took our cadets to Fiddler’s Cove Marina to sail. Our cadets had fun and also gained knowledge about sailing. We learned and experienced a lot that day. We are all excited and looking forward to all of the upcoming NJROTC events.

Poseidon Adventure (NJROTC Aquatic Sports)
August 24th was a great start of this school year for Lutheran High School’s NJROTC unit. We competed at Poseidon Adventure (NJROTC Aquatic Sports that was hosted by Hawthorne High School’s NJROTC unit. This was the first competition for the new Naval Science cadets and also a great learning experience for everyone. In the competition, there were many challenges, including the amazing race, human swimming chain, kayak relay race, mail buoy, boat rowing, save your shipmate, knot tying, bucket brigade, heaving line , ID parts of a sailboat, boat tug-of-war and a mysterious event which was “Walk the Plank” which is walking across a “simulated water” by placing planks of wood one after another to step on. Our team really prepared for these events. Although we only have 21 cadets this year, we managed to bring home two first place trophies, one for the “Save your Shipmate” competition where we have the fastest time ever and the most coveted first place trophy for the boat tug of war where we swept all the competitions during the elimination and the final round. Now, our cadets are looking forward to participate in the upcoming events and competitions!

Massing of the Colors @ Forest Lawn Hollywood
At Forest Lawn in Hollywood on Sunday, the 17th of February, the unit participated in the Massing of the Colors in celebration of Presidents’ Day, a holiday celebrating the birth of George Washington, our nation’s first president and one of America’s Founding Fathers. The Massing of the Colors is the collaboration of all Services’ JROTC Color Guard teams from different units in Southern California. Our Color Guard team has the most number of cadets amongst those unit that was present. It was another successful community event that we were happy to participate in.

Black History Parade
The unit participated in the 37th Black History Parade in the city of Pasadena, Saturday, the sixteenth of February. The month of February gives deference to the African American contribution to our nation. We sent our Color Guard, Unarmed Drill and Armed Drill Teams. The Pasadena Black History Parade was a truly great opportunity to pay to special to Dr. Martin Luther King. It was a community event that is worth participating in. It was truly a great experience especially for Naval Science 1 cadets.

Color Guard at Ontario Reign Hockey Game
Lutheran High School's NJROTC Unit 96639 presented the colors at the Ontario Reign Hockey game against Bakersfield Condors on Friday, February 15. The American Flag and our Lutheran High School NJROTC unit flag were both presented at the start of the game. The Color Guard did an outstanding job of honoring our nation's flag and starting the night off to a great start. The Ontario Reign played hard and fought valiantly, but the final score of the game was 7-6, with the Reign losing. This event at the Citizens Bank Arena was a great opportunity for our NJROTC cadets to honor our nation and to be out in the community.

Downtown Pomona Nighttime Christmas Parade
This year, the Downtown Pomona Nighttime Christmas Parade was held of the 8th of December. Lutheran High School NJROTC unit participated in this parade with their Full Color Guard, Armed and Unarmed Drill teams. There over 100 groups that participated. The LHS NJROTC unit loved being a part of the Christmas festivities in Downtown Pomona. We came with the first place trophy for the Armed Drill Team Category and 2nd place for the Unarmed Drill Category. It was truly an enjoyable and a successful holiday parade for us.

Military Ball
This year, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit’s Military Ball was held on the 20th of December at the DoubleTree Hotel in Claremont. This annual event consisted of a formal receiving line; presentation of colors; promotion and awards presentation; military ball queen coronation, formal dance presentation and secret Santa (surprise giving of gifts). This year’s Military Ball Queen is Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Megan Peters. Special awards were given for the Best Dressed male and female cadets, Couple of the Night, Best couple for the waltz dancing to Ed Sheeran song “Perfect” and the best couple for the swing dancing to Rick Astley's “Never Gonna Give You Up” song. Military Ball this year was a good learning experience, and a very fun experience for the cadets and all the guests, after all, it was the end of the first semester.

Brain Brawl @ Troy High School
The Lutheran High School NJROTC unit’s Academic Team participated in the Brain Brawl at Troy High School on the 15th of December. The team again consisted of five cadets, but only four cadets are allowed to compete in each round. The team went up against four other teams in each round, and competed against 20 other teams. They made it to the Quarter Finals of the competition, and came in eighth place overall. The Academic Team continues to learn and expand their knowledge at each competition.

Community Service Event
One of the service events that our unit have done for our community this year was helping at the Holiday Half Marathon and 5K Ugly Sweater Run held at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas which was sponsored by the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. We were tasked to assist the marathon runners not only by encouraging but also by passing out water or assisting those runners that got injured or having some type of medical issues during the run. The unit got to learn more about service to others and how to work as cohesive team. Our unit is always willing and able to the serve the community, and this event was perfect for what we are trying to teach to our cadets.

San Dimas Parade
On the 1 of December 2018, the Lutheran High School NJROTC unit participated in the Downtown Holiday Extravaganza Parade in San Dimas, California. This our unit’s first parade for the 2018-2019 School Year. The Color Guard, the Unarmed Drill and Armed Drill Teams showcased their talents by performing for crowd lined on the streets of San Dimas. It was an excellent first time experience specially for our Naval Science 1 cadets.

Veterans of Foreign War
At the Veterans Hall in the city of La Verne, California, November 12, 2018, our color guard detail assisted the Veterans of Foreign War : Band of Brothers in their ceremony to honor our veterans during Veterans Day. Our cadets raised the flag U.S. Flag during the opening ceremony and later on raised the Armed Forces flags in honor of the veterans from the different branches of the U.S. Military. The Mayor of La Verne, Mayor Don Kendrick was in attendance together with County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County’s 5thSupervisorial District. It was one of the most important day to remember in our country’s history and it was an honor for our cadets to be a part of thanking the veterans for their service..

Remembrance Day Service @ Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
In Covina at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, our unit’s Honor / Color Guard wearing their Dress Blue Uniform presented and posted the colors during the ‘Remembrance Day Service” on November 11 in celebration of Veterans Day. This was a remembrance service not only for our American veterans, but also the British and the Canadian counterparts who also made a lot of sacrifices for the world’s freedom. This event became more significant because this year marked the 100th year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I. Our unit had the honor of meeting some of the members of the British and Canadian Royal Armed Forces both active and retired including high ranking American Military Officers. It was an honor for us to participate in this special event, the Remembrance Day Service.

American Legion Post 30
At the American Legion, Chas. P. Rowe, Post Number 30 in Pomona, California is where our unit participated in a “Flag Disposal Ceremony” last 11 November 2018. Five cadets represented our unit in this very solemn ceremony. Our cadets assisted all the veterans and family members in attendance who dedicated a flag to be disposed for each veteran who is either a loved one, a friend or an acquaintance. This is also a celebration of Veterans Day by remembering and honoring all veterans in the military. Congresswoman Norma Torres was one of the guest speakers who has shown their appreciation for our veterans’ contribution to our nation. It was truly a privilege for our cadets to be a part of this Veterans Day event.

Field of Valor in Covina
On Saturday, the tenth of November, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit led the community at Covina, California in posting over 2,000 U.S. Flags in a place they called “The Field of Valor” This event is hosted by International Rotary Club, Covina Chapter to honor the for the many sacrifices our veterans gave for the freedom we are enjoying now. This event is our unit’s way of thanking our veterans for their service to our nation.

Shield of Faith Veteran’s Day Color Guard Event
Our unit’s Color Guard participated in the Veteran’s Day Breakfast at Shield of Faith School on the 9th of November in honor of the veterans that were present. The Color Guard dip the flag for each military branch while their theme songs were being played. The Shield of Faith Christian School hosted the event and thanked the veterans for their service by presenting them with a certificate and a “Put On The Whole Armor of God” coin.. Individually, our color guard members thanked the veterans for all their sacrifices and service to our country.

Visitation Day
At Lutheran High School on Friday the 26 of October, the unit participated during the “Visitation Day” for our feeder schools. Visitation Day is held for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade at schools like Hope Lutheran School, Shield of Faith, or homeschooled students for them to experience the daily classroom schedule at Lutheran High. Students were ushered to each classroom where they learned what the teachers taught and how their class was conducted every day. When students came to the ROTC class, the different teams in the unit did a presentation of what their team does. The Armed Drill Team including the Unarmed Drill Team showcased their knowledge in exhibition drills used during competition. The Air Rifle and Sea Perch Teams displayed the equipment they use in competitions and gave a brief demonstration of how they operate them. Visitation Day gave the guest students a glimpse of what NJROTC program is all about and we were hoping that they will consider Lutheran High as the school of choice when they transition to High School.

Troy Athletic Field Meet
On September 29th, this year’s Troy Athletic Field Meet, Lutheran High School NJROTC unit achieved many accomplishments. Throughout the day, there were many athletic events, some of which included relay run, volleyball tournament, football throw, push-up competition, sit-up competition, Frisbee Golf, Boardwalk, Torpedo run, Extreme Leapfrog, Endurance Relay and Dizzy Izzy relay. Our unit competed in all of these events, and we got to learn more about teamwork and have fun at the same time. Although we were the smallest unit to compete, we won first place in Sportsmanship, tied for third place in Frisbee Golf, and third place in Dizzy Izzy. Of course, our cadets cheered for our team but we also did the same for the other teams because we are all in one Program, the NJROTC. This year’s Troy Field Meet gave us the opportunity to really give our best in every events and allowed us to learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Troy Academic Team Competition
The first Academic Team Competition of the year for Lutheran High’s NJROTC unit took place on October 6, at Troy High School. The team consists of 5 cadets, all of which went to the competition. The team competed in five rounds for the first part of the competition, against 10 other schools. The top eight teams would move on to the quarter finals. They came in ninth place, but one of the teams forfeited, so they made it to the quarter finals. They competed in one more round, but lost. Even though the team didn’t make it very far in the competition, they showed a good effort and it was a great learning experience for everybody.