Bryan Army JROTC

On 1 May, 11 LET 1 Cadets conducted a Service-Learning project at the Heart Ministry Center in downtown Omaha. The Center provides food, healthcare, and a way forward to people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. Their Choice Food Distribution Program provides more than 3.9 million pounds of fresh and shelf-stable food items to approximately 135,121 total community members yearly. The Cadets all worked hard, had a great attitude, and in the end were helpful, friendly, and courteous. A big thank you to Jimmy King the food distribution director for allowing us to lend a hand. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion continues to Lead the Way!

On 24 Apr, the Bryan JROTC program held its annual awards night where Cadets that have excelled this year were recognized for their outstanding performance and overall achievement. Numerous veteran organizations handed out awards for academic and leadership excellence, as well as top Cadet Challenge, top marksmen/archery, just to name a few. We also recognized our Cadet of the Year which went to C/CSM Daniel Ibarra. The night ended with a great meal. Appreciate everyone that attended and I feel it was our best awards night overall in recent memory. The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 28 Apr, 14 LET 1 Cadets conducted a Service-Learning project at Scatter Joy Acres. A sanctuary where the healing power of animals supports individuals, families, and communities. With locations in Murray, Nebraska, and Florida at Hope and Joy Sanctuary, they offer spaces where people can connect deeply with animals, nature, and one another. The Cadets worked hard, learned something, made a difference, and were rewarded with a whole lot of critter time. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

Cadets had the opportunity to travel to Omaha Northstar today. They participated in team building events on the ground and on the ropes

On 16 Apr, 25 Cadets took advantage of the opportunity by the NE Army NG to go rappelling off a 60ft tower and navigate a basic training style obstacle course at Camp Mead. We were joined by AF Cadets from Plattsmouth HS in the adventure. I'm proud to say almost all the Cadets successfully rappelled and earned the coveted Rappelling Arc for their dress uniforms. A big shout out to SFC Mayberry and his very professional team of recruiters for setting up the event. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 9 Apr, the Bryan JROTC program welcomed another Cadet to the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks. Through his hard work and dedication C/SGT Eddie Lopez earned the rank of Sergeant, not an easy task. He had to pass a difficult Sergeants Board, earn 20 hrs of community service, and lead a squad in squad drill. He wasn't a first time GO but he showed resilience and kept at it until the goal was achieved. Way to go Eddie! Now get out there and Lead from the Front!

On 2 Apr, representatives from the Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) awarded $1,100 scholarships to C/LTC Serena Salazar and C/MAJ Ian Lopez-Silva to further their educational pursuits upon HS graduation. Miguel Keith Detachment 609, proudly recognizes future leaders active in OPS High School JROTC. Since April 2023, they have awarded scholarships (approximately $1,000) to cadets who demonstrate exceptional leadership, military bearing, community service, academic excellence, and potential for promotion. A big thank you to the WWFS and congrats to our deserving Cadets. Way to go Bears!

On 24 Mar, 20 Cadets took advantage of the opportunity to spend some time at the Kiewit Luminarium and immerse themselves in some STEAM related activities, and learn about the covert cold war era mission of locating the RMS Titanic, but in reality that was the secondary objective, the primary was to locate 2 nuclear powered submarines that had gone missing, the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion. An interesting cloak and dagger cover story to throw the Russians off the true intent. Anyways, for those of you still reading you'll be glad to know ALL was found on the 11-day exploratory mission by Robert Ballard and his crew. The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 4 Mar, 26 highly motivated Cadets donated 4 hrs of community service to Gifford Farms in a Spring clean-up effort. They cleaned out a massive chicken coop (very dirty work indeed), cleaned up and organized the main office area, and helped stack and dispose of fence posts, railroad ties, and unserviceable picnic tables. They were rewarded with a pizza lunch and lots of gratitiute. One things for sure the Bryan JROTC Cadets are hard workers and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Way to go Cadets! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

A very talented artist (C/PFC Jade Navarrete) used Moi (Me in French), as their subject. It's hanging in the main office for all to admire. I think she superbly captured my cheery disposition. We have some very talented Cadets in JROTC for sure. Way to go Jade! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!