Caroline High School’s Army JROTC held its 26th Annual Awards Banquet in May of 2019. Known as the “Cavalier Battalion” they are a “2019 Honor Battalion with Distinction,” but in addition this program over the years has become known statewide as one of the most decorated in the Commonwealth. Caroline County Public School’s JROTC is a special favorite of mine as it was conceived and implemented during my tenure on the School Board from 1993-1999. Our board worked hard to make sure the JROTC got the right start and support. The Cavalier Battalion’s mission is to Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.” I was very proud to be invited to watch the ceremony which celebrated some of Caroline’s finest young men and women and their families. Part of the program included not only the many individual awards, but announcements from the seniors on their future plans. The plans these students have made and the dreams they aspire to are nothing short of amazing. There is no doubt in my mind, we will see great things. The evening ended with an emotional Change of Command, passing the leadership torch from CDT LTC Chris “Melman” Farmer to rising senior Cadet CSM, Jayce Payne. Chris will soon be flying drones for the United States Army. This year has been of keen interest to me because I know many of these students and their parents personally. My sincere congratulations to these young people and a huge pat on the back to their parents who have nurtured these future leaders and stayed involved.
