JACKSON – The Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) Cadets of Jackson Memorial and Liberty high schools received a high score concerning their overall unit assessment.
The cadets earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standard” which is the highest rating attainable during their evaluation.
Retired United States Air Force Colonel Jonathan W. Spare, the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Jackson Memorial High School said “Cadet Lt. Col Jarret Brooks, Cadet Group Commander for the NJ-782nd, led his unit to this impressive result.”
Cadet Captains Drew Barocas and John Penswater garnered the “Top Performer” Award for their efforts in preparing for the inspection. “This award can only be earned during a headquarters’ visit. The NJ-782nd and #39’s exceptional performance will likely earn them the ‘Distinguished Unit Award with Merit’ in the spring,” Col. Spare said.
“AFJROTC is a cadet-centered citizenship program, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment coupled with excellent community outreach. The Jackson Memorial High School cadets performed exceptionally well and took great pride in leading and accomplishing their unit goals. The Jackson AFJROTC citizenship program is making a positive impact on the cadets, the school and the surrounding community.
“This school year we’ve been supporting many events in the Jackson Community to include Jackson Day, Westlake community 9/11 ceremony, Ocean County parades (Columbus Day and Veterans Day), Veterans Day ceremonies for the Jackson senior center, and Six Flags. Our Color Guard also supports the Joint Base, where we’ve presented the Colors at retirement ceremonies, to include the retirement of the 76 Air Refueling Squadron, and the Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony,” Col. Spare added.
Col. Spare said, “we also presented the Colors for the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field for a preseason game in August. Our Cadets also assist at the Jackson food pantry. Additionally, every year around Christmas, we organize a toys for tots program, where we collect toys and match them with the children of disadvantaged families in Jackson as provided to us from Ocean County social services.”
“We currently have 105 Cadets this school year. 58 first semester and 47 this semester. Prior to Covid, enrollment exceeded 200. We’re bouncing back. Last year we only had 91. The Air Force requires we have a minimum of 100,” Col. Spare added.
Several JROTC seniors assembled to speak with The Jackson Times at Jackson Memorial High Schoolrecently including Inspector General Penswater, Group Commander Brooks, Mission Support Squadron Commander Barocas, Operations Squadron Commander Jose’ Lainez-Martinez and Public Affairs Officer Alejandro Lizano.
Brooks who recently got both his driver’s license and pilot’s license explained that he wants a career in the U.S. Air Force. “I’ve always wanted to fly and ROTC was the most direct route that I saw.”
“Before I joined ROTC, I had no intention of actually flying but with a scholarship that I received and found out about (a program where students can get their pilots license) I said ‘this is perfect. This is something I want to do,’” he added.
“We have over 100 cadets in the unit and I’m friends with everyone. There are so many activities to do within it. We have a rocketry club, an air rifle team, and a drill team. There is a lot to do. You have a lot of options which is another thing I love about this. There is something for everyone,” he added.
Penswater said what led him to join the ROTC concerned his plan to join the Naval Academy. “My mom served in the Coast Guard for 27 years so I’ve always been around a military lifestyle so ROTC made a lot of sense to get experience with that. It was a natural fit and I’ve enjoyed it since day one.”
Barocas remarked, “during my freshman year I wanted to be a leader and joining ROTC allowed me to develop my leadership skills and it has been a really big help for me to be able to lead a bunch of people and work with others.”
Marinez said that it was his father who inspired him to join ROTC. “He has served in the armed forces. I’ve been in the program for three years and I think it is a great program. It helps develop leadership and management skills and so many things that I have found very helpful in my high school career.”
Lizano commented, “a multiple of things brought me into the program one of them being that family members were military and during my freshman year the leaders and instructors that were here gave me a warm welcome on the night when we toured the school. I really fell in love with the program and as the years went on, I was able to develop friendships and enjoy the difficult activities that helped create a bond between us.”
