Hawaii
The Willard ROTC has started a cold year right, with nine cadets going to Hawaii. Usually the trip takes place of the in summer towards the end of July but it was a special trip. It was a short trip but was packed full of activities. On their first day of activities, Cadets were taken to the International Market Place to do some shopping. Cadets were given a full tour of the USS Cromlin a Navy frigate. Cadets were also given a private tour of the retired USS Missouri battleship. "The tour that we had on the USS Missouri was amazing it gave me goose bumps," said Cadet Seamen Alan Elder. Cadets also went to a luau at Paradise Cove. "The luau most definitely was the best part of the entire trip," said Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Kristena Bass.
> On the second day, Cadets were taken out on a torpedo recovery boat. Cadets visited the USS Arizona memorial on Pearl Harbor. Cadets went through water front training ops then were taken on boats afterwards and got to see Walfin. "The Walfin was the coolest thing I'd ever seen," said Cadet Seamen Madi Geimen. Cadets were given a special demonstration by the Marine Corps Martial Arts program. Cadets finally got to enjoy the beach located on the Marine Corps Base.
> On their final day, Cadets climbed to the top of Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone with an elevation of 762ft. The climb is about ¾ of mile hike up. They finished their final day at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center shopping and met a Pearl Harbor Survivor. The ROTC plans on taking it's this trip again at its time in the summer.
Awards and Promotion
It was an exciting Tuesday night for the Willard ROTC program. This is the freshman’s first promotion due to inclement weather causing the original date to move. 66 cadets were promoted up for there outstanding work for the unit. 30 cadets were promoted to E-2 or Seamen Apprentice and 22 cadets were promoted to E-3 or Seamen. Two cadets were promoted to E-4 or Petty officer 3rd class, those cadets were Austin Laird and Emily Stone. Three cadets were promoted to E-5 or Petty Officer 2nd class. “I feel being promoted will give me a greater leadership role in the unit” said Chris Owens, who was promoted along with Levi Gold and Christian Adams. These three cadets are all seniors who are planning to join the military. Two Cadets were promoted to E-6 or Petty officer 3rd class, Amanda Adgurson and Allison Graham. Three cadets were promoted to E-7 or Chief Petty Officer. “Absolutely remarkable” said newly promoted Victoria Brennan, who was promoted along with Hunter Slack and Krystin Woods. Two cadets were promoted to E-8 or Senior Chief Petty Officer, Derek Halle and Rebekah Baker. The newly promoted chiefs were all given there rank by their very proud parents. Senior David Danner was promoted from Chief to Ensign, c/Ens Danner is currently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Senior Matt Slaughter was promoted from a Ensign to a Lieutenant for his outstanding work with the unit’s PT team and role on the unarmed drill and is currently enlisted in the Navy Seabees. The Unit’s next promotion will be held on April 20th.
