Roma High JROTC Has Most Challenging Spring Season Yet
By: Roma High School JROTC Instructor LTC(R) Luis Barrera
Roma Gladiator JROTC Raider Teams spring season was cut short due to the current COVID-19 crisis, but we did manage to represent our school district in several events. During the month of January we prepared and hosted a Military Skills Drill Meet here in Roma on 28 Jan. 15 schools from the across the Valley and Laredo attended the Drill Meet in which our Cadets were the Judges. It was a most challenging event that exposed our Cadets to practice their leadership skills and on what it takes logistically to prepare to run such a big event. Our Varsity Gladiator Raider Coed Team attended the Annual La Copa Ranch Warrior Raider Challenge on 8 Feb in which 22 schools from the Valley, Corpus Christi and Laredo participate and mange to bring back the second place trophy for the second year in a row. In the last five years we have brought three first and two second place trophies from this most challenging event. On 29 Feb, we participated in the PSJA Memorial Drill Meet and brought back the 2nd Place Unarmed Drill Overall Trophy. This is the first time in my 5 years at Roma HS, in which our girls or boys drill teams managed to bring a top three overall trophy in any Drill Meet. We are making some great progress in the girls drill team, due to the hard work and dedication of the girls and especially the Team Captain, Cadet Captain Jade Mares. We expect more from our teams next drill season. This year JCLC Camp was held at Camp Bullis, TX from 11-15 March. The Camp was cut short due to the virus and we all returned safe and healthy to Roma. The JROTC Cadet Leadership Camp allows cadets to further their knowledge and skills in military life. Although this experience does not force cadets to join the military. The camp is designed to expose cadets from different schools to work together and be a part of a team. 20 other schools from all over Texas attended the camp with Roma HS. Over 280 kids attended the Camp along with the school instructors. Campers engage in constant activity from sunup to sundown, teamwork focused on developing leadership skills, activities geared towards teaching focus and self-discipline and understanding. The repel tower was the most challenging event due to the height of the tower. Lots of friends were made and long lasting relationships made. The Cadets also presented our National Colors at the Starr County Fair opening ceremony, City Of Roma Bridge Anniversary, and many other events, Edinburg 10K, Roma ISD Junior Robotics Judges and support all career days in the district. We are already planning to host a Raider Challenge Meet here in Roma in the fall, grand opening of our long awaited JROTC Education Building, drill meets in Brownsville Veterans, Edinburg North, Laredo and other sites. Raider events at NEISD, La Copa, Weslaco HS Raider, Laredo Nixon and many others. Go, Fight, Win Gladiators!