Gathering of Warriors: Army Cadets of Tampa Bay

By OC Carrera Blum, USAC

World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, these are only a few of the wars that were fought by our veterans. That’s what this weekend’s event was all about. Gathering of Warriors gave thanks and gratitude to all those who have proudly served and are presently serving in today’s war on terrorism.

The Army Cadets of Tampa Bay participated in the Massing of Colors for the opening ceremonies. The Air National Guard brought out their newest light utility helicopter, the Lakota UH-72. It still had that new helicopter smell. On Sunday it took flight and was simulated being shot down by an Air National Guard Defense Battery Unit. There were also military vehicles from the past wars of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. SOCCOM para-jumpers made an appearance as well. Cadets from ACTB met Tuskegee Airmen, and a Retired Navy Submariner Captain, who was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

The Sheriff’s Department brought out the impaired driving goggles, and had “drivers” attempt to walk a straight line and drive a golf cart through a course. Acting First Sergeant C/CPL Kennedy only ran over three simulated pedestrians while driving the course.

The SWAT Team had a miniature obstacle course set up allowing young adults to run through it. They also had their newest vehicle on display as well as weapons and tools they use in the performance of their duties.

Inside the fairgrounds arena, booths were set up by, many organizations including, United States Army, Army National Guard, SOCCOM, Sons of the American Revolution, American Red Cross, Sarasota Aviation Museum, RC Planes Association, as well as many Veteran organizations, and of course one by the Army Cadets of Tampa Bay.

USAC Joins Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce

The United States Army Cadet Corps has become the newest member of the Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce. The Bourbon Country Chamber of Commerce serves businesses and visitors from throughout Bourbon County and the surrounding area.

Shown (left) are Mrs. Kay Seither, immediate past President of the Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce, and COL Joseph M. Land, Sr., Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Cadet Corps, at the Chamber's recent membership dinner. Mrs. Seither is the former Admissions Director for Millersburg Military Institute and is currently the Director of Maysville Community College's Extension Campus in Paris, Ky.

New Sign at Headquarters

A new main sign has been installed at Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps and the National Cadet Training Center. More than 200 man-hours were put into the sign, which reflects the Army traditions of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps.

This is a hand-painted and hand-crafted sign, likely valued at $10K or more. The sign was designed, manufactured and assembled through the Bourbon County Prison Work Releaseprogram for a fraction of it value.

The font of the sign is shown to the right. The back has the Corps' motto of "Hardcore or out the Door!" on the back.

Army Cadet Corps Unit to Form in Atlanta

A new unit of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps is in the formation process in the Atlanta, Ga. area. CPT Larry Moore, a former Soldier and a veteran of over 20 years in uniform, was recently appointed as the Project Officer to form the unit. The unit will drill in conjunction with the Army National Guard at Dobbins ARB in Atlanta.

CPT Moore is shown (right) being administered the Oath of Office and appointment to his current rank by COL Brent E. Bracewell, Commander, 78th Aviation Troop Command and State Aviation Officer for the Georgia Army National Guard.

Army Cadets of New York Participate in New York Marathon and Army/Air Force Game

USAC Cadets and cadre recently attended the West Point's Army/Air Force game and the NYC Marathon.

USAC personnel provided security and crowd control on 2 Nov 08, working at the finish line. They also moved the crowd to allow ambulance and first responders to move through the area during several emergencies.

Army Cadets of Tampa Participate in Clearwater Veterans Appreciation Day

By OC Carrera Blum, USAC

Clicking heels, twirling rifles, the sound of Drill Sergeants sounding off commands, all this and more is only part of the excitement taking place at the Clearwater Veteran Appreciation Day.

This year this annual event is being held at the Brighthouse Stadium in Clearwater, Florida. This is certainly an experience for the whole family to enjoy! The United States Army Cadet Corps – Army Cadets of Tampa Bay - have been given the honor to represent the United States Army in a unique Color Guard performance, where they were joined by Color Guards from the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States Coast Guard, as well other national veteran and Law Enforcement Color Guards. The Color Guard was composed of Cadet CPL Kennedy, C/PFC's Colon, Hay, P., Hay C., and C/PVT Swaagman.

A treat for most eyes, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, performed a breath-taking routine that wowed the crowds and even brought some to tears.

Speaking of emotional moments, the traveling Vietnam wall made an appearance, bringing back memories of their fallen fellow Soldiers, to those who were fortunate enough to make it home alive.

Being able to be a part of an event as honored and respected as this, was an experience that would not be forgotten. The Army Cadets of Tampa Bay were also able to speak to representatives from the United States Military Academy. There were many keynote speakers, among them was the Honorable Congressman Bill Young. The Army Cadets of Tampa Bay were especially fortunate. Not only did they get to participate in the Color Guard performance as the Army Cadets, they were also given the opportunity to represent the United States Army(due to a funeral they were not able to show up for the event), and were even joined by a close to ground fly over by a Black Hawk Helicopter. The Army Cadets of Tampa Bay were praised and thanked for their excellent performance and upstanding example of proper military decorum.

Army Cadets of the National Capital Region Support Army Ten Miler

The Army Cadets of the National Capital Region conducted community service at the Army Ten Miler Sunday October 5th. Cadets, Recruits and adult volunteers performed Chip Collection and Coin Distribution duties. Shown are C/PVT Javier Todd and his father, CPT Rod Little, the Officer-in-Charge of the Army Cadets of the National Capital Region. Both ran in the Army Ten Miler representing USAC.

Following the race, the unit viewed various memorials that included The Pentagon Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. A private briefing by one the Tomb Guards was given to the cadets where they were able to ask questions and learn the history of the tomb. It was another outstanding training session for the cadets.

USAC at Association of the United States Army Convention

Eight USAC officers and NCOs, and one Cadet, represented the U.S. Army Cadet Corps at the Association of the United States Army annual conference in Washington, DC in October.

Participants included (l to r) COL Edward Wasserman, Deputy Commander; 1LT Gerald Blum, Army Cadets of Tampa Bay; C/PFC Peyton Hay, Army Cadets of Tampa Bay; COL Joseph M. Land, Sr., Chief of Staff; (second row) Chaplain (COL) J. Delano Ellis, II, Chief of Chaplains; COL Jan Ferguson, Inspector General; CPT Darin Ninness, Director of Officer Training; (third row) CSM Raymond Schnabel, Senior Enlisted Advisor; SGT Al Farrell, Chaplain's Assistant; and MAJ George Berghorn (not shown).

For the fifth consecutive year, USAC personnel have interfaced with senior Army leadership, ranging from GEN Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army, to Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston (shown to the right with USAC CSM Raymond Schnabel). The response to the U.S. Army Cadet Corps has been exceptional, with major developments for the program as a result of participation in the AUSA's annual convention.

National Drill Camp to be Conducted at National Cadet Training Center

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps is partnering with Sports Network International to host the eastern National Drill Camp (NDC) at the National Cadet Training Center (NCTC) in Millersburg, Kentucky. The camp will be conducted July 11-18, 2009.

The Nationals Drill Camp remains the finest high school military drill training academy available anywhere! The fun-loving, knowledgable, all-service instructors provide every camper with a positive drill training experience that is designed to improve their personal skills to a level they otherwise could not attain.

The weeklong emersion into all things drill includes classes and practical instruction within: inspection, regulation, color guard, and both armed/unarmed exhibition drill in team and solo/dual formats. This is presented with Army, Air Force and Navy/Marine drill manuals to ensure all cadets have a solid background in their particular discipline.

Sports Network International manages the National High School Drill Team Championships held annually in Daytona, Florida. The Drill Team Championships is the premier competition of exhibition drill teams - armed and unarmed - anywhere on earth. The competition is typically held the first weekend in May.

USAC Purchases Historic Campus of Millersburg Military Institute

HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY CADET CORPS – The Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC), Brigadier General Charles R. Tornow, announced today that USAC has purchased the former Millersburg Military Institute (MMI) effective Friday, September 5^th for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 1893, the historic facility served students for 113 years until closing in 2006 due to a declining student population. USAC will transform the 18-acre facility into its National Headquarters, as well as a National Cadet Training Center, serving Cadet programs worldwide. The facility will serve again as a military boarding school within five years.

“We are extremely pleased to join the Millersburg community…” said Colonel Joseph M. Land, Sr., the corps’ Chief of Staff. “…and we look forward to preserving the heritage of Cadetting in Kentucky while moving the U.S. Army Cadet Corps into the future.”

USAC is an Army-oriented career exploration program for young men and women age 12-18 who are crime-free, drug-free and doing well in school. Cadets train in hometown units one weekend each month, and attend two or more weeks of military-style training each summer. Millersburg will become the home of USAC’s summer training programs, hosting several hundred Cadets throughout the year. USAC’s programs are designed to be extremely challenging and realistic, providing Cadets with a first-hand view of military life, with no obligation to enlist.

Army Cadet Corps Meets with Civil Air Patrol Colleagues

Officers and Cadets meet with their brothers and sisters in blue, the Civil Air Patrol, during two recent visits. The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, with three distinct missions, including the development of Cadets, similar to the U.S. Army Cadet Corps.

Shown to the right, at the Civil Air Patrol's Honor Guard Academy, are USAC Officers and Cadet, including (front) C/CSM Jesse Urban and (right) C/SSG Wolfe, and (back) MAJ George Berghorn, Deputy Chief of Staff for Training; BG Amy Courter, Commander, Civil Air Patrol; COL Joseph M. Land, Sr., Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Cadet Corps; and CPT Jimmy Macon, detachment Officer in Charge, Army Cadets of Fort Rucker.

USAC personnel also visited the CAP's National Conference in Orlando in August, developing relationships and exchanging ideas regarding the development of Cadets.

Shown are COL Edward Wasserman, Deputy Commander; BG Charles Tornow, Commanding General; CSM Raymond Schnabel, Senior Enlisted Advisor; COL Joseph M. Land, Sr., Chief of Staff; and Chaplain J. Delano Ellis, II, USAC Chief of Chaplains and CAP's Great Lakes Region Chaplain.

USAC Meets Chief of Staff of the Army

Members of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps recently met GEN George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of the Staff of the Army, at a social event in Washington, DC.

Shown (l to r) are CSM Raymond Schnabel; C/CPL Kaitlen Kennedy, Army Cadets of Tampa Bay; C/CSM Jesse Urban, National Headquarters; GEN Casey; and C/SFC Robyn Haake, Army Cadets of Dayton.