Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Coatesville Air Force Junior ROTC rates high
Coatesville Air Force Junior ROTC received a high rating during its banner day
CALN >> It was recently a banner day for the cadets and instructors of the Air Force Junior ROTC unit of the Coatesville Area Intermediate High School.
The unit experienced their first triennial unit inspection and they passed with flying colors, according to Col. Ben Young, northeast regional director of the Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC. Young inspected the cadets on a litany of criteria that the cadets had to demonstrate. His main focus was ensuring that the program was a cadet-led organization comprised of all students in ninth through 12th grade.
Coatesville’s cadets are in charge of practicing drills and their uniform inventory amounting to $35,000. Additionally district officials said the cadets represent the school and community in a way that fits the Air Force standards of being a model citizen.
“We had to practice for hours to make sure our unit was prepared for the inspection,” said sophomore Quil Ross, physical training officer in charge. “We worked tirelessly on our 30-step drill sequence. It was nerveracking, but we did it.”
Ross said they put all emotions aside and worked as a unit.
“We had to come together and represent the corps,” Ross said. “All of our hard work paid off, and it’s a great feeling to exceed the inspector’s expectations. It was an amazing experience for me and my fellow cadets.”
Master Sgt. Christopher Sidoli explained that Young inspected the Air Force Junior ROTC unit with a fine-toothed comb and presented the unit with a final rating of “Exceeding Standards.” The inspector was impressed with the facilities, the cadets’ passion, and their involvement with the Air Force Junior ROTC program.
“There is no higher honor for an inspection, and for the first round, I could not be any more proud of the cadets,” Sidoli said.
Lt. Col. James Turnbull credited the cadets for earning the highest possible inspection rating
“They really stepped up and impressed the inspector with their knowledge, appearance, and effort,” Turnbull said. “It’s a true reflection on their dedication to the program.”
Coatesville’s next inspection will occur in 2020. In the meantime, the cadets said they will continue to train hard, exceed expectations, and represent the Air Force as model citizens and students of the Coatesville Area School District.