The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Veterans Council raises funds for junior ROTC program
The Lorain Veterans Council presented a $2,000 check in support of Lorain High School’s JROTC program Feb. 21 at the American Legion Post No. 30, 1112 W. Erie Ave. in Lorain.
Veterans Council Secretary Mike Kachure said the group wanted to help after learning the program was low on funds in coordinating the Post’s Pearl Harbor Day activities at Black River Landing in December.
“So, we have this great resource in this city of ours, and it’s the high school junior ROTC,” Kachure said. “And when we call, they come much like the veterans of this city when WWII was here, Korea and Vietnam. We are very, very proud of them.”
With the program having difficulty coordinating transportation, the Veterans Council passed a motion in December to support a fundraising effort.
Kachure said the money will go to support the cadets’ annual ball on April 12 in addition to their competitive drill competitions.
“The fact that they were low on funds just got me thinking,” Kachure said. “So at our December meeting, we made a motion to support a fundraising effort through a Super Bowl Square.
“It’s easy to do. It’s an opportunity for us to support the program and for people to win money back.”
Lorain High Junior ROTC instructors Sgt. First Class (retired) Chris Simon and Colonel (retired) both thanked the Veterans Council for their support of Lorain’s young people.
“I’d just like to say thank you to everybody for supporting our fundraiser,” Simon said. “Everybody is playing for money wherever they can get it and wherever they can find it.
“And I know there are other people who could’ve used this money just as good as we could have, and its very appreciated.
“From the cadets here, they’re from Lorain and they do the best they can.”
Simon said the cadets represent the program, Lorain High and the community well.
“And I appreciate them for coming out and for being a part of everything we try to do at our ROTC program at Lorain High School,” he said.
Warren is a newly ap- pointed instructor who recently relocated to the area. He noted the strength of Lorain’s veteran community.
“We really appreciate your support,” he said. “I’ve only been here for two and a half weeks.
“And for the last 30 years, I’ve been everywhere else in the world besides here. I grew up in California and I hope Ohio’s going to be our home.
“One thing I’ve noticed is there’s a lot of veterans and patriotic and civic organizations in the county. It’s pretty obvious to me.”
Warren said that’s a great testament to the unity and the strength of the community in Lorain.
“And I’ll do my best as a leader to mentor young adults to be better citizens for America,” he said. “And I hope we can build our relationship going forward. “