Southside High School - Southerner Yearbook (Fort Smith, AR)

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Soldiers' Story JROTC Unit Among Top Groups in Nation F or six straight years, JROTC has been among the top units in the nation. Having been designated Honor Unit with Distinction for that period of time meant that this year's cadet had a tradition to uphold. And uphold it they did. Whether performing in the Veterans Day ceremonies on November 11 at the National Cemetery or passing in review for the Annual Federal Inspection in the spring, the cadets spent the year try- ing to ensure the unit would not lose the distinction of being in the top ten percent among high school JROTC. Using their training in the classroom under Col. Carl Melton and Sgt. Charles Holcombe, the cadets traveled throughout the state to perform and compete in meets ranging from orienteering to physical training. The cadets also participated in voluntary campouts at nearby Fort Chaffee where they got a taste of military life on an actual army base. On these weekend activities cadets learned more about mapreading, repelling, and camping. JROTC was offered to all three grade levels five days a week. Some cadets took advantage of the army's program to enter the military after graduation. Map reading is just one actlvity that Senlor Terrl Robinson sophomore Chris Griffin has to master puts the school flag ln as he tests his skills. its place.

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What we think - - - CHARLES McKAY, junior - The most exciting event is the FTC Qfield training coursei because we get to watch simulated combat. KELLY RUBOTTOM, senior The most exciting event to me is the trip to Russellville where we got to compete against other schools including Northside. SHELLY MILLER, senior My favorite is the trip to Shreveport, Louisiana, where we went to compete in a rifle shoot competition because it tests our skills with guns. Helping Col. Carl Melton distribute sausage and cheese for the JROTC fund raising is senior Bill Cooksey. Examining her targets after practicing for classroom shooting tryouts, junior Jamie Robinson pinpoints her target. ti.. .,, ,,,,, ? , ., ,,E. p pp 1 , 1 Qu .- H Aww 1 WY? :If 1, zmaggmw

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N ot only winners as a group, JROTC members took additional honors with the military organiza- tions which many participated in this year. For instance, the Physical Training Team won first place in the Pen- tathlon at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia during October, while a second team took third in the same match. The PT Team also won sec- ond place in the Pentathlon at Arkan- sas Tech in Russellville later in the year. Another winner for JROTC was the Rifle Team which took first in a match at Van Buren, November 5. The Col- or Guard also placed high in meets at Pine Bluff in September and at Russellville in November. In addition to competitions, the JROTC groups also took part in com- munity and school affairs. The Color Guard was always an important part of the opening ceremonies at all the football and basketball games and participated in the annual Christmas Parade down Garrison Avenue along with the Drill Team. Other trips and matches took the cadets to Hot Springs for a pistol and rifle match, to Conway for a physical training exercise, and to Sheridan for a rifle competition. rmy ife ln Action, JROTC cadets win awards What we think DARYL PARKER, Sel1i0l' The jump you obtain on military knowledge is the most rewarding because it really prepares you for a military career. JOHN SMITH, senior The thing I learn most from being in JROTC is leadership and responsibility to do the job you set out to do in the service. RANDY KITCHENS, senior l have three things l feel are important. One, learning military tactics, as from the Rangers. Two learning first-aid and marksmanship and three, the experience of competing and winning.