The Grants High School Marine Corps JROTC department is in transition. The Marine Corps Jr. Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets worked for 19 years with George Garcia, Ricky Matteson and Emilio Barela. Since 2021, John Hollins has taken the leadership position, with 42 years of Marine service. Hollins guided the ROTC department at Laguna-Acoma High School, before accepting the GHS position.
On Saturday, July 23, instructor Hollins accompanied the following cadets to the Double Six Art Gallery for a brief presentation:
Cadet CPL Micalia Chapo
Cadet CPL Mark Lopez
Cadet SSGT Jeremiah Robb
Cadet Isiah Session Cadet SGT Christopher Werito
Cadet-in-writing Joshua Candeleria
After the Color Guards’ presentation, students gathered in the Gallery and graciously answered questions from adults. They were enthusiastic, polite and respectful. Good eaters too.
When asked why they joined ROTC, here are responses:
“I wanted to be more disciplined and try the program.”
“I want to be a firefighter in the future and believes ROTC can help.”
“I wanted to learn more, especially through this program.”
Several have participated one year and one cadet has three years in. Gunny Hollins said scholarships are available to students regardless of service years. He also stressed the importance of academic grades and how he plans to check grades periodically. The Marines are financially supportive of students going to college.
Good news to JROTC parents! Right? And now, on the home front, there is support for involvement. Note these responses:
“My grandpa served.” “A cousin went into the military.”
“Great-grandpa was in the Army”
“Most Family members served.”
Students were asked what they learned through the ROTC program. Responses follows:
“I learned manners. My mom has noticed. I’ve learned how to speak.”
“We learn about the executive branch of government and how to care for our uniforms.”
“I’ve learned leadership and organizational skills. And I’ve learned how to treat others.”
“I’ve found my voice.” The next responses answer the question, “What have you learned about yourself?”
“As a woman, I’m accepted.”
“This program becomes a family. Everyone is treated fairly and evenly.”
“Both my parents are dead. I’ve learned that I’d want them to be proud of me.”
The final question the students answered was “Are ROTC lessons challenging and/or easy to learn?”
“Final inspections are scary.”
“Most challenging is to avoid hurting yourself with the rifle.”
“Some things have to be memorized so I start to learn right away.”
“It helps to get to know your teachers.”
School resumes August 8. JROTC students are already practicing. They are also looking forward to welcoming new students into the program. They plan to add more trophies to their massive collection too. Maybe you or someone you know is willing to accept challenges. If so, contact Gunny Hollins at Grants High School or a JROTC cadet. Remember the Marine motto, “The few, the proud, the Marines.”