thedrifter
11-07-08, 09:44 AM
Portage cadets step up the pace
November 7, 2008
BY CHARLES M. BARTHOLOMEW Post-Tribune correspondent
PORTAGE -- The first half of November is the busiest time of year for the cadets of the Marines Junior ROTC program at Portage High School.
Veterans Day is not the main reason, nor the startup of their involvement in the U.S. Marine Corps' annual for Tots collections for Christmas, but both add to the demand for a military presence at a hectic schedule of patriot events.
"It's on or about Nov. 10 that formal balls are held worldwide, in embassies and on bases and ships, for active and former Marines and their friends to celebrate what is the 233rd anniversary of the Corps," explained Maj. John Johnston, senior military instructor for the 39-year-old Portage program.
He said balls for the local Calumet and Dunes Leathernecks Marine Corps Leagues bring personnel together in observance of their comradeship, regardless of beliefs or politics.
"Republicans, Democrats, they're all Marines and very patriotic," he said.
Johnston said the Portage Marine Corps Junior ROTC event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Woodland Park will continue a tradition of having a special guest of honor.
"This year we have Willowcreek Principal Michelle Stewart. She was the first female commander of the Portage JROTC in 1979," he said.
He said Portage cadets will also participate in balls for the Dunes Leathernecks League at American Legion Post 94 in Valparaiso on Saturday, Nov. 8, and the Calumet Marine Corps League at the Halls of St. George in Schererville on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Corps was established at the opening of the Revolutionary War as the Continental Marines, a naval infantry force, on Nov. 10, 1775.
The Portage Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets are a familiar sight in the city and beyond in their uniforms and fatigues directing traffic at sporting events and festivals, joining in community and charity events, and strutting their stuff in parades and drill competitions.
Johnston said the Color Guard and Honor Guard began this year's round of holiday appearances at Chesterton Middle School on Thursday with a presentation of the flag and demonstration of precision drill routines.
About 200 students start the Junior ROTC program at Portage High School every fall.
Ellie
November 7, 2008
BY CHARLES M. BARTHOLOMEW Post-Tribune correspondent
PORTAGE -- The first half of November is the busiest time of year for the cadets of the Marines Junior ROTC program at Portage High School.
Veterans Day is not the main reason, nor the startup of their involvement in the U.S. Marine Corps' annual for Tots collections for Christmas, but both add to the demand for a military presence at a hectic schedule of patriot events.
"It's on or about Nov. 10 that formal balls are held worldwide, in embassies and on bases and ships, for active and former Marines and their friends to celebrate what is the 233rd anniversary of the Corps," explained Maj. John Johnston, senior military instructor for the 39-year-old Portage program.
He said balls for the local Calumet and Dunes Leathernecks Marine Corps Leagues bring personnel together in observance of their comradeship, regardless of beliefs or politics.
"Republicans, Democrats, they're all Marines and very patriotic," he said.
Johnston said the Portage Marine Corps Junior ROTC event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Woodland Park will continue a tradition of having a special guest of honor.
"This year we have Willowcreek Principal Michelle Stewart. She was the first female commander of the Portage JROTC in 1979," he said.
He said Portage cadets will also participate in balls for the Dunes Leathernecks League at American Legion Post 94 in Valparaiso on Saturday, Nov. 8, and the Calumet Marine Corps League at the Halls of St. George in Schererville on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Corps was established at the opening of the Revolutionary War as the Continental Marines, a naval infantry force, on Nov. 10, 1775.
The Portage Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets are a familiar sight in the city and beyond in their uniforms and fatigues directing traffic at sporting events and festivals, joining in community and charity events, and strutting their stuff in parades and drill competitions.
Johnston said the Color Guard and Honor Guard began this year's round of holiday appearances at Chesterton Middle School on Thursday with a presentation of the flag and demonstration of precision drill routines.
About 200 students start the Junior ROTC program at Portage High School every fall.
Ellie