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Ray JROTC, the final unit
After 43 years, Ray High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program was retired with an emotional Casing of Colors held at the annual banquet last week at the Kearny Elks Lodge.
The program opened with the Cadet call to attention and the Pledge of Allegiance, MSgt Willie Jordan, RHS Commander, welcomed everyone and thanked all the guest presenters who have been coming and supporting the program for many years. This year there were also several guest presenters who participated in the program when in high school.
Special guest for the eventing was Bob Chastain, Marine Raider’s Veteran and former Ray District Superintendent, who helped to bring the ROTC program to the district back in 1973.
Two special guests were also recognized, Sgt. Victoria Lipovitz-Rivas, a WWII and Korean Veteran and Bob Chastain, Marine Raider’s Veteran and former Ray District Superintendent, who helped to bring the ROTC program to the district back in 1973 and also supplied the program with memories for generations that are lasting.
MSgt Jordan then outlined the activities the unit participated this year that included memorial services, parades, color guard events, leadership camps, incentive trips and various community service events including Toys for Tots, canned food drive, Kearny Clean-up and more.
Narrator April Jordan then introduced the following awards and presenters:
American Veterans Award was presented by Taylor Harmon to Cadets Charley Romero, Erika Godoy and Mary Cantrell.
Women Marines Association awards were presented by Kim Skelton to Cadets Emaleyna Alvarado and Alycia (Ballajio) Estrada.
MOAA awards were presented by Tom Ralph to Joseph Marquez the MOAA medal; the American Flag Award to Cody Gotto; and the award of Achievement to Charly Romero.
Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented by Linda R. Enz to Emaleyna Alvarado and the Desert Mustang of Arizona award (voted on by recipient’s peers) was presented to Francisco R. Martinez-Lopez by John O’Hara.
The American Legion Bronze Medal for Military Excellence went to Francisco R. Martinez-Lopez and the Bronze Medal for Scholastic Excellence was given to Joseph Marquez. Both awards were presented by Sam Ford, American Legion President.
Frank Giroux presents the Military Order of the Purple Heart to Charly Romero.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart award was presented by Frank Giroux to Charly Romero followed by certificates of appreciation given to all the cadets who took part in the Toys for Tots drive by Josie Kakar-Delsi.
The MOWW Award of Merit was presented to four cadets by Christian Rios and went to Tara Lorona, Theodore Alvarado, Edward Baca and Joseph Marquez.
The Reserve Officers Association Award was presented to Noah Stuart by MSGT Jordan and the Fleet Reserve Association award was presented to Dyllin Sanders-Lopez by Michelle Johnson.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars JROTC Bronze awards were presented by Chris Misita Jr. to Edward Baca and Ella Miller.
More awards included recognition of the Ray High School Shooting Team, Jason Esry, Francisco R. Martinez-Lopefz, Dyllin Sanders-Lopez, Charly Romero and Noah Stuart. David Olson was the presenter.
Best Drill Cadet Charly Romero and Most Improved Cadet Tara Lorona. Both of these awards were voted on by the recipients’ peers and were presented by Ashley Boatman.
Next on the program was the presentation of plaques in recognition of completion and participation in athletics, rifle drill team, color guard, civic service and orienteering.
Receiving Level One plaques were Anahi Aragon, Theodore A. Alvarado, Erika F. Godoy, Edward J. Baca, Ella L. Miller, Mary E, Cantrell and Tara R. Lorona.
Level Two recipients included Emaleyna Alvarado, Alycia (Ballajio) Estrada, Joseph Marquez, Francisco Martinez-Lopez and Dyllin Sanders-Lopez and receiving Level Three plaques were Charly Romero and Jason Esry.
The Senior Cadets
The Senior Cadets were then introduced and included Alicen Baca, Cody Gotto, Noah Stuart and Taylor Ashby.
Also introduced and recognized were the Booster Club officers, Angela Gotto, president, Ginger Phillips, vice president and April Jordan, secretary/treasurer and members Frances Sims, Kirina Granillo and Michael Hing.
MSgt. Jordan then thanked all the Booster Club members, parents, guardians and volunteers who volunteered their time and services to make the program a successful one from 1973 to 2016. “The community and the JROTC is bonded with lots of memories to be shared throughout our lifetimes, “ he added.
In closing, the Casing of Colors Ceremony was held. “This is one of the hardest things to do for a Unit or Program,” MSgt. Jordan said. “This is where we case up the unit’s colors for good. Semper Fi.”
It was a very emotional evening for cadets and leaders as the unit prepares for complete shutdown.
Vicki started her career in the journalism field while attending Ray High School in Kearny with an excellent teacher who took her by the hand and guided her. She worked on the school newspaper and as a senior was a co-editor. Her dream was to go on to college to study journalism and eventually to travel the world reporting the news. This dream was interrupted by life circumstances. She stayed in Kearny and went to work for the Copper Basin News in 1964 as a typesetter. Her editor was Ira Q. Toler and he also was a good teacher. After marrying and having children, her desires to again work in the newspaper field surfaced. She responded to an ad for a position in advertising for the Copper Basin News which included selling, lay-out and design. She was hired on the spot. The business has greatly changed with technology and the introduction of desktop publishing. She was fortunate enough to be a part of it. She has now worked for Copper Area News Publishers on and off for over 30 years, starting when John Seater was the publisher. She has held many positions over the years, but is most proud to be named a reporter. She loves to write and is so grateful for being given that chance.
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