BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The Keystone Heights Junior-Senior High School JROTC program and band honored veterans at the Park of the Palms assisted living facility during a November 10 ceremony.
The program began with a bugle rendition of “Reveille” by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Reagan Sames, followed by opening remarks from Tanza Conneely, Administrator of the Park of the Palms Assisted Living Facility, and welcoming comments from Richard Hall, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), Senior Army Instructor, and high school Principal Laurie Burke.
Cadet Major Cali Chamberlain, the battalion’s Executive Officer, led the audience in rising for the presentation of the Colors by the Indian Battalion Color Guard: Cadet Captain Austin Phillips, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Nicole Vetrano, Cadet Sergeant Major Otto Sweat, and Cadet Private First-Class Olivia Hale.
The KHHS Band, directed by Justin Coker, played the National Anthem. Chaplain Michelle Lawson, a retired Army Captain, delivered the invocation.
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Bryan, the Battalion Commander, led the entire battalion in the recitation of the Cadet Creed.
Command and staff team
Hall then introduced the command and staff team, who shared their roles and missions.
Bryan, the battalion commander, ensures efficient command and upholds JROTC values.
Chamberlain, the executive officer, assists in management and goal achievement.
Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Gale, the command sergeant major, advises on discipline and traditions.
Sweat, operations sergeant major, supports operations and cadet guidance.
Cadet 1st Lt. Devin Roberts, the personnel officer, handles administrative matters.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicole Vetrano, the security officer, manages security protocols.
Sames, the operations officer, plans training and events.
Cadet 1st Lt. Hope Yarbrough, the logistics officer, oversees supply and logistics.
Photographer Cadet 2nd Lt. Oliver Miller documents the battalion’s activities.
Military skills showcased
Chamberlain introduced the KHHS Indian Marching Band, under the direction of Drum Major Sames, and the Color Guard, led by Captain David Robbinson. She emphasized the importance of military branches in creating a cohesive force, then invited active and retired service members to stand during the Armed Forces Medley for a moment of recognition.
The group then showcased JROTC skills, with Alpha Company, led by Cadet Captain Miranda Dukes, performing basic facing movements to highlight discipline and teamwork. Bravo and Delta Companies, commanded by Cadet Captains Bailey Roberts and Tyler Kerner, executed the 15-count Manual of Arms. Cadet Corporal Harry Lawrence led the same in German, underscoring the importance of continuous learning.
Vetrano sang “America the Beautiful” as a flag-folding detail prepared.
The flag was folded by Sames, Phillips, Cadet Captain Earnest Williams, Dukes, Cadet 1st Sgts. Kristopher Storey, Raven Crumpton, and Morgan Lauria-Hillard, and Cadet PFCs Cali Garza and Olivia Hale.
Lori Hall, a former Army Nurse and MASH unit Wardmaster, narrated the 13 folds’ symbolic meanings.
Company E, led by Williams, formed a historical line with Cadet Noah Lawson as General George Washington and reenactors in period uniforms from the Camp Blanding Museum.
The reenactors passed the flag down the line, symbolizing 250 years of generational defense of freedom.
Hall quoted President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” noting JROTC’s role in fostering service, adding that about one-third of graduates enter military or emergency services.
Hall recited “My Name is Old Glory” to the soft strains of “God Bless the USA,” with volume rising as the flag passed.
The ceremony concluded with Charlie Company, under Cadet 1st Sgt. James Doty, forming a Sabre Arch to honor deceased veterans, and Cadet PFCs Tyler Clark and Brooklyn Nunez walking through the arc and laying a wreath.
