MCJROTC Supports Community during the Summer

Summer is traditionally the time for students to take a break from their studies and relax with activities like beaching and picnicking. The cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) know that the needs of the community do not stop after the last day of school. 

This summer, they provided Color Guards for numerous patriotic events. Among those events were the Michigan City Patriotic Parade, an Independence Day ceremony, the National Businesswomen’s Conference, and the Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) Kick-Off Meeting. The community service events included cleaning cemeteries, helping at the Michigan City Food Pantry, assisting new students at the MCHS Freshmen Orientation, and supporting the MCAS Back To School Rally.

“Our cadets realize that honoring our country is not just on Federal Holidays, but should be done throughout the year and in a variety of venues,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. 

Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, highlighted the selflessness of their cadets offering their time and talents. 

“The needs of our community do not take a summer break, be it helping the less fortunate or helping to keep our public areas looking presentable.”

The cadets will have to “hit the deck running” when school starts, as they have their first Raiders meet on September 5 at Fort Wayne Concordia. Raiders is a physical fitness competition requiring teamwork of the cadets to accomplish physically demanding tasks. It is based on military special operations skills. Another early highlight for the year will be MCHS’s ceremony before the football game on September 11 to remember the attack on our country 25 years ago. The JROTC military drill, shooting, and Cyber Patriot teams will also be starting their practices for the upcoming season.  

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