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Pope Airmen share insights with JROTC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
LILLINGTON, N.C --  The Western Harnett High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps welcomed leaders from the 440th Airlift Wing, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, at a speaking engagement here May 28.

Led by U.S. Army retired Lt. Col. Eric Mankel, the enthusiastic JROTC cadets participated in discussions about teamwork, leadership, and setting real-life goals with Pope's Citizen Warriors.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James Scanlan, 440th AW commander, began the dialogue with students by providing background information about the 440th AW operation and the importance of partnering with others for mission success.

"Everybody is a critical part of the team whether you're that solder on point in the field or a pilot at the controls of an aircraft," said Scanlan. "It takes a whole host of folks to enable you to do your mission."

During the coaching session with cadets, the importance of setting goals for their future success was also emphasized.

"The decisions and actions they make during this time in their lives have a crucial effect on their future as adults," said Master Sgt. Anthony Quichocho, 440th AW in-service recruiter. "Students are destined to succeed by knowing what they need to do in order to achieve their career goals."

Taking advantage of time to discuss educational and occupational goals, the JROTC cadets said they were planning for future careers as pilots, physical therapists, software engineers, nurses, medics, veterinarians, or becoming the first female pararescue specialist. And they had plenty of questions for the reservists about how to prepare for those professions.

Along with continuing education and skill development, the JROTC cadets also learned about a job shadow program with the 440th AW, which provides an opportunity for students to spend a day exploring their interest in a specific career field.

Participation in the JROTC is aimed to help motivate young people to become better citizens. Cadets progress through leadership education courses and may participate in physical fitness activities, marksmanship, drill teams and ceremonies, as well as community service activities.

Students are held to high standards for behavior and appearance, expectations enforced by their upperclassmen peers. One of those student leaders is Zachery Butler, a senior who plans to attend Fayetteville State University, North Carolina, after high school.

"I want to be an Air Force fighter pilot," said Butler who also received an ROTC scholarship to continue his education.

Butler, like so many other cadets at Western Harnett High School, talked with leaders from the 440th AW about the positive impact of the JROTC program and what leadership means to them.

"Leadership is all about being able to help guide other people in the direction that they want to go," said Butler. "It's always about people first."