The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

Bailey Marken, Stone Bennett, Kaleb Martin,
Daemon Klingensmith, Danny Urtz, Anthony Vickodil

Today, the library was swarming with ROTC cadets. ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. Our CV students, pictured left, travel to Ambridge High School where they learn, study and train to become Marines.  

Did you notice the differences in the patterns of their fatigues?  Blotch camo is worn by first year cadets.  And if you look closely, you can see the "Lamp of Learning" cheverons pinned to Anthony's collar.  They are shaped like an Aladin's lamp with the spout facing inward so that the "knowledge pours into you".

The digital print is worn by second year cadets.  It also represents a position of leadership.  For Kaleb Martin, his digital fatigues represent both.  He's a second year cadet, Platoon Commander, and Company XO.  Next year, Kaleb will serve as Commanding Officer.  He is the first ever Commanding Officer chosen from a school district other than Ambridge, and he earned the position in just two years.

 

When asked why they decided to join the ROTC program, Anthony and Stone both agreed, they wanted to "get a taste of it" before actual boot camp.  Bailey learned about the program through Camp Cadet, Daemon thought it "looked interesting", Danny joined because he wants to be a Navy pilot, and Kaleb... well, he has wanted to be a Marine since the fifth grade.

The U.S.Marine Corps is steeped in tradition and the cadets have much to learn.  Through that learning though, a sense of pride emerges.  Kaleb said, "What I like most is the camaraderie and the brotherhood that you are accepted into, the common views and discipline, and the responsibility I am given."  Kaleb also enjoys the civic service events they do to "give back", especially with the Veterans. The hardest part, he said, "Is dealing with the 'Knuckleheads' and remembering all of the knowledge."

So the next time you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, please, stand up tall, say the words with pride, and then take a moment to give thanks for the brave men and women who serve our Country.

If you'd like to learn more about the Marines check out the book, Flags Of Our Fathers, in the library.