The GHS NJROTC completed its Annual Military Inspection on Friday, October 23rd at the GHS Ninth Grade Center gymnasium.  141 cadets participated in the annual inspection to showcase their personal pride and collective teamwork developed throughout the year.  The inspection included areas such as Uniform Personnel Inspection, Performing and Marching in the Pass In Review as well as an inspection of all spaces such as the Supply Section, Administration Section, Financials and Armory.

The cadets and their instructors LCDR. Ray Hatfield and MSgt. Jack Reese sacrificed  a lot of time and effort in preparation for the inspection which was conducted by Area-12 Manager Commander Rustie Hibbard.  For several weeks, the cadets worked diligently in perfecting every detail of their inspection which involved two stages.  Stage 1 involved the Key Personnel learning the ceremonial script and included the Battalion Commanding Officer (Michelle Nguyen), Commander of Troops (Ambar Villatoro), Company Commander (Aline Vazquez), Platoon Commanders (Claudia Velazquez, Jack Lam, Fernando DeLa Vega, Tyler Truong), Guide-On bearers, (Phong Giang, Luz Acosta, Luis Osorio, Steven Ong, Talisa Soto), Squad Leaders, and the Armed and Unarmed Exhibition Drill Teams.  During this stage, cadets practiced after school every day for two weeks to perfect conducting the ceremony and to showcase their skills and precision.  Stage 2 involved every cadet in the unit preparing their uniforms and shining their shoes (and brass) to perfection. 

LCDR. Ray Hatfield stated, "These cadets work extremely hard to make this program successful.  This includes personal physical athletics, school and ROTC academics, team sports within the ROTC and for the school as well as all the pressures of their home lives.  These are students who have stood out in all facets within this program, Gainesville City School System, and the community."   

The time and effort spent preparing for the event was well worth it.  Area-12 Manager Commander Hibbard said that it was the best Overall Inspection and Pass In Review Ceremony that he had seen all year and that he doubted if anyone could outshine Gainesville.  Several cadets earned 16 Personal Appearance Awards, and those earning awards were William Turcios, Uyen Huynh, Anahi Sesmas, Yesil Romero, Mirta Jimenez, Atzryi Ramirez, Juan Alfaro, Tavia Lord, Claudia Velazquez, Melissa Ahedo, Elias Alfaro, Sandy Reyes, Tyra Newton, Kristina Le, Steven Ong, and Fernando De La Vega.

MSgt. Jack Reese stated. "I am so proud of each and every one of these young adults and cadets.  The work they have put into this program is second to none and it showed during the Annual Military Inspection.  As always, it feels good to be apart of the Big Red Family." 

There is no doubt that this outstanding group of cadets will utilize their skills and work ethics after graduating high school and entering into the real world.  LCDR. Hatfield stated, "Their accomplishments are highly regarded and will ensure their work ethic and leadership carry into their future such as the military, college, or job market. "  He concluded by stating, "I am deeply honored to be in their presence every day.  They understand what it takes to be successful.  The BIG RED MACHINE will continue progressing, and I am glad to be a part of it."