Successful First Annual JROTC PT Challenge Hosted By the Allen West Foundation
Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) February 01, 2014 -- The First Annual JROTC PT Challenge, hosted by the Allen West Foundation, was a huge success; team pride was on display and fun was had by all who participated. The event featured leadership and team building activities including a three mile run and PT competition. The First Annual JROTC PT Challenge took place at John Prince Park, 4759 South Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, Florida 33461 on Saturday, January 25th, 2014, and the teams began arriving at 8:00 a.m., some driving 172 miles from the west coast of Florida to participate that morning. The sun was shining and the air was brisk but quickly warmed to the ‘70’s making it an ideal day to hold the competition.
Participants in the event were from Palm Beach County, Lee County and Broward County JROTC programs. Teams consisted of 7 members, both male and female participants, in high school JROTC programs. Lt. Col and former Congressman West participated in the event, taking part in each activity alongside the JROTC student entrants. Lt. Col West displayed an admirable level of fitness, despite being retired after 21 years in the Army and returning to civilian life 10 years ago.
The Allen West Foundation team acknowledges the wonderful volunteers for the day: Linda Johnson (aka “Military Mom), Ed McCarthy, Gary L Baura, CSM US Army SF Ret., and the Photography/ Videography was supplied by Boris Balaban. A great debt of gratitude goes out to MAJ Bobby Allen, members of the PBSO SWAT Team, who came with equipment to show the students and the PBSO BBQ Chef Ken, and Palm Beach County PBA who donated the food.
In the tenth grade Allen West joined the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Congressman West received his Bachelor's degree while on an ROTC scholarship at the University of Tennessee and later went on to get a Master's degree from Kansas State University, both in political science, and entered the United States Army in 1983 when he graduated from the University of Tennessee. Congressman West was the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year in 1993 and he accredits the JROTC with forming the basis for his life of service and commitment to the nation. He firmly believes that education is the great equalizer and that with a good education any child in America can live his or her dream. To that end the Allen West Foundation was formed as Congressman West’s legacy; to educate, engage and inspire the next generation of conservative leaders.
Awards that were presented for the First Annual JROTC Challenge were: 1st Place to the team from Mariner High School, Cape Coral, FL, Army JROTC Triton Brigade, led by Master Sergeant William Miller, included the following students; Kya Sedachuk, Keller Smith, Tucker Bigletti, James Angiulo, Ivana Castaldi, Valerie Munoz, Marc Sendra, and Keller Nocera-Smith.
2nd place went to Boca Raton Community High School Navy JROTC Bobcat Regiment Team. The instructor for the Bobcats, LCDR Ken Bingham, said; “The cadets thought this event was awesome- we did not win this year but we will not be beat at next year’s event. That is not happening - we will have 5 teams there next year! Col West’s heart is with the kids and that is very important, and the kids see that. I will be happy to get the word out to other units- this event was great and we can’t wait until the next one.”
Boca Raton Team 1 participating students included Jake Woods, Spencer Lee, Matthew Core, Nathan Core, Jennifer Maji, Marissa Francis, and Miranda O’Belmin. Boca Raton Team 2 participants included Anthony Lewis, Ross Woods, Marcus Fuller, Gabriel Reis, Samantha Muzal, Madeleine Martin, and Angie Rincon. Boca Raton Team 3 participants included Brian Brown, Miller Caldwell, Madison Weidman, Jaymarie Colon-Perez, Kasper Paley, Amanda McCarthy and Brandon Augistin.
Michael W. Griffin, MSgt, USAF (Ret.), one of the AF JROTC Instructors at Coral Springs High School said, “We couldn't be more excited about the JROTC PT Challenge event and we are already looking forward to the next one. We thank Lt. Col. West and the Allen West Foundation for having an event like this for the students in the JROTC program here and for inviting us to participate.” Major Rahmaan, Instructor; Coral Springs High School Raiders Unit FL-9310 / Air Force JROTC; attended the event along with his team, and the students in Unit FL-9310 AF JROTC who competed included: Coalan Romeo (Team Captain), Tyler Brunton, Cody Dube, Christian Felix, Alyssia Griffin and Daisy Arroyo.
All participants in the event will receive a framable Certificate of Participation signed by Lt. Col Allen West. Lt. Col West said, “These kids are the future and this event, and reaffirms the fact that these young people are dedicated motivated young individuals. They are the next generation of true patriots.”
About The Allen West Foundation: The Allen West Foundation was established in January, 2013, to educate, engage and inspire the next generation of conservative veteran, minority and female leaders. In addition to directly supporting organizations such as Young Marines, Junior ROTC and Navy Sea Cadets, the Foundation conducts various forums, educational events and leadership training seminars across the country.
For more information contact:
Audrey Dalton
audrey(at)allenwestfoundation(dot)org
PH: 561-997-6776; ext. 302
Fundraising Coordinator
The Allen West Foundation
6400 Congress Avenue, Suite 2050
Boca Raton, FL 33487
http://www.allenwestfoundation.org/
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Audrey Dalton, Allen West Foundation Inc., http://www.allenwestfoundation.org/, +1 (561) 997-6776 Ext: 302, [email protected]
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