The cadets of CA-782nd Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) gathered in the multipurpose room at Rio Norte Junior High School on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, to celebrate the beginning of the year with its annual “Dining In” event. Dining In is a military tradition where corps members come together for a formal dinner and other events to foster camaraderie.

The night began promptly at 5:00 pm with the presentation of the Colors and the singing of the National Anthem by Cadet Tech. Sgt. Juliana R. Hogan. The attendees then were led in a formal toast by Cadet Lt. Col. Wilson S. Haight, the invocation was given by Cadet Airman Noah James, and the dedication of the night was presented by Cadet Tech. Sgt. Ranan Kim. Dinner from Valencia’s Stonefire Grill was served, and DJ services were provided by KGB Mobile DJ Services of Santa Clarita.

Other traditions enjoyed included the Grog Bowl, a two-man rifle team performance by Cadet Capt. Connor Whalen and Cadet Master Sgt. Eric Weitzel, and junior skits to “roast” the seniors. The highlight of the night was the changing of command in which Haight passed on the position of Cadet Group Commander to Cadet Maj. Vincent C. Kim. Both are seniors at Valencia High School who have been in JROTC since freshman year.

About being the Cadet Group Commander, Haight said, “Managing people and being able to give others the opportunity to grow is something that not a lot of people have the chance to do. I am very grateful to have been able to do so through JROTC.”

The Officer in Charge of the event was Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Keegan Schaumloeffel, who started preparations for the event a month and a half prior. “Being the Officer in Charge of such a big event is challenging because there are so many moving parts to manage,” said Schaumloeffel. “I learned the importance of delegating tasks and having a strong team behind you.” Schaumloeffel is a junior at Valencia High School.

AFJROTC is a four-year academic program to develop scholars, leaders, and citizens with positive values, character, and conduct. The curriculum includes Aerospace Science, Leadership Education, and Wellness (physical fitness). All students from Valencia, Castaic, Saugus, West Ranch, and Academy of the Canyons High Schools who are in 9-12th grade are eligible to enroll in the course. Valencia High School is the host school, and students from other schools are bused to Valencia three days per week in the afternoon.
CA-782nd AFJROTC is open for new cadets to join in the spring semester (January 2020).

For more information about joining AFJROTC, contact Colonel (Ret.) Christopher Bricker at ​cbricker@hartdistrict.org.