From the Chairman
Loretta Young JROTC/JSSP Chair
I would like to thank Cmdr. Jessica Moore for the opportunity to once again serve as the Department ROTC/JSSP Chairman for 2025–2026. After a busy end to the semester with Year-End Awards and JCLC Summer Leadership Camps, it is now time to prepare for the next semester starting in August.
Over the past several months, I have worked with the JROTC Color Guard Teams on registration and fundraising for the upcoming Legion National Convention in Tampa, which will be held on August 22 at the Convention Center, East Hall, Third Floor, at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST. Details for the competition were sent to all Departments earlier this year. At the time of this writing, National has advised that 10 teams from Florida, 1 team from Mississippi, and 1 team from Tennessee are registered. Registration closes on July 25, so these numbers may increase as a few teams are still hopeful to meet the deadline.
When schools return to session in mid-August, it will be an ideal time for posts to have their chairmen contact the schools to ensure they are supported in their programs, which move quickly throughout the year. With JROTC programs placing an increasing emphasis on STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—alongside drill and ceremony, the year passes quickly. Email contact with the Senior Instructor is the most effective way to reach out to the JROTC program. Making time to visit the classroom or attend an event is also an excellent way to introduce yourself and show support. Many schools are not familiar with the posts in their area, so reaching out is the best way to establish a connection.
The JSSP National Marksmanship Competition will be held at Hillsdale College in Michigan from July 24–26. Winners will be named in each category: sporter and precision. The winner in each category will receive a $5,000 scholarship, and the runner-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship. There are 15 shooters in each category, and Florida is proud to have one competitor in the Sporter Category: Cadet Zoe Enslin from the Mariner AJROTC Team in Cape Coral. I would like to congratulate Cadet Enslin on this outstanding achievement and thank Post 90, Cape Coral, for their continued support of this program over the years.
The JSSP Postal registration will open online again on September 1, with information available on the National website. Flyers are posted on the Legion Department of Florida website, and packets will be sent to post chairmen in early September. There are two Postal Matches prior to the qualifications for the National Competition. A JSSP Conference is also held in conjunction with the Americanism Conference, with details available on the Legion National website. This conference is open to all Legionnaires and will be held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Center Hotel. The registration deadline is September 5.
I want to thank all of you for the work you do to support our Youth Programs, which are truly an investment in our future. I wish you all a very successful upcoming season.
Loretta Young
ROTC/JSSP Chair
jrotc@legionmail.org