From the Chairman

Cadet of the Year – Leah VanArsdale

Building Stronger Connections With JROTC Programs

I would like to thank Commander Bob Matheson for the opportunity to once again serve as the Department ROTC/JSSP Chair for 2026-2027. 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 beginning in August.

Over the past several months, I have worked with several JROTC Color Guard teams on fundraising for the upcoming American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, where the National JROTC Color Guard Competition will be held on Aug. 28. Details about the competition were sent earlier this year to all teams that participated last year in Tampa. At the time of this writing, National has advised that five teams from Florida are registered. I will be attending the National Convention this year and look forward to watching these outstanding young people compete at the National JROTC Color Guard Competition.

When schools return to session in mid-August, it is an ideal time for Posts to have their ROTC/JSSP Chair contact local schools to ensure they are supporting these outstanding programs, which move quickly throughout the school year. With JROTC programs placing an increasing emphasis on STEM, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, alongside drill and ceremony, the year passes quickly.

Email is the most effective way to contact the Senior Instructor. Taking time to visit the classroom or attend an event is also an excellent way to introduce yourself and demonstrate your support. Many schools are not familiar with the Posts in their area, so reaching out is the best way to establish a connection.

I would like to see greater participation from our Posts this year. If anyone has questions regarding either the JROTC or JSSP programs, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

I wish you all much success in the coming year.

Loretta Young
ROTC/JSSP Chair
jrotc@legionmail.org