Wasilla JROTC students have strong showing

WASILLA — The Wasilla High Air Force JROTC is a young program up against a barrage of nine local opposing corps-all of which are well established and have dominated the area, for some as much as 47 years. But if recent competitions are any indication, Wasilla is ready to takeover and become the Alpha Corps of the Valley.

The task of making a name for themselves has been met after excelling in their recent competitions and always bring one-hundred percent. Instructor Staff Sergeant Tucker stated, “I would say that [Wasilla] is so close, but they keep making little mistakes. But their hearts are in it like no other.” It may come to pass that Wasilla will be seen as the corps to beat in the Valley.

Wasilla High School’s AFJROTC is a 4-year-old program and has participated in all of the JROTC events held in Alaska. Since the birth of Wasilla’s program, their AFJROTC has performed adequately and watched Dimond High School of Anchorage take honor after honor. It looks like things are changing in Wasilla’s favor now.

WHS earned second at Cadet Challenge with one first place, three second places and one third place out of the five events. The Cadet Challenge is essentially a Presidential Physical Fitness test graded on percentiles based on scores and ages. It consists of a mile run, sit ups, pull ups, shuttle run, and a v-sit (to test flexibility). WHS earned second at Raider Decathlon, placing second overall, with two 3rd places, five 2nd places, and two 1st places.

Wasilla’s Aerospace Science Instructor Senior Master Sergeant Walker said, “We have already gone above and beyond the other corps in the short time since our establishment, especially our work ethic. However, we would be able to make leaps and bounds ahead if we were able to practice with better facilities.”

The Matanuska Susitna Borough School District has recently approved the construction of an obstacle course to be made on school grounds for Wasilla’s AFJROTC program. With this course at their school and their intent to use it as the main attraction for a JROTC specific physical event, it would add yet another opportunity for Wasilla to succeed against other corps.

Bayley Belgarde is a junior and the Operations Squadron Commander of AFJROTC. He enjoys Drill and Color Guard.