Cadets Receive AF JROTC Awards at AMVETS Post 2298

BAY COUNTY, FL - Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, Retired, Dillon Johnson, and Air Force Major, Retired, Patrick Bass, are both very proud of all of the AF JROTC cadets, but are especially proud of Vanessa Mayberry and Carson Ramsey, who received awards on January 5th at AMVETS Post 2298, for their entries in the AMVETS National Americanism Essay Contest. These deserving students at Rutherford High School in Panama City, Florida, each received awards from the AMVETS Department of Florida, consisting of a beautifully framed Certificate of Achievement, $100 cash, a wonderful, uplifting card, and copies of their entry, preserved on permanent cardstock. Other items will be awarded later. Auxiliary members of the post graciously contributed by preparing a delicious meal for everyone.

The program opened when Carson Ramsey, serving as chaplain, gave a prayer of gratitude. Then the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. Rick McKern, Executive Director, Department of Florida, presented the awards, followed by comments by Dean Richards, 1st Vice Commander, Department of Florida. Mike Lozon, Commander of AMVETS Post 2298, spoke about how the cadets restored his faith in the younger generation.

Each cadet read their winning essay, “Why Is It Important to Vote?” to the crowd that gathered in their honor, followed by a round of applause. Brad Custer, who is the 2nd Vice Commander in charge of the contest for AMVETS Post 2298, said that the criteria his committee used for judging local winners included Originality, Literary Composition, Creativity, and Adherence to Theme.

The two award winners, two other cadets, Nicholas Thieme and Rebecca Thieme, and Vanessa’s twin sister, Brooke Mayberry, were excited to meet Bay District School Superintendent, Mark McQueen, and hear his encouraging words. “Our service goes all the way back to those original militia men, to when they started creating our nation, to today’s service that you’re doing right now in the Junior ROTC Program at Rutherford. You typify and continue the ideals of America. It’s exceptionalism. It’s hard work. It’s stretching yourself. It’s voting and doing your citizen obligations. I couldn’t be prouder of you and what you’re modeling. I really appreciate Chief Johnson being here and what he’s doing with the Air Force Junior ROTC Program at Rutherford. This is a team that is really modeling what right looks like. I couldn’t be prouder of you. Well done.”