Rota NJROTC Change of Command and Awards Ceremony Highlights

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Rota NJROTC held its annual change of command and awards ceremony, celebrating the outstanding achievements and dedication of our cadets. The event was a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, who have excelled in various aspects of the NJROTC program.

Change of Command Ceremony:

The ceremony began with the change of command, a time-honored tradition in all Navy units. The outgoing staff members were relieved of their duties, and the new leadership for the 2025-2026 school year was introduced. The ceremony emphasized the extensive responsibilities of the new staff, including maintaining high standards, morale, and a close professional relationship with the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) and Naval Science Instructor (NSI).

The outgoing staff stepped forward and were relieved, then new staff then stepped forward, affirming their commitment to their new roles with a resounding "Aye-Aye, Senior Chief!" The new Commanding Officer (CO) introduced each cadet by position, with parents assisting in promoting their cadets to their staff ranks.

Award Recipients:

Following the change of command, the awards ceremony commenced, recognizing the exceptional performance and dedication of our cadets:

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award: Cadet B. Westberg was honored for her leadership, military, and academic excellence.
• American Veterans (AMVETS) JROTC Recognition Award: Cadet R. Owins received this award for her diligence, neat personal appearance, and officer potential.
• Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award: Cadet A. Melendez was recognized for her patriotism, service to the nation, and academic excellence.
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) JROTC Medal: Cadet G. Markowski was awarded for her outstanding ability, achievement, and leadership qualities.
• Navy League Award Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal: Cadet A. Bleile was honored for her performance in school, community, and JROTC.
• Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award: Cadet J. Vollmer received this award for her academic excellence, moral character, and leadership potential.
• Noncommissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Medal: Cadet B. McCormick was recognized as the most outstanding noncommissioned officer cadet.
• Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Leadership Medal: Cadet B. Bleile was awarded for his leadership, good citizenship, and military orientation.
• Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Medal: Cadet D. Mercado received this award for his leadership qualities, military bearing, and scholastic excellence.
• American Legion Military Excellence Award: Cadet E. Cruz was honored for her military leadership, dedication, and citizenship.

Promotions and Special Recognitions:

• Promotion to C/PO1: Cadet D. Ortega was promoted for his continuous service and role as the Marksmanship Team Commander.
• NJROTC Letter of Appreciation: Cadet J. Jennings was recognized for his contributions to the NJROTC social media presence.

Marksmanship Achievements:

Several cadets were recognized for their marksmanship skills:

• B. Bleile, D. Ortega, D. Mercado, E. Vollmer, J. Vollmer, P. McWhorter, and R. Owins received medals and certificates for their achievements.

Exceptional Performance Awards:

• D. Mercado: Exceptional performance as Unit Public Affairs Officer (PAO).
• E. Cruz: Exceptional performance as Drill Commander, Operations Officer, and Admin Officer.
• P. McWhorter: Best overall shooter in the Rota NJROTC program.
• B. McCormick: Excellence in becoming "The Strongest Link in 15 Minutes."
• R. Owins: 2024-2025 Cadet of the Year.

The ceremony was a proud moment for the Rota NJROTC community, showcasing the dedication and excellence of our cadets. Congratulations to all the award recipients and honorees!