Cadets from the St. Lucie West Centennial High School Black Talon NJROTC Unit participated in the Do You Give A Ruck? Freedom Festival and Memorial Ruck, a community event held at the Indian River State College Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. The event brought together members of the community to honor those affected by the events of September 11, 2001, while recognizing the service and sacrifices of veterans and first responders.
Black Talon cadets competed in the JROTC Physical Fitness Challenge, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The Black Talon A Team, consisting of C/LCDR Ramirez, C/PO3 Reigh, C/PO3 Baker, and C/PO2 Fasci, earned 3rd place overall in the competition.
The Black Talon B Team, consisting of C/SN Margeson, C/SA Mildor, C/Demesyeux, and C/PO2 Fletcher, also competed and represented the unit throughout the physical fitness challenge.
The competition provided cadets with an opportunity to test themselves physically and mentally while gaining valuable experience that can be applied to future physical fitness events and Raider competitions. More importantly, the event reinforced the importance of teamwork, perseverance, communication, and supporting one another when faced with challenging tasks.
Black Talon Color Guard Presents the Colors
In addition to competing in the physical fitness challenge, Black Talon NJROTC had the honor of providing the Color Guard for the opening of the Freedom Festival and Memorial Ruck.
The Color Guard presented the colors as the community gathered to honor the nation and recognize veterans, first responders, and those whose lives were affected by the events of September 11.
The Color Guard consisted of C/SN Navarro, Right Rifle; C/SA Triana, Ensign; C/SA Polanco, Marine; C/LT Simpson, Navy; and C/SA Ramirez, J., Left Rifle.
The cadets represented St. Lucie West Centennial High School and the Black Talon NJROTC Unit with professionalism, discipline, and respect while helping open the event with a meaningful presentation of the colors.
