MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Massey, Blackwell, Fillingane, Norwood, Parker, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MEMBERS AND INSTRUCTORS OF THE LAKE CORMORANT HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JUNIOR ROTC (JROTC) FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI ALL SERVICES JROTC STATE DRILL CHAMPIONSHIP AT KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE.
WHEREAS, members of the Lake Cormorant High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC (JROTC) have put other units around Mississippi on notice. These cadets are among the elite groups in the state and others will have to gauge their level of skill and ability against what they have accomplished; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Cormorant Unit with Lieutenant Colonel Gregg Johnston and Sergeant Major Tom Herman as Instructors, has returned from the Mississippi All-Services JROTC Drill Championship held at Keesler Air Force Base near Biloxi, Mississippi, with a State Title. The unit won the State Championship in Armed Exhibition and finished Fifth Overall out of 87 units across the State of Mississippi, representing all branches of the Armed Services. A total of 18 units took part in the state event and Lake Cormorant had qualified after finishing second in a regional qualifying event; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Herman said the State Championship is quite an accomplishment for a JROTC Unit that is relatively new. "We were only one of two Marine schools that were there out of 17 other schools," Herman said. "To be able to walk away with a State Championship in Armed Exhibition in only our second full year in existence is unheard of in the ROTC world." Armed Exhibition involves marching in close quarters and then displaying skill in precision handling of a rifle, including tossing and twirling their weapons back and forth between cadets. The unit must also display a cohesive skill set in their performance, Armed Exhibition allows some creativity in movement but there are specific items the judges observe; and
WHEREAS, success comes after a lengthy bit of time getting the drill down correctly, according to Unit Commander Cadet Captain Zoe Cox. Cadet Sergeant Cody Lopez, a sophomore, said it was a great feeling of accomplishment when it was learned the Lake Cormorant Unit had claimed the Championship. Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Ian Schnatterly, a junior, added the lessons learned will continue to be used in the future. Both Lopez and Schnatterly said they are looking at continuing involvement in the military after high school graduation, either through a service academy or an ROTC unit on a college campus; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the members and instructors of this elite unit who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the members and instructors of the Lake Cormorant High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC (JROTC), and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the JROTC and their instructors and parents on this high honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Lake Cormorant JROTC Drill Team and Instructors and Lake Cormorant Principal, Mrs. Rhonda Guice, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.