On November 11th Veterans Day, Long Island City HS JROTC was honored to march in the Veterans Day Parade. We all met at the school at 7:30am and were on our way by 8:00am. When we got there, there were a number of different schools and many veterans. At 12:00pm we were all set to march. We started marched to march on 5th avenue and 25th street.  The parade coordinator gave us the honor in letting us march with a garrison flag. About 40 cadets were holding the flag the whole mile, the cadets had to fight strong winds, but still the flag never touched the floor. The cadets were motivated by singing motto’s and cadences. We were led by the company commanders, battalion commander, staff, and the color guard. The parade ended at 1:30 on 5th avenue 56th street. By 2:00 we were back at the school feeling more proud than ever. When we arrived at the school we took a battalion photo. It was an honor to march for the people who fought for our freedom and we are grateful for everything they have done for this country. Our cadets were very proud of marching in this parade and they hope to be part of it for.

-By C/2Lt Checo

HOOAH! The sound of motivated cadets rang through the streets of Astoria on October 10th.The Columbus Day parade is one of the parades annually done at JROTC in our Bulldog Battalion. Cadets marched from Kaufman Astoria Studios on 34ave and 36 Street to Columbus Circle at 31street and Astoria Boulevard.

Beside our Battalion Commander, C/LTC Sanabria an army veteran marched along. There were many cadences called throughout the march to motivate the corps. At the parade there were other types of military units present. There were the Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard. Though Long Island City High School was the only Army battalion, the cadets were strong and roared through the streets.

This event may seem extremely tiring, but when the cadets are willing to devote themselves they make an impact! In the crowds there were many former cadets and staff from LICHS that cheered for the unit.

By: C/SFC Shamsundar

On September 10th, 2009 selected cadets from the battalion were chosen from the battalion to participate in the laying of the wreath and to show their respects to the fallen soldiers with the loved ones and the NYPD at McManus Park in Ditmars.

The Cadets met in the JROTC room at the end of 10th period and started to set up the colors and the rifles and started to depart for the bus at 43o pm.  Everyone arrived at the park at 5 and started to practice for the ceremony.

The ceremony started at 7 at which other cadets had came to show their respect for the fallen ones that have died in September 11th.  At the ceremony the color guard led by SGM Chettry and accompanied by the XO and the Battalion commander presented the wreath to the family members of the ones that were lost, and stood at attention till the ceremony was over.

At the end of the ceremony the cadets were invited to have food that was provided by the family members and officers. Once the entire ceremony was done the cadets preceded to the bus with pride knowing they accomplished their mission and made their way home. “In my opinion it was an honor doing color guard with the NYPD Honor Guard and to escort a US Navy veteran to her memorial made the night even more special” says 2lt Lucero.

By C/CPT Koufalis

This past summer 6 of our own drill team members accompanied by 1SG Oslizly drove down to Mills burg Kentucky for a week at Nationals Drill Camp. This event, hosted by Sports Network International, was exceptionally special this year thanks to the visitation of globally recognized drill master and founder of Kings Guard Drill Team, Paul Naki.

Our cadets drilled from dawn to dusk and attended daily seminars in order to gain a deeper understanding of traditional as well as “outside of the box” drill. Experienced instructors and graduated students from schools who have won the national title accompanied the SNI staff in teaching as many as 200+ eager drillers. They learned the ins and outs of inspection and the act of perfecting a color guard.

By: C/2LT Kandefer

On summer o9 a group of cadets of our Bulldog Battalion traveled to Camp Patriot located at Massachusetts, escorted by 1^st Sgt Oslizly. There, our cadets experienced activities such as repealing, land navigation (finding your way out from the woods), obstacle courses, etc. Many other schools participate in Camp Patriot; therefore cadets are divided into different companies in which they get to know new people and challenge their leadership and teamwork skills.

Cadet Major Abraham Raflores was in 1^st Sgt Oslizly’s Company and he says “Summer camp was a cool and unforgettable experience for me. Even though it was my last year to attend I was lucky enough to spend it with my new friends and 1SG“. Cadets had a schedule for everyday spend at the camp, sometimes they even had to guard at night their companies. From the moment every cadet woke up till nighttime they had something to do. Some challenges even proved the cadets confidence within themselves. According to our cadets Summer Camp was a fun experience that they won’t forget and would repeat anytime.

By C/SFC Caceres