1) What image as the battalion commander are you willing to give to this core?

-I want to show the core that we can change from a baby up battalion to actual cadets running it. I want them to have a brand new experience with this battalion. It’s a new change for everyone and I want to make it right and firm.

2) How did you earn this rank?

-I’ve been in the program for 4 years and in the past I have watched past battalion commanders do their job. Participated in as much events as I have and helped out as much as I could to make the battalion better. I’ve always placed the core first rather than me and worked my way up the rank structure.

3) What interest you the most about JROTC and its Activities? Why?

-At first I thought the uniform was cool but as I progressed in the battalion I’ve grown interest in drill. I loved to see the team march in a block and stay in step, and I loved being yelled at during inspection. But the way they preformed was something that caught my eye and made me join.

4) As the highest rank in the Battalion what do you expect your fellow cadets to do for the core?

-I expect from them to perform in a professional manner and when something needs to be done it will be done. I want the job to be done as soon as possible and done right. Also instead of cadets running straight to the instructors I would like for them to ask the chain of command. So our duties as a team member all the way to the battalion commander we all do our job.

– By C/1Lt Caceres

1) How do you feel about being the new XO?

-I feel really great about my new position; I feel like I can make an actual difference in staff work or even in the battalion. I’m trying to shape it in so it can become a good one.

2) What interest you the most about this job? Why?

-The part that I can interact with so many people and have the younger ones look up to me, I basically like it because it teaches me responsibility.

3) What kind of connection do you have between JROTC and your life?
-The connection between JROTC and my life is pretty neutral, everything is balanced and I can get work done in my life as well uphold my duties as an XO.

4) How did you earn this rank position?

-I earned my position because there was an available spot and because I know my 1st SGT and MAJ believed in me that I can do the job proficiently and adequately and that is why I got the job.

5) What message would you like to give your fellow cadets in & outside the core?

-Follow your instincts it’ll take you places and never stop caring for something until you know it’s done if it can be fixed it can be saved.

-By C/1Lt Caceres

1) What made you decide to become a JROTC Army Instructor?

-I was a JROTC Cadet back in High School and owe much of whatever success I have enjoyed in my life to my Army Instructor although he was not able to get through to me 100% of the time. He stepped in after my father died and had it not been for his efforts I would have made even bigger mistakes. When I was presented the opportunity to become an instructor it just felt right that I try and be like that for some Cadet going through some hard times like I did.

2) What was your proudest moment in your life?

-I have had many proud moments the proudest has yet to come.

3) Describe some of the challenges and responsibilities of being an L.I.C. A.I.

-Our Battalion is a very complicated organization, with the schedule the way it is and the complexity of trying to form a spirit of unity when many Cadets only see their class and don’t realize how many Cadets there are in the program and how active we are in our school and community.

4) What makes an outstanding JROTC Cadet?

-Desire, dedication and the willingness to be a part of a team. Selfless service when the battalion is more important than the individual.

5) How do you plan to improve the JROTC program in the coming years?

-We already have taken great steps in improving the Battalion. Most of the improvements have been initiated by the Cadets. That is what it is all about…pride and ownership of the Corps by the Cadets.

By C/SFC Sorrenti, Paula

1) What was it that made you decide to transfer to LIC’s JROTC program?

-I was working at NY Military Academy when i received a call from 1sgt Oslizly.  He noted that the LIC HS JROTC had an opening for a Senior Army Instructor. I told him I was interested and I had an interview with Principal Bassell. After I visited the school I was impressed with our cadets and the LIC – Astoria Neighborhood, at this part I was hooked and since I reside in Brooklyn i took the job.

2) Are you happy about the transition?

-YES it is great to return to city life rather than the suburban life in upstate NY

3) What is your family life like?

-I live in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with my wonderful wife Lory. Bay ridge is a great place to live. On the weekends we visit the Hudson valley, NY to see relatives & interesting sites.  I have a house there where I read write shoot pool and of course mow the lawn. On extended vacations; my wife and i fly off to St. Louis or Italy to visit family and friends.

4) How long did you serve in the military?

-I have served 22 years in the U.S army mostly as a combat engineer.
In my younger years I was a paratrooper with the 82nd airborne division, Fort Bragg, NC.  My other assignments include recruiting duty in NYC and ROTC at Seton Hall University NJ

5) What are your expectations for the future of the program?

-My expectations are to teach the curriculum (citizenship) and build teams.

By C/SFC Sorrenti, Paula