March 28, 2013 -- Using their trips here as a training opportunity, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from Heritage, Newton County and Stockbridge high schools in Georgia toured Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, March 19 and 21.
Originally the schools planned to attend the Battle Color Ceremony March 19, but the event was cancelled.
Marines and Civilian-Marines received the Marine and Navy JROTC cadets with military working dog and Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstrations and a Marine Depot Maintenance Center tour.
The students learned what being a Marine is all about by training Marine Corps-style on an obstacle course and combat fitness test. The cadets also experienced Marine Corps cuisine at the base’s dining facility, the Town and Country Restaurant.
Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, spoke to the cadets about leadership qualities during lunch.
“In order to be a leader, you need to have a vision, a leadership philosophy that’s written down and codified so you can use it in your future because without vision people perish,” he said.
Although the teachers and cadets said they were disappointed that the Battle Color Ceremony was cancelled, they kept an open mind and were excited about being here.
“I was very disappointed that the Battle Color Ceremony was cancelled but I am still excited to see what the base has in store for us,” Andrea Kydd, Heritage High School, said.
The teachers and students were eager to experience the obstacle course and combat fitness test as well as what they had been learning about the military in school.
“This was such a great opportunity for the cadets to see and work with Marines and help put their training to action,” Renee Lightsey, Newton County High School teacher, said.
Ah-kia Walker, cadet commander, NJROTC Stockbridge High School, also echoed Lightsey’s comments and enjoyed the experience of touring the base. It has helped her choose what branch of service she wanted to join.
“I plan on going to school on an ROTC scholarship and becoming a Marine Corps officer,” she said.