Thomas Walker Army JROTC

Pioneer Times
 
 
 
 

Thomas Walker Army JROTC

Pioneer Times This Quarter: Chain of Command Promotions, Competitions, York Memorial and 1st Semester Schedule.

In a ceremony held at Thomas Walker High School on September 14th 1999, Brandy Bailey was promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and assigned as the Pioneer Battalion Commander. Rounding out this years Command Group are Battalion Executive Officer Cadet Major Jeanette Enix and the Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Cadet CSM Scotty Barnes. C/Major Enix will also serve as the Battalion Public Affairs Officer (S-5).

Assuming command of Headquarters Company is Cadet Major Sherry Parks-Hatfield. The A Company Commander is Cadet Captain Joe Glass and the B Company Commander is Cadet Captain Jenn Baumgardner.

Staff promotions include Cadet Captain Adam Haley as the Battalion Operations Officer (S3), Cadet First Lieutenant Alan Spurlock as the Battalion Security Officer (S2) and First Lieutenant Joe Eldridge as the Supply and Logistics Officer (S4).

Also promoted to First Lieutenant and assigned as Company Executive Officers are C/1LT Jeremiah Clifton, HHC; C/1LT James Campbell, A Company and C/1LT Rickie Fultz, B Company.

Company First Sergeants are C/1SG Jason Doyle, HHC; C/1SG Mary Combs, A Company and C/1SG Brandy Spurlock, B Company.

Platoon leaders are Cadet Second Lieutenant's Virginia Baker, Ronnie Carroll, Brad Cope, Jon Smallwood and Todd Warf.

Platoon Sergeants are Cadet Sergeant First Classes Kat Baumgardner, Brandon Cavins and Jena Garrett.

Promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant and assigned as Squad Leader's are
 
 

Brent Collins, Frank Dixon, Doug Eldridge, David Ferazza, Travis Hensley, Donnie Warf, Lillie Wilson and Adam Yeary. Also promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant and assigned positions within the Battalion Staff are Avery Brooks, Amanda Brown, Silas Fee, Amy Hensley, Jamie Scott and Anna Wooton. Congratulations and Good Luck to the 1999-2000 Chain of Command!

Pioneer cadets began a busy year for competitions with a Pine Mountain League competition hosted by Campbell County High School in Jacksboro, Tennessee on Saturday, September 18, 1999. Cadets competed in four events including Rifle Marksmanship, Academics, One-Rope Bridge and Cross-Country Rescue.

The Academic Team led by team captain C/LTC Brandy Bailey finished 1st for the third straight year. A very young Rifle Team with only one returning member from last year finished 2nd, led by team captain C/CPT Adam Haley. Although the One-Rope Bridge and Cross-Country Rescue did not place in the competition, each team performed well. The One-Rope Bridge team is led by team captain C/Maj Jeanette Enix and the Cross Country Rescue was led by team captain C/CPT Joe Glass. Members of the first Pine Mountain Team are,

Academics: C/LTC Brandy Bailey, C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/1SG Mary Combs, C/1SG Brandy Spurlock and Cadet Cassandra Morris.

Rifle Team: C/CPT Adam Haley, C/MSG Jack McKeen, C/SSG Avery Brooks, C/ Sam Flannery and C/ Brandi Tripplett.

One-Rope Bridge: C/Maj Jeanette Enix, C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/CPT Jenn Baumgardner, C/1LT Alan Spurlock, C/1LT Joey Eldridge, C/2LT Ronnie Carroll, C/Dustin Surber,Cadet Scotty Lawson and C/1LT Jeremiah Clifton.

Cross-Country Rescue: C/CPT Joe Glass, 1LT Alan Spurlock, C/SFC Kat Baumgardner, C/SSG Amy Hensley, C/ Amos Janeway, C/Ben Hoskins and C/ Samantha Williams.
 
 

After a six year drought, the Pioneer Battalion JROTC Basketball Team led by C/SSG Amy Hensley broke in to the "win" column by defeating the Navy JROTC Cadets of Lee High 49-18 on September 23, 1999 in a game played at Lee High. The Pioneers led from the beginning and dominated the game throughout.

Members of the team are C/SSG Amy Hensley - Coach, C/CSM Scotty Barnes - Assistant Coach, C/MAJ Jeanette Enix, C/CPT Joe Glass, C/CPT Adam Haley, C/1LT Alan Spurlock, C/1LT Joey Eldridge, C/2LT Ronnie Carroll, C/1SG Jason Doyle, C/MSG Jeff Matlock, C/SSG Amanda Brown, C/SSG David Ferrazza, C/Dustin Surber, C/Ben Hoskins and C/Robert Campbell. Congratulations on a job well done!!
 
 

The Thomas Walker High School JROTC Rifle Team hosted the Second Annual Pioneer Battalion Head-to-Head Rifle Match on Thursday, October 14th 1999. Participating in addition to the Pioneer Rifle Team was Campbell County High School from Jacksboro, Tennessee. Both teams fired exceptionally well and the Pioneers scored their "highest" ever team score.

In individual awards, the 3rd Place Bronze Medal was won by C/LTC Brandi Bailey from Thomas Walker High School with a score of 217. The 2nd Place Silver Medal was won by C/CPT Adam Haley from Thomas Walker High School with a score of 219, and the 1st Place Gold Medal was won by C/LTC Katherine Collingsworth from Campbell County High School with a score of 225.

In Team Action, the Shooting Match 1st Place Trophy was won by Thomas Walker High School 834 - 797 with Campbell County High School finishing second. Congratulations to all firers and thanks for supporting this meet.
 
 

On Saturday, October 16, 1999 cadets from Thomas Walker participated in their first Daniel Boone League competition hosted by Rockcastle County High School in Mt. Vernon, KY. Pioneer Cadets competed in Rifle Marksmanship, Academics, One-Rope Bridge, a Two-Team Compass Course and an Army Physical Fitness Test.

Our Teams finished 1st in Rifle Marksmanship and 2nd in Academics. Cadets competing were

Rifle Team: C/CPT Adam Haley, C/LTC Brandy Bailey, C/SSG Avery Brooks, C/ Brandi Tripplett.

Academics: C/LTC Brandy Bailey, C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/1SG Mary Combs, C/1SG Brandy Spurlock and C/SSG Donnie Warf.

One-Rope Bridge: C/Maj Jeanette Enix, C/2LT Ronnie Carroll, C/1LT Alan Spurlock, C/CPT Joe Glass, C/1LT Jeremiah Clifton, C/SSG Donnie Warf, C/1SG Mary Combs, and C/Scottie Lawson.

Army Physical Fitness Test: C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/CPT Adam Haley, C/2LT Ronnie Carroll, C/Cassandra Morris, C/ Robbie Campbell

Compass Teams: C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/CPT Jenn Baumgardner, C/Heather Gibson and C/Samantha Williams.
 
 

Beginning in October and going at least through Veteran's Day, members of the Pioneer Battalion in conjunction with the Middlesboro Wal-Mart will be raising money for the "long overdue" National World War II Memorial to be built in Washington D.C.

Cadets will be working selling Raffle Tickets at Wal-Marts and other locations until Veteran's Day. Additionally, collection jars are located in stores throughout the community. You can also make donations by calling the Thomas Walker JROTC at 540-445-3046. Let's pull together and recognize these veterans who truly changed the world.
 
 

The Pioneer Battalion has an official, and unofficial Web Page on the internet. On it you will find great information, pictures, a "Graduate Section", and many other things including links. The "Official" JROTC Homepage is located at the following address:

The Unofficial Homepage is maintained by Cadet 2LT Ronnie Carroll and is located at Http://www.geocities.com/pioneerbattalion/
 
 

Setting and accomplishing goals is nothing new for last years Battalion Commander Terri Hensley and HHC Commander Greg Formella. Throughout high school each of them gave their best and in the end, were rewarded for their efforts. As "College Cadets," West Point's Greg Formella and North Georgia College's Terri Hensley are still setting goals and accomplishing them. Terri and Greg have both made their schools rifle teams and both have been involved with a variety of cadet activities reserved for only those in the "top of their class." We are extremely proud of these former cadets, and we look forward to watching their future accomplishments!

The 1999-2000 Drill team began practice on September 28th for the upcoming Drill Season. This year's team returns much experience and is expected to perform well. Last years entire Color Guard Team, with Commander C/CSM Scotty Barnes, is returning giving our Color Guard great expectations. C/Major Jeanette Enix moves from the "Inspection Team" Commander to the "Exhibition Team" Commander and will be joined by several members of last years team. The Commander for "Regulation Drill Team" is C/LTC Brandy Bailey and C/CPT Adam Haley assumes command of the "Inspection Team." With the experience, leadership and interest from our new team members, this years Drill Team should compete highly at every Drill Meet. Come check them out on November 20th, 1999 at the 2nd Annual Pioneer Drill Meet here at TW. Admission is free and the Pioneer Cadets will be defending their Team Championship won at last years Inaugural Drill Meet. Good Luck PIONEERS!!

The Thomas Walker JROTC Program ran its own JROTC Summer Camp August 9-13, 1999 with cadets receiving a variety of instruction during the week and taking several "trips" of educational and historical importance.

The week began with Leadership Classes and ended with Marksmanship Training and "Drownproofing," all completed in the Thomas Walker campus area.

On Tuesday, cadets traveled to Fort Knox, KY to visit the "Post Exchange" and the General George S. Patton Museum. On Wednesday, cadets traveled to Chattanooga, TN for a visit to the Aquarium. Thursday saw the last visit as the cadets traveled to Pall Mall, TN to visit the SGT Alvin C. York Homesite and the Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum.

Taking part in this years camp were cadets Brandy Bailey, Scotty Barnes, Adam Haley, Alan Spurlock, Joey Eldridge, Jennifer Baumgardner, Brandi Spurlock and Jeremiah Clifton.
 
 

On October 8, 1918, SGT Alvin York's actions as a member of the All-American Division during the "Battle of the Argonnes" in France earned him the "Congressional Medal of Honor." Since then, Alvin C. York's life has been immortalized several times through numerous books, leadership studies, the famous "SGT YORK" movie starring Gary Cooper as well as many other things.

Cadets from Campbell County High School in Jacksboro, TN and Thomas Walker traveled to "The Valley of the Three Forks" on Saturday, October 2nd 1999, to once again pay tribute to this great American Hero.

In a ceremony at the York gravesite in Pall Mall, TN, C/LTC Brandy Bailey and C/CSM Charles Fagala placed a wreath on SGT York's grave as a Joint Color Guard was posted and C/LTC Collingsworth and C/PFC Felicia Milton played taps.

The ceremony was attended by all three surviving members of the York family, along with several other family members. Over thirty cadets and chaperones from the two schools also attended the ceremony.

Thomas Walker Army JROTC

Pioneer Times

This Quarter: Pine Mountain Competition at Thomas Walker, 2nd Pioneer Drill Meet, Veterans Day Ceremony, 1st Year Promotions and Awards and Much More!!!

Saturday, November 6, 1999 saw a flurry of activity begin at Thomas Walker High School in anticipation of the largest group of cadets/competitors ever to arrive at TW.

Five schools from the Tri-State area participated in the 2nd Pine Mountain Competition for the New Year. Over 100 cadets from Campbell County HS in Jacksboro, TN; Jellico HS, Jellico, TN; Rutledge HS, Rutledge, TN; Middlesboro HS, Middlesboro, KY and Rockcastle HS, Mount Vernon, KY participated in four events.

Cadets competed and were evaluated in Color Guard, Rifle Marksmanship, Academics and Military Stakes with 1st and 2nd Place Trophies awarded in each event as well as a 3rd Place Certificate.

Cadet Major Jeanette Enix and staff evaluated the Color Guard competition; Cadet Major Sherry Hatfield and staff evaluated Military Stakes; Cadet Staff Sergeant Avery Brooks with assistance from Honorary Pioneer Mr. Richard Formella and former Cadet Major Heather Murphree evaluated Rifle Marksmanship; and Cadet First Sergeant Mary Combs and staff evaluated Academics.

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brandy Bailey supervised the event, which went off without a glitch. Competitions began shortly after 9:00 AM and concluded with an Awards Ceremony at 1:00 PM.

Campbell County placed 1st in Color Guard followed by Rutledge and Jellico. Rockcastle placed 1st in Rifle Marksmanship followed by Rutledge and Campbell County. In Academics Campbell County placed 1st followed by Rockcastle and Jellico. In the Military Stakes competition, Campbell County finished 1st followed by Jellico and Rutledge.

We thank all that participated for a job well done and invite you back again next year!

Veterans Day is celebrated around the world each year to honor and thank those brave men and women who have served our country in peace and war. No where was that more evident that at Thomas Walker High School this past November 11th. Twenty-two area veterans participated in our Annual Veterans Day Ceremony along with the student body.

The Battalion was formed by Commander of Troops Cadet Major Jeanette Enix and welcome remarks were given by Senior Army Instructor Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks. We were very honored to have Reverend Tip Moore of Middlesboro as our guest speaker. Reverend Moore is a veteran of W.W.II, and participated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944.

Reverend Moore spent time as a German Prisoner of War before returning home to minister to our area residents.

After a very emotional speech by Reverend Moore, each area veteran was presented with a "Pioneer Battalion Victory Medal" by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brandy Bailey. As a final tribute, Taps were sounded for those brave men and women who gave their all in service to our nation.

Again, we would like to thank all of our area veterans for honoring us with their presence on Veterans Day. We appreciate you.

The 2nd Annual Pioneer Drill Meet was conducted on Saturday, November 20th 1999, with drill teams from Thomas Walker High School; Campbell County High School, Jacksboro, TN; Corbin High School, Corbin, KY and Wayne County High School from Monticello, KY in attendance.

Teams competed in an Inspection Team category, Color Guard, Regulation Drill and Exhibition Drill. The final event was an "Individual Knock-Out" competition followed by the closing awards ceremony.

Trophies were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Team in each event. The "Top 10" Knock-Out Drill Cadets were awarded medals with 1st through 3rd receiving trophies as well. An "Overall Drill Meet Champion" and "Runner-Up Champion" was also awarded.

In Team Inspection the Pioneers finished 1st followed by Campbell County 2nd and Wayne County 3rd. Corbin dominated the Color Guard competition with Corbin Team # 1 placing 1st followed by Wayne County Team # 2 in 2nd Place and Corbin Team # 2 winning 3rd. In Regulation Drill, Thomas Walker placed 1st followed by Corbin in 2nd and Campbell County in 3rd. Only two teams competed in Exhibition Drill with Campbell County finishing 1st and Thomas Walker 2nd.

In Knock-Out Drill, our Pioneer cadets placed 5 in the Top 10 with C/1LT Joey Eldridge placing 10th, CDT Cassandra Morris placing 7th, C/1SG Jason Doyle placing 4th, C/LTC Brandy Bailey 3rd and C/CSM Scotty Barnes placing 2nd. The "Overall Knock-Out Champion" was C/SSG Thomas Tress of Campbell County.

After totaling scores in all events Campbell County became the "Overall Champions" defeating Thomas Walker 4,366 to 4,302. Our thanks and congratulations to everyone who participated and all of the winners. We welcome you back next year for the 3rd Annual Pioneer Drill Meet to be held on November 18, 2000!

Pioneer Battalion cadets are used to achievement via the many opportunities provided them by the JROTC program. We are proud to announce that members of the Pioneer Battalion have also achieved great success within the high school as well.

Cadet Major Jeanette Enix was elected as the Senior Class President early this year and added "Football Homecoming Queen" to her impressive high school career. During the "Lady Pioneer" basketball season, Cadet Captain Joe Glass was voted "Mr. Pioneer" by the student body. The Mr. and Miss Thomas Walker program saw Cadet Command Sergeant Major Scotty Barnes represent the 11th grade and Cadet Sergeant First Class Kat Baumgardner represent the 10th grade.

Additionally, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brandy Bailey (senior class) and Cadet Command Sergeant Major Scotty Barnes (junior class) were elected as class representatives. Congratulations Pioneers! We are very proud of you.
 
 

Cadets from the Pioneer Battalion joined in the Christmas Spirit by participating in two county Christmas parades. On Saturday, December 4, 1999, Cadets marched in the Rose Hill Christmas Parade with a Color Guard and an "Exhibition Drill" marching unit. The following Saturday, December 12th, saw the Pioneer Battalion represent the Thomas Walker community at the St. Charles Christmas Parade. Again a Color Guard and Exhibition Drill Team participated.
 
 

Just prior to the start of Semester Exams, the Pioneer Battalion was honored to have two cadets from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia speak to our classes. Former Pioneer Cadet Sergeant and Current Cadet Lieutenant Amanda Davis (TW Class of '96), along with Cadet Captain Charlynda Kelly, briefed cadets on their college. Both of these young ladies are in their Senior Year and are recruiting during the holiday break.

If you are interested in attending the "Virginia Womens Institute" please contact Dr. Brenda Bryant at 540-887-7042.

Under the direction of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brandy Bailey and Cadet Major Jeanette Enix, the Pioneer Battalion was able to provide gifts for over 100 kids this holiday season.

Cadets began collecting toys and money on November 29th and completed their collections just before the start of exams. Over 500 toys were donated by the community as well as $500.00.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Thomas Walker community for always supporting this event, and especially to the young men and women of the Pioneer Battalion. Sleep well on Christmas knowing "you have made a difference!"

 Pioneer Battalion Conducts 1st Semester Awards and 1st Year Promotions

First Semester Awards and First Year Cadet Promotions were presented on Thursday, January 5, 2000 in the gym at Thomas Walker. This is a special evening awaited with anticipation by many of our young cadets. It is the night they will "find out" the cadet rank they have earned in the JROTC program.

The ceremony began with JROTC Ribbon presentations by class. All cadets receiving awards were brought up individually to receive them. Cadets were awarded a variety of awards including Ribbons for Perfect Attendance, Student Government, Leadership Development, JROTC Academic Team, Varsity Athletics, JROTC Athletics, Color Guard, Rifle Team, Adventure Training, Summer Camp and Parades.

After the ribbons were awarded, cadets were honored for their membership in team events with ropes and tabs signifying their team and year. Black ropes were awarded to the Adventure Team, Tan Ropes and Shooting Badges to the Rifle Team, Blue and White Ropes to the Academic Team, White Ropes to the Color Guard and Red Ropes to the Drill Team.

Second year team members were awarded "Pin-on Tabs" for their service. Three cadets were given the illustrious "Drill Team Commanders Medal. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brandy Bailey for the Regulation Drill Team, Cadet Command Sergeant Major Scotty Barnes for the Color Guard and Cadet Captain Adam Haley for the Inspection and Exhibition Teams. The final awards of the evening were for those cadets who participated in the first ever Thomas Walker JROTC Summer Camp.

The promotion ceremony began with those cadets being promoted to Cadet Private First Class. They are: Travis Day, Justin Eldridge, David Evans, Matt Grice, Brenda Jones, Steven Marcum, Kevin Pennington, Shawn Russell, Jessica Seale, Matt Singleton, Dustin Surber, John Wheet and Adam Young.

Cadets promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal are Amanda England, Derrick Grabeel, Tim Grove, Amos Janeway, Sam Flannery, Ben Hoskins, Charlotte Grice, P.J. Lowe and Casey Young.

Cadets promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant are Tim Brooks, Grey Janeway, Scottie Lawson, Cassandra Morris, Christal Nelson and Samantha Williams.

The "Top Promotion" for the semester goes to Heather Gibson who was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant.

Additional promotions to Second Lieutenant for cadets in the Chain of Command saw Avery Brooks, Don Warf and Amy Hensley become JROTC junior officers.

Congratulations to all for a job well done!

Members of the Pioneer Battalion started the New Year off with a "BANG" by traveling to Jellico High School, Jellico, TN for the 3rd Pine Mountain Competition of the school year. Our cadets competed in rope bridging and rifle marksmanship.

The Rifle Team placed 1st in the competition giving them their third 1st place finish of the year. Team members are C/CPT Haley, C/LTC Brandy Bailey, C/2LT Avery Brooks and C/CSM Scotty Barnes.

The 1-Rope Bridge team performed well commanded by C/CPT Jenn Baumgardner. Members of the team include C/CSM Scotty Barnes, C/1LT Joey Eldridge, C/1LT Alan Spurlock, C/2LT Ronnie Carroll, C/2LT Avery Brooks, C/2LT Donnie Warf, C/MSG Jack McKeen, C/SGT Christal Nelson and C/SGT Scottie Lawson.

Challenges are nothing new for the Pioneer Battalion Drill Team as each year our cadets have competed at a higher level than the year before. This year has brought something completely different as members of our Drill Team competed for the first time ever in an "ARMED" Drill Meet.

On January 15, 2000 our cadets participated in the Daniel Boone Armed Drill Meet in Gray, TN. Teams competed in the Inspection, Squad Drill and Color Guard categories.

The Armed Squad and Color Guard was commanded by C/CSM Scotty Barnes. The Inspection Team was commanded by C/CPT Adam Haley.

Although our Drill Team did not place high enough to win a Trophy in any event, this meet was very successful and our teams were very competitive giving the Pioneer Battalion a strong base of experience for years to come.

A special thank you to the cadre and cadets of Daniel Boone High School for their hospitality and professionalism in running this superb meet.

As the 2nd Semester of SY99-00 begins, Cadets of the Pioneer Drill Team are busy preparing for the two "Major Events" of the school year. On March 9th our team will depart for Washington D.C. where they will compete in the 2000 National Capital Drill Classic held at the D.C. Armory on March 11th.

In May our Drill Team will compete for the first time ever in the National High School Drill Championships in Daytona, Florida. Throughout the spring our team will be practicing and fund-raising for these events. Please support their efforts as they represent our community on this national stage.