Military club raises flag at Yuba City High School

A driver along B Street honked support Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. as members of the Yuba City High School Military Club raised the flag in front of the school.

"That happens," said sophomore Joshua Allen, 16, a member of the military club, who appreciates the support.

The flag raising in the morning and lowering in the afternoon that started this month wins backing from drivers, faculty and other students at the school.

"It's been nothing but positive," Shane Couture, who teaches world history and is club adviser, said of the response.

Joshua Mansur, 17, the cadet commander and captain for the military club, suggested the flag raising.

"We're proud of what we do," he said.

Mansur had attended a school in upstate New York with a military club and also suggested the Yuba City High group that started last school year.

Allen said he'd wanted to join the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Lindhurst High School, which closed in 2010, and is happy to have the club at Yuba City High.

"I've learned a lot of stuff I didn't know before," Allen said of military matters.

Jacqueline Morris, 15, said she plans to enlist in the US Marines and praised the student club.

"It teaches you a lot of leadership," Morris said.

Wyatt Duncan, 14, said wearing the club uniform leads to inquires from other students.

"I get a lot of questions asking about the military," he said. "I give them a little detail on what I know."

Mansur said interest in the armed services is strong.

"We all kind of have the idea of what the military is," he said.

The club meeting Wednesday was rich with "yes, sir's," reports about upcoming events and a reference to drill class held after school.

Club member Kenneth Couch, 16, said fundraisers help students who need assistance with the $35 cost of a uniform.

Recruiters from the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy have spoken to the students in the club.

The club walked with the Blue Star Moms in the Veterans Day Parade in Marysville, Couture said. On Sept. 11, the club held a ceremony at the flag in front of the school and played the National Anthem.

CONTACT Ryan McCarthy at rmccarthy@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4780. Find him on Facebook at /ADrmccarthy or on Twitter at @ADrmccarthy.