Letter: JROTC loss monumental

As one of many former/current AFJROTC cadets at Lindhurst High School, this program is not your average elective class. With the guidance of Lt. Col. Bernard Stein and Senior Master Sgt. David Miller, thousands of students have been given the tools to succeed in life.

It's a shame that Marysville Joint Unified School Board members would vote against a program that has taught cadets more than any regular classroom setting could ever provide. Self discipline, a sense of self and unit pride, the impact of community involvement, and living up to the standard "Excellence In All We Do," only represent a minor fraction of what students take with them in future life endeavors. Color guards, drill competitions, community parades, Reno Air Races, KC-135 refueling missions and the opportunities to travel out of state are just a handful of experiences I was privileged to be a part of thanks to Lindhurst High School's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

I, among many others, can honestly say AFJROTC has played a monumental role in the successful young adult I am today. Saying I'm thankful would be an understatement.

Brittney Silva

Sunnyvale