Bryan Army JROTC

On 16 Apr, 31 Cadets took advantage of the opportunity to march in the Cinco De Mayo parade in Omaha. Its the 1st time in 4 yrs the program has participated in a parade, they'll be more parades to come for sure. The Cadets had a great time handing out candy and putting smiles on little kids faces. They all earned a parade ribbon for their efforts. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

Its been a successful year for our Color Guard teams and it culminated last Thursday when we were tasked to conduct 2 Color Guards simultaneously for the Bryan Senior Awards Night and the Bryan MS Awards Night. Boths teams did an excellent job. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 1 May, 11 LET 1 Cadets conducted a Service-Learning project at the Heart Ministry Center in downtown Omaha. The Center provides food, healthcare, and a way forward to people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. Their Choice Food Distribution Program provides more than 3.9 million pounds of fresh and shelf-stable food items to approximately 135,121 total community members yearly. The Cadets all worked hard, had a great attitude, and in the end were helpful, friendly, and courteous. A big thank you to Jimmy King the food distribution director for allowing us to lend a hand. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion continues to Lead the Way!

On 24 Apr, the Bryan JROTC program held its annual awards night where Cadets that have excelled this year were recognized for their outstanding performance and overall achievement. Numerous veteran organizations handed out awards for academic and leadership excellence, as well as top Cadet Challenge, top marksmen/archery, just to name a few. We also recognized our Cadet of the Year which went to C/CSM Daniel Ibarra. The night ended with a great meal. Appreciate everyone that attended and I feel it was our best awards night overall in recent memory. The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 28 Apr, 14 LET 1 Cadets conducted a Service-Learning project at Scatter Joy Acres. A sanctuary where the healing power of animals supports individuals, families, and communities. With locations in Murray, Nebraska, and Florida at Hope and Joy Sanctuary, they offer spaces where people can connect deeply with animals, nature, and one another. The Cadets worked hard, learned something, made a difference, and were rewarded with a whole lot of critter time. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

Cadets had the opportunity to travel to Omaha Northstar today. They participated in team building events on the ground and on the ropes

On 16 Apr, 25 Cadets took advantage of the opportunity by the NE Army NG to go rappelling off a 60ft tower and navigate a basic training style obstacle course at Camp Mead. We were joined by AF Cadets from Plattsmouth HS in the adventure. I'm proud to say almost all the Cadets successfully rappelled and earned the coveted Rappelling Arc for their dress uniforms. A big shout out to SFC Mayberry and his very professional team of recruiters for setting up the event. Way to go Bears! The Bear Battalion Leads the Way!

On 9 Apr, the Bryan JROTC program welcomed another Cadet to the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks. Through his hard work and dedication C/SGT Eddie Lopez earned the rank of Sergeant, not an easy task. He had to pass a difficult Sergeants Board, earn 20 hrs of community service, and lead a squad in squad drill. He wasn't a first time GO but he showed resilience and kept at it until the goal was achieved. Way to go Eddie! Now get out there and Lead from the Front!

On 2 Apr, representatives from the Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) awarded $1,100 scholarships to C/LTC Serena Salazar and C/MAJ Ian Lopez-Silva to further their educational pursuits upon HS graduation. Miguel Keith Detachment 609, proudly recognizes future leaders active in OPS High School JROTC. Since April 2023, they have awarded scholarships (approximately $1,000) to cadets who demonstrate exceptional leadership, military bearing, community service, academic excellence, and potential for promotion. A big thank you to the WWFS and congrats to our deserving Cadets. Way to go Bears!