Cadets Lend A Helping Hand

By CADET CAPT. BRANDEE SCHILLER
Special to Central Oahu Islander

Mililani High’s JROTC and the school’s Surf Club teamed up with AccesSurf March 7 for a “Day at the Beach.”

The free monthly program uses specialized surf-boards and flotation devices to help people with disabilities have fun in the ocean.

The program is open to all ages and abilities, and is designed for families and friends to unite and engage in outdoor recreation.

“The hard work the cadets and Surf Club members undertook was remarkable,” said senior Army instructor Lt. Col. Tim Schiller.

“They enjoyed every minute of this service project.”

The event started early in the morning as cadets helped to unload equipment. Once the area was set up, AccesSurf Hawaii executive director Kara Short briefed the student volunteers on their duties and responsibilities, including how to place attendees in modified beach wheel-chairs and onto surfboards.

From the in-processing to beach transfers and surf instructors, everything went like clockwork and was extremely organized.

After the events finished, the cadets and Surf Club members met with pro surfer and actor Kala Alexander, who talked to the students about education and showing respect for their elders.

After the question-and-answer session, the students had lessons in paddling, stand-up surfing and water safety. For some of the cadets, it was their first time surfing.

“It was a perfect day, everyone had a blast and this was the first event of many more for the Trojans,” said teacher James Smith.