JROTC Briefs Reserve Chief

By CADET CAPT. BRANDEE SCHILLER
Special to Central Oahu Islander

Mililani High School’s JROTC program welcomed Chief of the Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley and his staff March 5 to the school. Part of Talley’s visit was to congratulate the cadets on their recent success in the CyberPatriot contest. Mililani placed third in the country in the All-Service Army JROTC Division, a first for the Trojans.

After being presented with lei and other goodies, a few of the cadets briefed Talley on Mililani’s Battalion Continuous Improvement Program, service learning projects and their CyberPatriot successes. Cadet Lt. Col. Skyler Robinson, an 11th grader and current Trojan Battalion Commander, was one of the cadets to brief Talley.

“This was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for myself and the rest of Mililani’s staff,” he said. “I’m so proud of Mililani JROTC and the direction we’re headed because good work ethics pay off.”

Throughout the question-and-answer session, Talley’s encouraging words impressed everyone in attendance.

“I was astonished by how professionally he carried himself, as well as his motivating and touching words to the cadets,” said Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Jase Agoo, a 10th-grader at the school.

The general’s speech even may have altered some future career plans.

“Before, I just wanted to command a naval vessel,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Travis Afuso, “but now my goal is to be the best sailor I can be, despite rank. I want to see what I can contribute to the team.”