JROTC Newsletter: November 2010

BY:

C D T/ M AJ

Ma rk

S tef an dl C D T/ CP T

Ch a r le s

C ook C D T/ MS G

V in c en t

Ma rt e ll o

Reminders: •

All Cadets are reminded

that

the supply room is open on A,C, and

E

days

during 4th, 5th and 6th period •

Operation Santa will take place on

December

8th.

See CDT/

CSM Schembari to sign-up.

•

Inspection

on

11/18 and 12/2 will be held at 0800

due

regular

to

time

orders on those days.

Inside this issue:

The Raider Unit

Pg. 2

The Rifle Team

Pg. 2

The Saber Guard

Pg. 2

The X-Squad

Pg. 3

The Academics Team

Pg. 3

Columbus Day Parade

Pg. 4

SAI Corner

Pg. 5

Van

JROTC Quarterly V o l u m e

1 ,

I s s u e

1

1 1 / 1 0 / 2 0 1 0

Status of the Regiment

by CDT/COL Michael Connors The Xavier Regiment is off to a magnificent start for the class year of 20102011!

Our cadets participated in the Columbus Day parade recently, and carried themselves with flawless composure and dignity. Our Regiment’s performance, and that of the special teams, warranted great praise from onlookers – particularly Xavier alumni of old.

As usual, our cadets continue to prove their dedication to the school commu-

nity in every way possible. The services volunteered by the cadets at the school’s Open Houses, Parent-Teacher Nights and other functions continue to be invaluable to the administration. Cadets over the past few months have dedicated themselves to doing all they can to help whenever they can, and will continue to do so in the future, from ushering at events for veterans of wartime to helping children via Operation Santa to venturing out to visit

military hospitals on Veterans’ Day. Cadets act as paragons of good behavior and selfless service in their local communities, living out to the fullest the values preached by our program.

Our special teams, from the up-and-coming Saber Guard, to the studious Academics Team, to the highly precise Rifle Team, to the tenacious Raiders and the indomitable X-Squad, are all set up for great competition seasons.

Military History Club by CDT/MSG Thomas Roemer The purpose of the Military History Club at Xavier is to provide a place for students who are interested in the history of warfare to share their knowledge and common interest with other students.

Students often

give presentations on battles or military commanders. We are often honored to have veterans as guest speakers.

Club members pick up information that helps them in their studies and helps them to know more about

the sacrifices that members of the military make for our country. I am proud to be a part of this club and hope we have even more success in the near future. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join !

Page 2

The Raider Unit The Raider Unit is the physical fitness branch of the JROTC. A typical workout involves two mile runs, many push-ups, and even more sit-ups, three mornings and two afternoons a week.

This routine is definitely not for the faint

The Raider Unit knocking out pushups at the Columbus Day Parade.

“The precision team is looking to qualify for nationals this year

after

beaten

out

being by

German and Italian JROTC Schools last year at the very last minurte.”

The Saber Guard stands at parade rest in the parade.

of heart. It is sometimes strenuous, most times tiring, but always exhilarating. One is expected to run a mile in under seven minutes, and do an impressive number of push-ups and situps in order to pass the required test.

The Rifle Team The Rifle Team has currently began the tryouts for all those wishing to become part of the JV team. There are 48 spots open for all who wish to join. The top 48 scores will determine who will be on the JV team. The precision team is looking

Hard? Yes. Challenging? Definitely. Are you up to this challenge?

Come and pledge for the Raiders.

You will be proud of this great accomplishment, as you take your place among the greats.

by CDT/SFC Peter Caputo

to qualify for Nationals this year, after being beaten out by German and Italian JROTC schools at the very last minute. The varsity is looking forward to shoulder to shoulder and postal competitions coming up. Although the

The Saber Guard The Saber Guard, the Unarmed Drill Team of Xavier H i g h School’s Regiment, is

by CDT/CPT Jonathan Kelly

team has not had that many practices as a whole, so far those who have come down to shoot have been shooting high scores. It seems to be a great year coming up!

by CDT/1SG Mateusz Musial

currently preparing for numerous upcoming drill competitions. Currently, the team is working diligently at practice, working long hours during the school day and weekends, in order to

achieve great results.

Last year, the newly formed team placed high among seasoned competitors. The team hopes to continue their success in their approaching drill competitions.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 3

The X-Squad Xavier High School's regimental drill team, the X-Squad, has started the new school year with a promise. The drill team has adopted an entirely new style of exhibition drill and a never-before-seen routine has been created by Trick NCO Matt Tuzzino and Trick Commander John Noh. A preview of this modernized routine was seen at the TEAL Walk, as well as the Freshman JROTC sports demonstration.

by CDT/LTC Christian Knoch

The Regulation routine is also under a period of scrutinizing and revamping, carried out

by Basic Commander Tom Colasanto. Since the late summer, Xavier's Color Guard has answered requests to post the Colors at numerous school and formal events throughout the city. The XSquad has already begun initiating a new era of precision rifle drill, and they will truly set the precedent at this year's

The Academics Team The Academics Team has begun the year in a better state than it ended last year. All members are practicing for the upcoming online competitions, The Challenge, the first round of three that involves SAT

National High School Drill Team Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida this May. As for upcoming performances, the X-Squad will keenly follow tradition and put on a show at the football rally and Turkey Bowl this Thanksgiving. Interested in becoming part of the tradition? Speak to Pledge Commander William Borgeson and come pledge for the team .

by CDT/MSG Aman Grewal

based questions, and the George C. Marshall Leadership Symposium, which involves leadership and JROTC questions. The team is currently in the process of re-organizing itself to facilitate the competi-

“The Team is currently

tions and the preparations for them. The team is currently open to all interested LET I cadets who show academic promise, are dedicated, and truly love to learn love to learn.

Left: X-Squad performing at the Columbus Day Parade Right: Rifle Team marching in the parade.

open to all LET 1 Cadets who

show

academic promise.�

Columbus Day Parade On October 11th, the Xavier High School Regiment assembled on East 44th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues to participate in the annual Columbus Day Parade. With the X-Squad leading the pack, the regiment stepped off and began the prestig-

CDT/MAJ Mark Stefandl

ious 30 block walk down 5th avenue. By all standards, the regiment looked superb. If this is any indicator of how the regiment will perform in the Formal Inspection in April, then I must say the regiment is in great shape. I can say that

I am happy overall with the performance of the regiment in this parade, and hope that the regiment will perform as well in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in March!

CDT/COL Michael Connors and his staff standing at parade rest during the Columbus Day Parade.

C D T / L T C Gerard Napolitano leads his battalion down 5th avenue during the Parade.

SAI Corner: A Word from LTC Campbell Cadet Colonel Connors and his superb Regimental Staff have hit the ground running this fall, and this promises to be one of the best years ever for the Xavier Regiment. From a flawless Columbus Day Parade (captured by NBC Television in sterling fashion) to a terrific performance at Open House, the Regiment is firing on all cylinders. Since we will host an inspection team from the Department of the Army for our triennial Army Formal Inspection (AFI) in May, it is fortuitous indeed that the Regiment is on such a positive azimuth for continued excellence in all that you do.

Exceeding the standard begins with each Cadet in the Regiment! Wearing the uniform with dignity and with attention to the smallest details, living out the seven Cadet Values each day as honorable men of integrity and selflessness, and tackling the leadership challenges of Command and Staff are daily challenges towards excellence.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to work alongside young men of your exceptional talent, intelligence, and dedication within our historic Regiment. Additionally, we are blessed with three of the finest NCO Army Instructors in the Nation. I would stack MSG Stein, SFC Adams, and SFC Atherton up against ANY Army JROTC program in the country! They are absolutely committed to developing every one of our cadets into leaders of character. I hear from Sons of Xavier often about the positive impact that these fine men have had on their lives as they enter into young adulthood.

A word directed towards the Class of 2014: your class brings great credit upon itself! 184 of your classmates elected to remain in the Regiment at the end of First Quarter. This is a record enrollment by a wide margin! Also, it is not too late for your classmates to enroll in the Regiment. After mid-term exams in January, there will be an open enrollment period for those Freshmen who would like to wear the uniform of our great nation, just as you are doing. Gently encourage your friends who may wish to join your ranks. All students are welcome to participate in the life of the Regiment during their Xavier careers.

On to the Turkey Bowl! Make plans to be at Fordham on Thanksgiving morning in your Dress Greens, and be ready to run down to the sidelines for inspirational push ups each and every time that Xavier scores.

Exceed the standard!

SAI Roy Campbell (LTC, US Army, Retired)