JROTC Newsletter: January 2011

JROTC QUARTERLY JANUARY 24, 2011

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Status of The Regiment by CDT/COL Michael Connors As we reach the halfway point for the school year, and begin the new calendar year of 2011, the Regiment is achieving new standards of excellence. Preparation for the Army Formal Inspection in March is off to a roaring start, with the Staff moving full steam ahead to craft briefings and execute crucial organization work, and the drill officers, from Battalion Commanders to Platoon Leaders, doing their very best to ensure that each and every cadet will be as ready as possible when the time comes to test ourselves once again for the gold star.

In addition to being ahead of schedule for the Formal

Inspection, the Staff has also done a fantastic job in raising the bar for special events this year. The Military Ball has an exquisite new venue, El Caribe Catering Hall in Brooklyn, and the night promises to be one that will live on in the memories of all who attend. The Spring Awards Ceremony is similarly being revamped, and we will now be welcoming Xavier alumnus and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia as our speaker and guest of honor.

Lastly, the Regiment’s Special Teams are performing to the utmost extent of their capacities; the Raiders, the Rifle Team, the Saber Guard, the Academics

Team and the X-Squad all promise to achieve rankings higher than any in recent memory.

team, composed of Junior Andrew Mignola, Sophomores Bryan Laboy and Liam Murray, and Freshman Michael Perretti, placed sixth.

Currently the Academics Team, having passed the first round, is preparing for round two of both of the online competitions, the George C. Marshall Leadership Symposium and the

 The Military Ball will take place this year on April 1, 2011.  The Formal Inspection will take place on Friday April 8th  Monday February 21st will be the date for the Winter Sports Competition

The Academics Team by CDT/MSG Aman Grewal The Academics Team perfrormed exceptionally well in the New York City Academic Bowl held January 8 at Francis Lewis High School. The main team, composed of Juniors Aman Grewal, Maximilian Kantor, Vincent Martello, Teddy Perretti and Thomas Roemer, placed third, losing only to recurring winner Francis Lewis High School. The secondary

Special points of interest:

Zero Hour Threat. Of the Academics Team, passes the second round, they will go to the championship in Washington, D.C. during the summer.

Inside this issue:

Military History Club

2

The X-Squad

2

The Saber Guard

2

Winter Award’s Ceremony

3

Rifle Team

4

Paintball Trip

5

SAI Corner

6

JROTC QUARTERLY

Page 2

The Military History Club by CDT/MSG Thomas Roemer

“The club is proud to have

The Military History Club has improved dramatically since the beginning of the year. We have enthusiastic new members from the freshman class who have demonstrated their knowledge and interest by their sharp insight and hard work.

We continue to benefit from the leadership of senior cadets and LTC Campbell. The club is proud to have access to veterans who are happy to share their knowledge with later gen-

erations. The room is consistently filled with cadets who desire to learn and share their own opinions and insight with others.

Attendance is higher than ever and we hope to expand the club even more in the months to come. In the near future, we plan to organize field trips to expand our knowledge of military tactics and strategy. Over the next few months, we will continue to expand our knowledge so that we might

better honor those who gave their lives and those who continue to risk their lives for our freedom.

access to veterans who are happy to share their knowledge with later generations.”

The X-Squad by CDT/LTC Christian Knoch Xavier High School's regimental drill team, the XSquad, has continued into the middle of the school year in great shape. The newly adopted style of exhibition drill and the never -before-seen routine that has been created by Trick NCO Matt Tuzzino and

Trick Commander John Noh. It has become clear now that squad will truly set the precedent at this year's National High School Drill Team Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida this May, as we have been practicing very hard in the commons

and on the roof. I am truly confident that we will place in high standing at Nationals as well as other drill competitions that we compete in.

The Saber Guard by CDT/1SG Mateusx Musial Xavier’s Unarmed Drill Team, the Saber Guard, is currently practicing for upcoming drill competitions including Nationals and Regionals. Francis Lewis High School is hosting the annual Leagues Drill Competition, where the Saber Guard will not only compete with the

current national champions but with other schools of the same caliber as well.

The Saber Guard also has new pledges that will soon be corded.

With these pledges continued determination and tremendous effort, they will soon join the ranks of the current Saber

Guard Members.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Page 3

Winter Award’s Ceremony by CDT/MSG Vincent Martello On the evening of Tuesday, December 7th, the Xavier High School Regiment gathered to celebrate the many accomplishments of Xavier’s dedicated cadets. At 1815 hours, the ceremony was underway with the posting of the colors by our very own X-Squad color guard.

Their Bearing and dedication provided class and prestige for which our regiment is known and respected After a brief prayer and an address from Mr. Livigni, the many accomplishments were soon recognized. Among the first awards were the academic achievement awards. These included the three highest averages in JROTC and overall GPA. After these well-

deserving cadets received their awards, commendation and proficiency awards were presented, and regimental staff NCO’s received their cords.

Aside from the numerous and outstanding accomplishments for which the seasoned cadets were noted, the highlight of the evening was the induction of over 150 new freshman cadets. Their youth, vigor and motivation was portrayed in their rousing recitation of the cadet creed. Hopefully, their enthusiasm is a sign of leadership and much success to come in the years ahead.

ceremony, new medals were awarded to cadets. After assuring words from LTC Campbell and CDT/COL Connors, our festivities shifted to Hurtado Hall for celebratory refreshments. In closing, the regiment was sent forth to continue dedicated service and patriotism

An hour later, the ceremony closed and many cadets were recognized. Towards the end of the

“Hopefully we can qualify for Nationals and

Rifle Team by CDT/MSG Peter Caputo The Rifle Team just came back from their first shoulder to shoulder competition at Riverside High School in New Jersey. The results were not the results that we had been hoping for, but all in all; it was a good learning experience for the team.

Senior Ryan Azzopardi had the highest overall score and Junior Peter Caputo came in second overall in the “kneeling” position. We are looking forward to our next International Postal in which we will mail our targets in. Hopefully we can

qualify for Nationals and finally beat Italy and Germany.!

Paintball Trip by CDT/2LT Salvatore Lentini On Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19th, a coach bus departed Xavier High School at 0730 hours.

The destination? Skirmish Paintball Fields in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania for a day filled with “paint fighting” and fun. Upon arrival at the cold fields of Pennsylvania, the trips participants departed the bus and got ready for the impending

day, by purchasing paint and other items from the pro shop. As the day progressed, a few participants of the trip began to stand out in the eyes of the trip moderators and referees. In the end, Senior Cody Marchisio was named MVP of the trip, but instead of taking the prize for being MVP which was a brand new Tippmann marker, he

lived up to the Xavier motto Men for Other’s and gave it away to another participant.

finally beat Italy and germany!”

SAI Corner: A Word From the LTC Gentlemen of the Xavier Regiment!

The Regiment is looking sharp as we continue to prepare for the Army Formal Inspection on Friday, April 8th. With only a few exceptions, uniforms are crisp, clean, and well-fitting. Haircuts are generally quite good as well. Cadets are working hard on their portfolios and on their required knowledge (five colors of a map, chain of command, three styles of leadership, etc).

The Regiment is poised to break the record score of 99.6% that was set during our last Army Formal Inspection in April of 2008. The Class of 2011 is determined to achieve an even higher score than 99.6%, and I am convinced you will accomplish the goal.

The Open House on Saturday, January 29th is another opportunity for the Regiment to shine. Cadets make a wonderful first impression on prospective Xavier students by virtue of your individual tours for 8th grade students and their families. I am grateful for your selfless service to your Regiment and to your school! Thank you.

Mark your calendars today for Monday, 21st of February, for our Winter Sports Competition. May the best Company win!

The X-squad and Saber Squad are heading into their competition seasons, with key meets in New York City, Washington, D.C, and Daytona Beach Florida. Raiders and Rifle are currently in the peak of their competitive season as well.

Cadets are welcome to join in the fun on School Paintball Trips, scheduled for May 14th and June 10th.

Consider going on Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) this summer during the last week of June at Ft. Devens, MA! We are allocated 50 slots for rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. AIs will provide further information in class. Mark your calendars now to reserve 26-30 June if possible.

In closing, as your Senior Army Instructor, it is truly a privilege to work alongside such terrific Cadets in our Regiment. You wear the uniform of our country each week, and this is a reflection of your keen sense of patriotism– and also a reflection of your excellent self-discipline.

You are part of a Xavier tradition that stretches back well over 100 years. You bring credit to your families, to your school and to our Nation. I am grateful for your service to the regiment.

-LTC Campbell