The Cadets of Navy JROTC at Sebastian River High School have started the school year strong, helping assemble mailing kits for the Military Moms Prayer Group on September 28th, 2023.
Military Moms Prayer Group has been sending “Thank You” packages of clothing, food, candy, games, and other items to deployed troops worldwide since 2006. SRHS NJROTC assembled 200 Holidays For Heroes mailing kits that will be distributed to more than 35 locations throughout Indian River County to include Sebastian, the surrounding communities, and the Annual Navy Seals Museum Muster scheduled for Saturday, November 4th. The Holiday For Heroes effort runs from October 15th through December 15th each and every year. The Cadets appreciated the opportunity to support deployed military service members.
“John F. Kennedy once said ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’ and that’s what I do” said Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Bryan Fernandes.
In another volunteer community service event, Cadets were invited to support the Roseland Methodist Church for a thrift sale.
After the event Mrs. Renee Cafasso, one of the event organizers, heaped praise upon the Cadets.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help!!! The Cadets are absolutely amazing: their willingness to help, and their kind and friendly attitudes make them so easy to work with. They bring so much hope, knowing what our community’s future will be like with them in charge. [Sebastian River High School] is doing a fantastic job, teaching them responsibility, respect, leadership, and so many other invaluable skills that will carry them through life. So again thank you for helping us guide our youth towards bright futures full of integrity and grit.” said Mrs. Cafasso.
Mrs. Patti Dabrowski, a member of the church, had more kind words to share.
“I am a member of Roseland church and had the pleasure of meeting 7 of your [Cadets] today at our Thrift sale. They helped us clean up, box up, and load items during and after the sale. Each one was amazing. The level of kindness, helpfulness, politeness and courtesy they showed to each of us was a wonderful thing to see and experience. Many people commented on them and their level of service. Please let them know and all of you who run this program that they represented the program and school well. We can’t thank you enough and look forward to seeing them again.” said Mrs. Dabrowski.
The SRHS Navy JROTC Cadets have much more in store this year, including serving the community, participating in competition with other JROTC units, and learning skills that make them better citizens within Indian River County.
To learn more about SRHS Navy JROTC unit, or to partner with the unit for events and volunteer activities, contact CDR Peter Bissonnette by email at snsi@srhs.us, by phone at 772-564-4413, or by visiting the unit website, njrotc.srhs.us.