[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 84 (Monday, June 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1044-E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE CADETS OF THE TEXAS 945TH CADET WING

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 1996

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the cadets of the Texas 
945th Cadet Wing, an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp 
[JROTC] unit at North Shore High School in my congressional district. 
They recently were selected as an Air Force JROTC meritorious unit for 
the 1995-96 school year. This distinction is reserved for only a select 
group of Air Force JROTC schools. This is an especially impressive 
accomplishment because North Shore's JROTC program is only 2 years old.
  The regional commander of the JROTC in Houston chose to honor North 
Shore's AFJTROC unit based on its outstanding performance and its 
commitment to the Air Force's core values of integrity, service before 
self, and excellence. Other criteria included the cadet corps briefing, 
drill ability, adherence to dress and grooming standards.
  The North Shore unit's remarkable success is the result of a total 
community commitment. The administrators, staff, faculty, and 
instructors have provided vision and leadership and the cadets have 
provided the uncommon commitment necessary to achieve this goal. North 
Shore has more than 300 cadets enrolled and the district, school, 
community, and parents are all involved. This is truly an exceptional 
educational program.
  I want to recognize the superior program management by Col. Thomas 
McCay, the senior military science instructor at North Shore High 
School, and his dedicated and knowledgeable assistant instructors, 
Major Pfeifer and Master Sergeant Murphy. They have received excellent 
support from faculty and staff at North Shore. The principal of North 
Shore High School, Mr. Malcolm Dennis, also deserves special 
recognition. Mr. Dennis fought hard to get this JROTC unit started at 
North Shore over 3 years ago. His efforts are now paying great 
dividends.
  Last, but unquestionably, the most important factor in this unit's 
selection as a meritorious unit is the outstanding performance of the 
cadets throughout the year and particularly on the day of the annual 
inspection. The unit has demonstrated that it has taken the core Air 
Force values to heart. Its record reflects a commitment to learning, a 
commitment to leadership, and especially a commitment to service, 
whether presenting the colors at community functions, cleaning up our 
neighborhoods, or delivering Christmas baskets to veterans at the VA 
Hospital.
   Mr. Speaker, it is not surprising that this unit has received such 
an honorable distinction as

[[Page E1045]]

a meritorious unit. During its first year of existence, over 2 years 
ago, North Shore's JROTC unit was recognized as the best first-year 
unit in the Houston area. For that recognition alone, the unit deserves 
our special congratulations.
  Many people view JROTC as only a military training program. It is 
much more than that. It is an educational and citizenship program that 
brings out the best in all. The cadets participating in Air Force JROTC 
program have started on the road of lifetime service and excellence. I 
honor them for showing that they have the will and the character to 
work hard and accomplish great things. I know that under the leadership 
of Col. Thomas McCay, and his staff, the unit will continue to put 
their knowledge, skills, and experience to work, not just for 
themselves, but for their community and country as well.
  My congratulations to all the cadets and the entire North Shore 
community.

                          ____________________