[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 175 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE ADAMS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JUNIOR RESERVE 
                        OFFICER'S TRAINING CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Marine Corps 
Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps program at Adams City High 
School in Commerce City, Colorado.
  On Friday, December 12, they will present the colors for a field 
hearing I have requested at the Colorado State Capitol. It is worth 
noting the history of this group.
  The only Marine Corps JROTC program in the State, the Adams City High 
School program started in 1969 and enjoyed several years of popularity 
before declining in the late 70's and early 80's.
  After a concerted effort to improve expectations and standards, the 
program has received several awards of recognition as a program of 
excellence. In the 2001-02 academic year, they received the prestigious 
Marine Corps Reserved Officer's Association Award (MCROA) as the best 
JROTC program in the ten-state 8th Marine Corps District. Only six 
programs across the Nation receive this distinction annually.
  Due to the superior performance of the program, Adams City High 
School was also designated as a Naval Honor School for the first time 
in its history. This is the highest award attainable for a Marine Corps 
JROTC program and exemplifies leadership, integrity and excellence. 
Naval Honor School status is reserved for the top 20 percent of the 
schools nationally and affords the Senior Marine Instructor the 
opportunity to nominate up to three cadets to the United States Naval 
Academy.
  Last year (2002-03) the cadets continued their superior performance, 
repeating as a Naval Honor School and attaining distinction as the best 
inspected unit in the 8th Marine Corps District with a total score of 
993 points out of a possible 1000, receiving ``outstanding'' marks in 
all twelve categories of the inspection. This accomplishment garnered 
the program the coveted ``McLemore Detachment'' Award for the Marine 
Corps League, McLemore Detachment in Houston, Texas.
  JROTC is a regularly scheduled class for students, focusing on 
leadership, discipline, citizenship and physical fitness. Their weekly 
events include drill marching, uniform inspection, physical training 
and academic instruction.
  J.D. Bristow, the senior Marine instructor at ACHS, has done a fine 
job with this group of young men and women. These young leaders are 
extremely active in the leadership of their class. They not only have 
the potential to make excellent officers in our military, but also have 
dedicated their time to many after-school opportunities, such as 
community and school service projects.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent this terrific organization in 
Congress. I appreciate their families for the support and encouragement 
necessary for its success. The ACHS JROTC program and its 
administrators have made a sizable impact on the community. They are to 
be commended.

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