[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

  Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, JROTC. On 
June 3, 1916, Congress passed the National Defense Act, establishing 
the JROTC. This program teaches students the values of our Armed Forces 
through training and classroom instruction with military personnel.
  This influential program encourages leadership, fortitude, and 
personal responsibility. The JROTC has experienced a long history of 
success, and millions of high school students have completed the 
program since its inception. Not only do these students learn military 
history and customs, but participants gain a deeper understanding of 
civic engagement, community service, and the importance of character 
building.
  Out of the many high school students who participate in JROTC each 
year, 30 to 50 percent go on to serve in the U.S. military later in 
life. The program also connects high school students with universities 
that offer the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and helps many 
students who may have not otherwise earned a college degree.
  I would also like to recognize the 35 schools in Colorado that offer 
the JROTC program. In Colorado, there are 2 Marine Corps JROTC units, 8 
Air Force JROTC units, 4 Navy units, and 21 Army units. I am proud of 
the accomplishments of the JROTC students, and I know they have a 
bright future ahead of them.
  Please join me in honoring Adams City High School, Northridge High 
School, Aurora Central High School, Westminster High School, Harrison 
High School, William Mitchell High School, Air Academy High School, 
Skyview Academy, Glenwood Springs High School, Doherty High School, 
Montrose High School, Mesa Ridge High School, Widefield High School, 
Pueblo County High School, Pueblo East High School, North High School, 
Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver South High School, Manual High 
School, Loveland High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Pueblo West 
High School, Centennial High School, Central High School, Pueblo South 
High School, Delta High School, Central High School--Pueblo, Montebello 
Senior High School, West High School, George Washington High School, 
John F. Kennedy High School, Fountain Fort Carson High School, East 
High School, and Canon City High School.

                          ____________________