[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 186 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1082-E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL'S JROTC PROGRAM

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                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 2023

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Orange High 
School's Marine Corps Junior ROTC Program and its cadets.
  In 1955, Master Gunnery Sergeant James H. Fearns petitioned to 
establish the first ever Marine Corps JROTC Program in any Orange 
County High School. His request was repeatedly denied, but the Master 
Gunnery Sergeant remained committed and traveled to Washington, D.C. to 
demand a meeting with the

[[Page E1083]]

Commandant of the Marine Corps. After speaking with the General a few 
days later, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fearns returned to Orange County 
having secured the charter.
  Today, Orange High School has one of the largest Marine Corps JROTC 
Program in the Western United States. The JROTC Program instills in its 
162 cadets the values of citizenship, service to others, self-
discipline, and personal responsibility.
  Personal success after high school is an integral part of this 
program, exemplified by the James H. Fearns Marine Corps JROTC Memorial 
Scholarship. This scholarship awards cadets who wish to attend college 
or pursue a vocational school certification. Last year, 12 cadets 
received this prestigious award.
  As we prepare to celebrate the 248th birthday of the U.S. Marine 
Corps, I am proud to recognize Orange High School's JROTC program and 
its cadets. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these 
accomplished students as they grow to become the leaders of tomorrow.

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