[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8027]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF THE NJROTC AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2015

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, it's with a profound sense of pride that I 
rise today in recognition of our nation's Naval Junior Reserve Officer 
Training Corps (NJROTC) program, its cadets and the excellent cadre of 
leadership that instructs and guides these future naval officers. Our 
nation is defended by a military that is second-to-none, but it's no 
mistake that the quality and pedigree of our nation's armed forces is 
beyond comparison. Training is only part of what makes a good military 
leader. The principles of commitment, organization, teamwork and 
respect are not always learned--in many ways, they are innate, and 
those who serve in the NJROTC program show a level of talent and 
dedication that consistently demonstrates why our military--and our 
Navy, especially--possesses so many first-rate leaders.
  Most recently, a national competition was launched to determine the 
2015 Navy League Most Improved Unit and the 2015 Most Outstanding Unit. 
Most improved honors went to the Pearl River Central High School in 
Carriere, Mississippi. The Most Outstanding Unit award was given to the 
Allen D. Nease High School in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Two impressive 
units, Mr. Speaker, and both showed strong attributes in their 
respective award areas. There was plenty of competition, and every unit 
gave their best--and for that, both the award winners and the entire 
field of competitors can take great pride in their accomplishments.
  Receiving a top award is really quite an honor, Mr. Speaker. In fact, 
awards often reflect years of hard work and development, even though 
awards are given yearly. The award criteria is exhaustive--evaluating 
participation in the classroom, physical fitness and extracurricular 
activities. Cadets even participate in community service projects--with 
one unit, Pearl River, completing more than 5,000 hours of community 
service alone. However, Mr. Speaker, as we extend our congratulations 
to the cadets, I would be remiss if we didn't recognize the amazing 
work of the many program instructors. In particular, I want to 
recognize Naval Science Instructors Col. Todd Ryder and Chief Ron 
Hazlewood, whose leadership, professionalism and knowledge have been 
integral to successful mentorship in the NJROTC program at Pearl River. 
And I know their commitment to the cadets has translated into the 
development of community leaders and positive influences within the 
school system. A special thank you to Todd and Ron, for all you do to 
encourage future patriots with the same tenacity and work ethic that 
defined your own service careers.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I ask that this body join me in recognizing 
this fine group of Americans for all they have accomplished--and their 
continued and future service to this great nation.

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