Submitted by Cadet Ensign Anna Grace Hale, Public Affairs Officer, MH NJROTC
Following the impressive sweep of both armed and unarmed drill divisions at the Grizzly Mega Meet earlier this month, the Bombers continued to make their mark across the state. On February 22nd, Mountain Home NJROTC cadets embarked on an educational excursion at the campus of Arkansas State University (ASU) in Jonesboro. During their visit, ASU’s Army ROTC graciously welcomed the Bomber Battalion to observe one of their college-level lessons focused on Anti-terrorism. Engaged and curious, the Mountain Home cadets actively participated by posing insightful questions, thereby enriching their understanding of the complexities surrounding the threat of terrorism and the ideologies driving it.
Following the enlightening lesson, the ASU Army ROTC cadets and instructors extended an invitation to the Bomber Battalion to observe and participate in their weekly lab session. During this hands-on experience, the Mountain Home NJROTC members delved into the intricacies of military rifle components, honed their skills in handling M4A1 5.56mm Carbine rifles in various positions including prone, standing, and kneeling, and acquired practical knowledge on rifle sighting techniques.
To cap off the eventful day, the Mountain Home NJROTC had the honor of inaugurating the ASU basketball game against Troy University, the first nationally televised basketball game for the Red Wolves in over twenty-five years, with their distinguished color guard. American Flag bearer Cadet Lieutenant Commander Makaela Broad, Arkansas Flag bearer Cadet Lieutenant Commander Justin Rula, Left Rifle Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Rose Taylor, and Right Rifle Cadet Lieutenant Ethan Darracq, symbolically represented excellence and unity as they presented the colors with precision and pride. The cadets watched the game accompanied by ASU Dance Team members, Lauren Dewey and Gianna Taylor, both Mountain Home class of 2021. Next up for the Bomber Battalion Color Guard will be the presentation of the colors at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville during the pregame festivities on March 6, when the Razorbacks take on the Tigers of LSU.
Just two days after their performance at ASU, the Bomber Battalion played host to the highly anticipated third annual Drone-agadeon aerial acrobatics competition. The Tiger Battalion from Willard, Missouri took top honors, with Western Heights High School from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as a close second. Among the highlights of the day for the Bombers, Cadet Lieutenant Commander Ethan Darraq, commander of Mountain Home’s Gold Team, clinched the prestigious first place award in the challenging Drone Obstacle Course. Meanwhile, Cadet Petty Officer Raymond Nichols, Cadet Seaman Kollin Thompson, and Cadet Chief Petty Officer Christopher Henry of the Bomber’s Blue Team secured an impressive third place finish in the thrilling drone soccer competition.
The collaborative judging efforts of Mountain Home’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, along with the expertise of volunteers from the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF) significantly contributed to the overall success of this year’s drone competition. Mr. Gerald Gaige, LEAF president said that the foundation always appreciates the chance to participate and enhance student learning opportunities. “Your idea to invite National Honor Society members to manage timing and recording appears to be genius and provided capable individuals to fill critical slots for each event.” said Mr. Gaige.
During the awards ceremony, Commander Merv Dial, the NJROTC Area 13 manager, revealed that Mountain Home will represent Arkansas, as well as Missouri and portions of Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee at the Navy Brain Brawl Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Bombers’ Academic Team will compete against 23 other high schools from across the nation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on April 20, 2024. Brain Brawl presents an exhilarating academic showdown, characterized by rapid-fire buzzer rounds reminiscent of popular game shows like Jeopardy. Participants showcase their knowledge across diverse subjects including Naval Science, pop culture, and an array of other topics.
Never resting, the Bombers would like to remind the community of upcoming events. The unit will conduct a formal change of command, where the class of 2024 will hand over the reins to the class of 2025, in Dunbar Auditorium on Friday, March 15th, with the annual Navy Ball and awards banquet held two weeks later on Saturday March 30th at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. The Battalion will host the Baby Bomber Invitational novice drill meet on April 5th and 6th, where JROTC units across all branches of the military from Arkansas and surrounding states will compete in a shoulder-to-shoulder air rifle match, both armed and unarmed drill competitions, an academic brain brawl, a fitness challenge, and a STEM challenge. The Bomber marksmanship team will compete in the Southeast Regional championship in Anniston, Alabama April 11th through 13th, and the drill teams will wrap the school year up with the 2024 All High School Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, in early May.
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