On November 10, 2021, the  Semper Fi Task Force and three Wounded Warriors veterans visited Bob Jones High School AFJROTC. Lance Corporal (USMC) Taylor Howard, Staff Sergeant (USAF) Robert Brooks, and Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Joe Ferrante, (USMC), and their escort, Ms. Roseanna Cox (USA, retired), entered Bob Jones’ foyer just as the Pledge of Allegiance was being recited. In concert and without hesitation, all three immediately faced the flag and rendered a sharp salute as they joined in on reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

SSgt Robert Brooks was the first speaker. He talked about how he was deployed to the Middle East during a massive sand storm and how he had to work through that for 12 hours. He was very inspirational with his talks.  SSgt Brooks was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Angela Brooks, who gave a very informative talk about what it was like to be a military spouse.  She specifically addressed the cadets who have military parents and encouraged them to be extra supportive when their parent(s) deploy.  

Our second speaker was Lance Corporal Taylor Howard.  LCpl Howard shared that he was an infantry rifleman and that he was diagnosed with leukemia after being in the Marines for only a couple of years.  LCpl Howard, however, is still on active duty, as his cancer is now in remission. After the speakers finished talking to the group, cadets were able to talk with all guests one-on-one.  Mr. Joe Ferrante, who is with the Semper Fi Task Force, shared how he was drafted into the Marines during the Vietnam war and had been in several major battles during the war.

This was a great opportunity for the AFJROTC cadets and set the tone for Veterans Week.  We look forward to hosting the Wounded Warriors back yearly.