An American flag hangs between the Carson City NJROTC Color Guard as they stand at attention Wednesday at CHS during a change of command ceremony in front of the NJROTC building. photo by Rick Gunn
Mark Robinson knows it won't be easy to be company commander of Carson High School's Naval Junior ROTC program, but he's ready.
"It's a challenge, but challenges are what give us character," he said. "I'm excited about it."
Robinson, 17, officially received the title during a change-of-command ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the school.
Cmdr. Skip Cannady said it is better to change the company's command at the end of the year rather than waiting until the beginning of the next year.
"The seniors are a month or so from graduating. It's time for them to think of other things," he explained. "The new company staff will get plans started for next year. It's like a shot of adrenaline."
Also during the ceremony, Carson City's chapter of the Navy League of the United States adopted the school's ROTC program.
The pledge of financial support to the program will be an investment in the nation's future, said Bud Southard, president of the Navy League.
"A lot of these young students will end up in the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or even Merchant Marines," he said. "Most of them who do will end up in leadership roles."
The junior academy is a training ground.
"Along with these leadership roles comes responsibility," Southard said. "They learn a responsibility beyond what their peers are exposed to. That puts them at an advantage well into the future."
Robinson, a Carson High School junior, said he plans to join the military after graduation, but is unsure of which branch.
And he is not discouraged by the war or threats of more wars.
"I want to serve my country and protect the freedoms we share, if we have to," he said. "War is never good, but I'll fight for my country."
New Officers:
Company commander: Mark Robinson
Executive officer: Jason Hastings
Operations specialist: Chris McMahon
Supply officer: Heather Wright
Company master chief petty officer: Chad Gilmore
Outgoing Officers:
Company commander: Jason Henderson
Executive officer: Beth Ware
Operations specialist: Matt Neitzke
Supply officer: Tasha Gonzales
Company master chief petty officer: Sean Linehan