AROTC award presentation

Great to hear about all the terrific awards ceremonies. You all are very fortunate, both my sons received AROTC Scholarships, unfortunately their high school does not have the level of appreciation for the military as some school such as yours.

No military award presentations are allowed at the school, Academy or ROTC, in fact military personell are not allowed to wear their uniforms on school grounds. Recruiters are allowed only to drop off pamphlets, they are not allowed to talk to students directly, and are not allowed to wear a uniform.

There have been arranged visits by some that are allowed to talk about SA's or ROTC but it is very controlled. All students wishing to attend any visit needs to have a signed permission slip from their parents. For every military display in the career center the school requires an equal display from organizations that advise against the military.

During graduation they give a program, in the program they have a page that lists scholarships, we had to argue with the school administration to get them to include his ROTC scholarship in the program. My son could care less at that point but it was more the principle of the thing for me.

During a school sponsered College fare off campus they required any Military to be in a back room under the stairs far away from the main room, and they were not allowed to walk around the main room in their uniform.

I think the biggest issue for me was when my son stpped by the high school to visit a couple old teachers after he graduated and commissioned, he had to check in with the office first, this is standard for everyone. The issue was that they knew he was in the military, even though he was not in uniform, he had to listen while they told him he was not allowed to say anything about being in the military while on school grounds. He decided to leave, met the teachers later for coffee.

It's nice to hear that other schools are not this restrictive and appreciate the military. You really want to get riled up, come to a Veterens Day assembly, One member of the military (No uniform) and at least 3 or 4 Anti-military speakers, there were always a few including my sons that would walk out of the assembly.

Good luck to all your son's and daughters, sounds like they had a great send off from their schools.

.....and thanks for letting me vent.
Wow - I would be as frustrated - if not more, if my high school was like that. Seeing this makes me very fortunate that my high school is not like that.

That truly is a shame that some still think this way - even after all the sacrifices our Warfighters make so they can sit there and regulate that ...
 
.....and thanks for letting me vent.

Vent! - Please do! Sounds like you need to drop off a map with the line for British Columbia following the Columbia River down to the Pacific. I want to say other things but am withholding my comments since they could be deemed offensive. Of course I'm offended by the attitude of your school towards the military but since I live in a "fly-over" state I probably don't matter.

OBTW, my son received a standing ovation from his class and their parents for his USMA appointment at his HS awards ceremony. He did not experience such disdain - in fact just the opposite. So when asked and we tell people how proud we are of him, we are quick to add that his passion is to serve and give back to our country - even if it means giving up his life in war.
 
Last edited:
Great to hear about all the terrific awards ceremonies. You all are very fortunate, both my sons received AROTC Scholarships, unfortunately their high school does not have the level of appreciation for the military as some school such as yours.

No military award presentations are allowed at the school, Academy or ROTC, in fact military personell are not allowed to wear their uniforms on school grounds. Recruiters are allowed only to drop off pamphlets, they are not allowed to talk to students directly, and are not allowed to wear a uniform.

There have been arranged visits by some that are allowed to talk about SA's or ROTC but it is very controlled. All students wishing to attend any visit needs to have a signed permission slip from their parents. For every military display in the career center the school requires an equal display from organizations that advise against the military.

During graduation they give a program, in the program they have a page that lists scholarships, we had to argue with the school administration to get them to include his ROTC scholarship in the program. My son could care less at that point but it was more the principle of the thing for me.

During a school sponsered College fare off campus they required any Military to be in a back room under the stairs far away from the main room, and they were not allowed to walk around the main room in their uniform.

I think the biggest issue for me was when my son stpped by the high school to visit a couple old teachers after he graduated and commissioned, he had to check in with the office first, this is standard for everyone. The issue was that they knew he was in the military, even though he was not in uniform, he had to listen while they told him he was not allowed to say anything about being in the military while on school grounds. He decided to leave, met the teachers later for coffee.

It's nice to hear that other schools are not this restrictive and appreciate the military. You really want to get riled up, come to a Veterens Day assembly, One member of the military (No uniform) and at least 3 or 4 Anti-military speakers, there were always a few including my sons that would walk out of the assembly.

Good luck to all your son's and daughters, sounds like they had a great send off from their schools.

.....and thanks for letting me vent.

OMG!!! That is absolutely horrible!!!!! Is that a public school? private? No matter which, this is America!!! That just really ticks me off. And I'm not military.. But I'm an educator.. I would really like to say a whole lot more, but I'll keep it nice. I'm just in awe that the school has such blatant disrespect for our country.:unhappy: and the students. My DS wants so badly to be a soldier and his school has supported and encouraged him. I do thank them for that. I can image how that kind of attitude can wilt a child's spirit. Shame on them.

Kudos for your son and others for making a statement like walking out of the "un"-Veteran's Day ceremony... If it wouldn't be for veterans, they would not be able to enjoy many of the freedoms that they protected so well for us!

I'm so sorry for your family. Your son's accomplishments should have been recognized. I'm proud of him and I don't even know him.
 
OMG!!! That is absolutely horrible!!!!! Is that a public school? private? No matter which, this is America!!! That just really ticks me off. And I'm not military.. But I'm an educator.. I would really like to say a whole lot more, but I'll keep it nice. I'm just in awe that the school has such blatant disrespect for our country.:unhappy: and the students. My DS wants so badly to be a soldier and his school has supported and encouraged him. I do thank them for that. I can image how that kind of attitude can wilt a child's spirit. Shame on them.

Kudos for your son and others for making a statement like walking out of the "un"-Veteran's Day ceremony... If it wouldn't be for veterans, they would not be able to enjoy many of the freedoms that they protected so well for us!

I'm so sorry for your family. Your son's accomplishments should have been recognized. I'm proud of him and I don't even know him.

For both of my son's, they never felt a need for any public recognition, as most all of the kids represented on this board, It is nice when the school allows such things though.

As my son's put it, Everyone they cared about knew what they were doing and were supportive, even if they had different viewpoints.

It's more of an administration policy, a policy that doesn't seem to have the effect they are looking for. There were 2 students heading off to SA's and a few that received ROTC Scholarships not to mention some that were enlisting. For the most part the students at the school are very supportive of the military and much more open minded then the administration. It is a public school by the way.
 
Great to hear about all the terrific awards ceremonies. You all are very fortunate, both my sons received AROTC Scholarships, unfortunately their high school does not have the level of appreciation for the military as some school such as yours.

No military award presentations are allowed at the school, Academy or ROTC, in fact military personell are not allowed to wear their uniforms on school grounds. Recruiters are allowed only to drop off pamphlets, they are not allowed to talk to students directly, and are not allowed to wear a uniform.

There have been arranged visits by some that are allowed to talk about SA's or ROTC but it is very controlled. All students wishing to attend any visit needs to have a signed permission slip from their parents. For every military display in the career center the school requires an equal display from organizations that advise against the military.

During graduation they give a program, in the program they have a page that lists scholarships, we had to argue with the school administration to get them to include his ROTC scholarship in the program. My son could care less at that point but it was more the principle of the thing for me.

During a school sponsered College fare off campus they required any Military to be in a back room under the stairs far away from the main room, and they were not allowed to walk around the main room in their uniform.

I think the biggest issue for me was when my son stpped by the high school to visit a couple old teachers after he graduated and commissioned, he had to check in with the office first, this is standard for everyone. The issue was that they knew he was in the military, even though he was not in uniform, he had to listen while they told him he was not allowed to say anything about being in the military while on school grounds. He decided to leave, met the teachers later for coffee.

It's nice to hear that other schools are not this restrictive and appreciate the military. You really want to get riled up, come to a Veterens Day assembly, One member of the military (No uniform) and at least 3 or 4 Anti-military speakers, there were always a few including my sons that would walk out of the assembly.

Good luck to all your son's and daughters, sounds like they had a great send off from their schools.

.....and thanks for letting me vent.

Where the hell is this high school? Berkeley?
 
For both of my son's, they never felt a need for any public recognition, as most all of the kids represented on this board, It is nice when the school allows such things though.

As my son's put it, Everyone they cared about knew what they were doing and were supportive, even if they had different viewpoints.

It's more of an administration policy, a policy that doesn't seem to have the effect they are looking for. There were 2 students heading off to SA's and a few that received ROTC Scholarships not to mention some that were enlisting. For the most part the students at the school are very supportive of the military and much more open minded then the administration. It is a public school by the way.

What you relate is horrible. I really want to cry. When I was in high school, my dad was still active duty. They had a parent/teacher conference every year and my parent always came together. We had a counselor who would always give my dad a hard time for coming in uniform (he took time off and came straight from the base). But that was the 70's. It is so sad that there are still pockets like this in the US.

But I am very happy that the student body seems to ignore the propoganda and still come out to serve their country!
 
It's more of an administration policy, a policy that doesn't seem to have the effect they are looking for. There were 2 students heading off to SA's and a few that received ROTC Scholarships not to mention some that were enlisting. For the most part the students at the school are very supportive of the military and much more open minded then the administration. It is a public school by the way.
I am very glad to hear this at the very least!!

Hopefully in time we will all come full circle; regardless of viewpoints.
 
For the most part the students at the school are very supportive of the military and much more open minded then the administration. It is a public school by the way.

Also being from Washington State I know there are folks in our schools that can be hostile to the military. However, I'm shocked by such aggressive opposition from a school district or school administration.
 
Also being from Washington State I know there are folks in our schools that can be hostile to the military. However, I'm shocked by such aggressive opposition from a school district or school administration.

I am from Washington State as well and although this is a rather "liberal" state I have not felt any of the hostility Jcleppe's son felt whether it be at my high school or any of the schools I have visited for recruiting.

I have a feeling I know what high school he was talking about though and it is in the immediate Seattle area.
 
Also being from Washington State I know there are folks in our schools that can be hostile to the military. However, I'm shocked by such aggressive opposition from a school district or school administration.

I am in Washington and my son will be recognized at the the Senior Awards night for his NROTC-MO Scholarship. One student is headed to USAFA and I believe we have another ROTC scholarship recipient. All of these boys will be given significant recognition next week in front of parents, peers and family and our school has done this each year.
 
I am in Washington and my son will be recognized at the the Senior Awards night for his NROTC-MO Scholarship. One student is headed to USAFA and I believe we have another ROTC scholarship recipient. All of these boys will be given significant recognition next week in front of parents, peers and family and our school has done this each year.


Cat, extremely pleased to hear this. These young men have worked hard for this accomplishment and deserve to be acknowledged..:thumb:

Shout out to all who received scholarships this year:shake::shake::shake::shake: Best of luck to you all as you begin a new phase in your lives... Thanks for your courage to protect our freedoms...
 
Recognition You All Have Earned

Not to go too off topic. My DS was just notified on 17 May by USMA that he was accepted to the Class of 2017. His High School administrators, friends and most importantly his Family are so proud of him. What an Honor.

While rushing to assist DS in getting all his paperwork in order that USMA requires we had to see his Orthodontists for an x ray. When the Doctor walked into the room to exam him he stated, “Oh so you want to go to West Point to become a trained killer”. My jaw hit the floor when he said that. As a Law Enforcement professional I was taught to be thick skinned and let stupid comments roll off my back but this one I could not.
I had to instruct this highly educated man the meaning of Service to God and Country for which many Veterans sacrificed so he can have that Diploma on his wall.

God Bless all of you who have chosen to serve our Great Nation. Walk tall and proud at your HS Graduation, you all earned it.
:thumb:
 
Not to go too off topic. My DS was just notified on 17 May by USMA that he was accepted to the Class of 2017. His High School administrators, friends and most importantly his Family are so proud of him. What an Honor.

While rushing to assist DS in getting all his paperwork in order that USMA requires we had to see his Orthodontists for an x ray. When the Doctor walked into the room to exam him he stated, “Oh so you want to go to West Point to become a trained killer”. My jaw hit the floor when he said that. As a Law Enforcement professional I was taught to be thick skinned and let stupid comments roll off my back but this one I could not.
I had to instruct this highly educated man the meaning of Service to God and Country for which many Veterans sacrificed so he can have that Diploma on his wall.

God Bless all of you who have chosen to serve our Great Nation. Walk tall and proud at your HS Graduation, you all earned it.
:thumb:

You're a better man than I. I would have socked him after which he could have examined his own teeth.
 
Not to go too off topic. My DS was just notified on 17 May by USMA that he was accepted to the Class of 2017. His High School administrators, friends and most importantly his Family are so proud of him. What an Honor.

While rushing to assist DS in getting all his paperwork in order that USMA requires we had to see his Orthodontists for an x ray. When the Doctor walked into the room to exam him he stated, “Oh so you want to go to West Point to become a trained killer”. My jaw hit the floor when he said that. As a Law Enforcement professional I was taught to be thick skinned and let stupid comments roll off my back but this one I could not.
I had to instruct this highly educated man the meaning of Service to God and Country for which many Veterans sacrificed so he can have that Diploma on his wall.

God Bless all of you who have chosen to serve our Great Nation. Walk tall and proud at your HS Graduation, you all earned it.
:thumb:

My older son was sitting in his Jazz Band class, he was a senior. Somehow the military came up and the Band Teacher told the class that "the only prople that join the military are the poor and uneducated that have no other options in life."

Everyone just turned and looked at my son because they all knew about his ROTC Scholarship and plans for the Army. My son just said " I have a 3.8 GPA, I have been accepted into various colleges, I have earned a full AROTC Scholarship, and I have unlimited options, care to rephrase that statement"

The teacher was a bit stunned, the rest of the class just started to clap their hands loudly. It's fun when the kids get to teach the teachers.
 
What is happening to this country??? It seems to me that those making the comments are the ignorant ones:wink:

I understand we have our own opinions and have the freedom to speak them. But come on... To say this to young people?? If their career choice was drug dealing for example I could understand.. But the military/soldier is an honorable career choice. As an educator, parent, human being, I could never dash someone's hopes like that. It's horrible.


esu1hammer- You are the bigger man!!!:thumb:
 
Not to go too off topic. My DS was just notified on 17 May by USMA that he was accepted to the Class of 2017. His High School administrators, friends and most importantly his Family are so proud of him. What an Honor.

While rushing to assist DS in getting all his paperwork in order that USMA requires we had to see his Orthodontists for an x ray. When the Doctor walked into the room to exam him he stated, “Oh so you want to go to West Point to become a trained killer”. My jaw hit the floor when he said that. As a Law Enforcement professional I was taught to be thick skinned and let stupid comments roll off my back but this one I could not.
I had to instruct this highly educated man the meaning of Service to God and Country for which many Veterans sacrificed so he can have that Diploma on his wall.

God Bless all of you who have chosen to serve our Great Nation. Walk tall and proud at your HS Graduation, you all earned it.
:thumb:

What is happening to this country??? It seems to me that those making the comments are the ignorant ones:wink:

I understand we have our own opinions and have the freedom to speak them. But come on... To say this to young people?? If their career choice was drug dealing for example I could understand.. But the military/soldier is an honorable career choice. As an educator, parent, human being, I could never dash someone's hopes like that. It's horrible.


esu1hammer- You are the bigger man!!!:thumb:

There are plenty of people who discredit our young based upon important life decisions. Has happened for generations. Adults have notions of what young folks "should" strive to achieve that they were socialized to believe. They give strong opinions based upon their position of authority more than their actual understanding of what defines success. Many of us parents do this as well, trying to steer our children to and away from certain professions. We all know our children won't play in the NFL/NBA/MLB/NHL, so at a certain point most of us discourage the pursuit of that to the degree it subtracts from ideal occupations we want them to pursue. Some parents are more subtle than others.

Ultimately, we as adults are responsible for giving practical guidance to the youth we are responsible for, helping them to understand their talents and guiding them to use those talents in a socially productive manner. This practitioner doesn't seem to have a respect for the larger social idea of military careers as honorable, nor the talents of his/her patient. It isn't like this is the family pediatrician who has seen this kid several times a year since birth and thinks the kid doesn't have the physical makeup to stand up to the rigors of military service.

I'd be looking for another practitioner for any future work.
 
My older son was sitting in his Jazz Band class, he was a senior. Somehow the military came up and the Band Teacher told the class that "the only prople that join the military are the poor and uneducated that have no other options in life."

Everyone just turned and looked at my son because they all knew about his ROTC Scholarship and plans for the Army. My son just said " I have a 3.8 GPA, I have been accepted into various colleges, I have earned a full AROTC Scholarship, and I have unlimited options, care to rephrase that statement"

The teacher was a bit stunned, the rest of the class just started to clap their hands loudly. It's fun when the kids get to teach the teachers.

My English teacher senior year told my buddy who was joining the Army, "Enjoy your stumps and PTSD". I was completely shocked.
 
Back
Top