Pottstown Jr. ROTC Unit Full of 'Top Performers'

The Pottstown High School Junior Air Force ROTC unit PA-951 performed recently at Hershey Park Stadium.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

What do you do if you are a member of the Pottstown High School Junior Air Force ROTC unit PA-951 when you find out that the unit will be inspected by the visiting Regional Director of 150 ROTC units in eastern Pennsylvania? 

Well, in Pottstown, that means you carry on as normal at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness.

Cadet Master Sgt. Zikia Paschall received a 'top performer' award
for her organizational skills.

 

Recently Retired Chief Master Sgt. Richardson from the Maxwell Air Force base in Montgomery, Alabama inspected the ROTC unit and had high praise for the cadets. 

Chief Richardson said in his report, “It is clear this unit has a well functioning cadet staff from commander down to each flight, all members of the cadet staff are involved in how the daily operations of their corps operates. Cadets take the lead on uniform inspections, drill, and corps discipline. Corps leaders are actively training their replacements to ensure continued success of the unit once they graduate.”

Chief Richardson was also impressed by the community service program. 

He noted, “The unit has a robust community service program. Cadets have logged in well over 1,000 hours of proper community service time and it is apparent that they are well respected in their community and are often sought out to provide professional color guard and honor guard services. These cadets represent the Air Force and their school extremely well.”

Of particular note about the cadets’ activities the Wellness Program was highlighted. 

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. John Stasik receives his "top performer" award.

Richardson observed that all elements of the fitness program were accomplished in their physical fitness test and that the cadets’ goal of a 20% improvement on physical testing results was an example of their dedication.

Two cadets were recognized with Top Performer awards during the inspection. 

They were Cadet Master Sgt. Zikia Paschall and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Josh Stasik. 

The “Top Performer” award is presented to no more than 2% of the cadet corps. The award recognizes a cadet’s performance in the following key areas: leadership and job performance: in primary duties and specifically in preparation for the unit’s triennial assessment. Also important in consideration is the cadets’ involvement and positions held in extracurricular activities, their academic performance, and overall coursework.

Zikia Paschall has distinguished herself as a Top Performer in her duties as Logistics Officer for the unit. 

She exhibited superb organizational skills while outfitting over 120 cadets with uniforms. 

In order to accomplish ensuring proper uniforms for all cadets given a one week deadline, she assembled a four person team and trained them. To ensure that cadets were ready for their first uniform inspection, she and her team spent part of their summer vacation, after school weekdays, and weekends comprising individual uniform items for cadets. Her dedication and selfless efforts reflect a cadet who has exceeded the instructor’s expectations and makes her worthy of receiving “Top Performer” recognition.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Josh Stasik has distinguished himself through leadership and aggressive volunteerism. 

In his two and a half years with the unit, he has been recognized as a community service workhorse. During that time he has made himself available at every possible moment amassing an impressive 239 volunteer hours. 

He is also an active member of the color guard and serves with pride and dedication as the unit’s Drill Team Commander. He has a “can do” and selfless attitude which reflects great credit upon himself and his unit.