Showing Their True Colors

The Pottstown High School Air Force Junior ROTC Unit's Color Guard at the PIAA State Football Championship game in Hershey.

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

or the second year in a row, the Pottstown High School Air Force Junior ROTC Unit was invited to present the colors at the annual PIAA State Football Championship game held in Hershey.

The 17 member color guard unit marched into the stadium amid repetitious cheers of “USA Today!” from the crowd who waved American flags. 

This year’s color guard presentation was more ceremonial than in the past.

Game coordinators positioned the color guard between the referees and the team captains to witness the coin toss and immediately after the presentation of the colors. The entire ceremony was broadcast throughout the state of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

The Pottstown Junior ROTC unit, which numbers more than 100 cadets, is led by Col. James Porter and Sgt. Alex Bolar. 

“I was pleased to see that Americans still hold the symbol of our country’s greatness in high esteem. It boosts the moral and the confidence of our color guard members when the onlookers of an event cheer to the American flag and for those who carry it,” Bolor said.

“Our commitment to produce well-rounded citizens of character, materializes in events such as the PIAA Championships. When there is an event where the color guard is needed, every member of the team wants to be there and participate,” said Porter.

The high school unit performs for approximately ten months out of the school year. 

Members of the unit’s color guard spend an average of 12 hours a week preparing for events so that, according to Porter, “the team can meet every call to perform with the same degree of exacting precision and excellence.”

The Pottstown High School Junior Air Force ROTC unit has received the International Outstanding Unit Award for 14 years in a row. 

Members of the Color Guard unit include: Nathan Fuerman, Chad Brown, Timothy Grassi, Alfredo Matias, Joey Gordon, Samantha Stotsenburgh, Savana Loveland, Givonal Mitchell, Angelina Schaff, William Rommel, Anthony Rivera, Nathan Kugler, Aaron Irizarry, Benjamin Habekost, Josh Stasik, and Andrew Strauss.

Flag Ceremony Highlights ROTC Unit's Skills

From left, Greg Pearson, Andrew Strauss, Nathan Fuerman, Chris Kopack, Justin Strauss,
Angelina Schaff.

Blogger's Note: John Armato has provided us with information about the most recent activities of the Air Force Junior ROTC program.

Recently, cadets from the Pottstown High School Air Force Junior ROTC program, under the direction of Sgt. Alex Bolar, presented a flag folding ceremony at the Mahanatawny Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Cadets participating in the program were Greg Pearson, Andrew Strauss, Nathan Fuerman, Chris Kopack, Justin Strauss, and Angelina Schaff.

The cadets explained the symbolism behind each of the elements in the flag folding ceremony.

Head of the DAR Chapter Marlene Armato (close relation) said, “we are privileged to have the honor guard as our program. The folding ceremony was informational, emotional, and inspiring to our members. The program was performed with precision. The members of the honor guard embody the qualities that we wish for in the young citizens of our country.”

Sgt. Bolar, a veteran of many years in military service, observed, “Today’s ceremony was performed with the highest quality of precision and military decorum that I have had the opportunity to be involved with.”

What They Did on Their Summer Vacation ...

Photo provided

Members of the PHS Air Force Junior ROTC spent some of their summer drilling in the summer sun.

Blogger's Note: Well, school is back in session so you know what that means. John Armato is once again showering the Digital Notebook staff with information about the Pottstown School District.

The traditional opening week question in many classrooms of “What did you do over the summer?” was answered by 40 cadets of the Pottstown High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program with the story of their activities during the weeklong Basic Cadet Orientation program (BCO).

Under the direction of Col. Jake Porter and Sgt. Alexander Bolar, Jr., the new cadets participated in marching, leadership activities, teamwork building exercises, development of communication skills, and flag etiquette.

Photo provided

Flag etiquette was among the things in which the school's cadets
were instructed over the summer.

In describing the mission of the orientation program, Col. Porter pointed out, “The BCO program teaches responsibility, improves self-discipline, builds self‑confidence, develops leadership skills, and strengthens character – all while having fun and using a disciplined Air Force training format. The mental and physical challenges of BCO help prepare cadets for future encounters in their AFJROTC cadet career, high school life, and beyond,” he said.

The Pottstown Junior ROTC program has been recognized for 13 consecutive years with the Distinguished Unit Commendation. This year’s unit numbers approximately 140 cadets – 40 of which are part of a unique partnership program with Pottsgrove School District.

Everyday 40 Pottsgrove High School students are bused to Pottstown High School to enable their cadets to participate in the highly successful character building ROTC program.

Sgt. Bolar commented, “I am relatively new to this program but I am highly impressed by the dedication of our young men and women and am happy to see the extended partnership that we have with the Pottsgrove School District that allows their students to participate as members of our unit”.

The week-long activities included opportunities for the cadets to have some recreation time.

The highlight of those activities was the Ultimate Frisbee games played during recreation time. Pottstown Junior Air Force ROTC program is routinely involved with a number of community service programs and prides itself on its cadets developing a sense of giving towards the community.