03/27/2022
March 23, 2022
ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:
Greetings!
We just started the last 9 weeks of school and it’s a race to the finish-line. From now until graduation, we’ll conduct / play a part in 27 different events encompassing Color Guards, Field Trips, Community Support and our long awaited evaluation by Headquarters, AFJROTC. So, buckle up, take a deep breath and off we go!
To avoid creating a novel out of this letter, I created a chronological table depicting our upcoming events and I’ll limit my comments to the highlighted items.
Friday, 1 Apr / Color Guard: 0800 Opening ceremonies at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Thompson Boling Arena - Later that morning, we return to the arena on a field trip to view various displays and watch the competition. The bus will depart at 0900. Both activities take place during academic time, therefore, all cadets MUST have a “C” or better in all classes to participate. Uniform: Alternate w/AF Belt & Buckle.
Saturday, 9 Apr / Bataan Memorial March: 15 mile memorial hike honoring WWII Veterans of the infamous Bataan March. Location: Haw Ridge Park in Oak Ridge. Details on what to bring/wear will be published/distributed in a flyer. Transportation provided by Parent/Guardian. MREs for lunch. Cadets will seek a donation for each mile walked. All proceeds benefit the non-profit veterans support organization “Smoky Mountain Service Dogs”.
Tuesday, 19 Apr / Headquarters AFJROTC Inspection: This is it. Our long awaited formal evaluation from our Region 7 Director, Mr. Barron. WARNING – our inspection takes place on the first day back from Easter Break. Therefore, all uniform items must be in inspection order NLT Thursday, 14 April: Service Dress - Dry-cleaned (including Flight Cap) / Light Blue Shirt – Collar and armpits scrubbed, shirt Machine Washed & Ironed / Shoes – Polished to a “High Gloss” / V-neck T-shirt & Black Issued Socks washed & ready / Rank, Nametags, Ribbons, etc., properly placed & attached. And, it’s imperative that every cadet meets or exceeds published Air Force Grooming Standards regarding: Haircuts, Nails, Jewelry, etc. MSgt and I will have a “laser focus” on these items the week prior to our inspection. REMEMBER: Tuesday, 19 April will be a scheduled Service Dress Uniform Lab Day!
Thursday, 21 Apr / Color Guard: 0800 Flag Raising Ceremony and 1000 Opening Ceremony for the traveling Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall That Heals”. Location: Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville TN 37918
Saturday, 23 Apr / Field Trip to “The Wall That Heals”: Guided tour of Memorial and attached Education Center coordinated for 0930. The bus departs Karns HS at 0830. Location: Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville TN 37918. Uniform: Alternate w/AF Belt & Buckle.
Friday, 29 Apr / Setup for our annual Spring Bazaar: 1700 – 2000 at Karns HS. Bring “Grubbies” and work gloves. Service Hour credit provided. Some vendors may arrive early to set up as well.
Saturday, 30 Apr / Karns Community Spring Bazaar: 0800 – 1600, come fed and ready to work! Vendors arrive between 0800 and 0930. Cadets will assist with unloading, carrying, and placing vendor materials at their assigned locations. Throughout the day, cadets will man various stations as directed by the Patrons of TN-932. From 1500 – 1600, cadets will assist with tear-down, pack up, and transport of materials to vendor vehicles followed by cleanup and reset of all school areas used by the Bazaar. Bring cash for lunch. There’ll be several food trucks and specialty food vendors available. Service Hour credit provided. Uniform: Alternate w/Black Belt.
Saturday, 14 Apr / AFJROTC Annual Awards & Flag Retirement Ceremony: 0800 – 1200. THIS IS A MANDATORY FORMATION! Cadets must arrive NLT 0800 to make final preparations for the event. Awards Ceremony – 0900 to 1030 / Flag Retirement Ceremony 1100 to 1200 Location: Karns HS Football Stadium (weather permitting) Backup location – Karns HS Main Gymnasium. Uniform: Alternate w/AF Belt & Buckle.
23 – 27 May / Finals Week and Graduation: We’ll assist with setup and teardown of the football stadium for graduation – Date & Time TBD. Bring “Grubbies” and work gloves. Graduation is 27 May...then, WE’RE DONE!
There’s a lot to do and support from the Homefront is essential to success. If you can chaperone a field trip or assist with our race to the finish line -
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Lt Col O’Donnell
P
