In November of 2022, the then third-year NJROTC cadets of Highland High School presented the idea of attending the 82nd Commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, to Highland NJROTC program manager, Command Master Chief (ret) Aaron Shipley. These cadets wished to travel to Hawaii and actually stand on the hallowed ground of Ford Island, look over Pearl Harbor, and see with their own eyes the lasting memorials. The idea was pitched to Highland principal, Mr. Chad Carpenter, who was a solid supporter. This still left the large and seemingly unattainable goal of fundraising the large amount needed for the flights, lodging, transportation, and meals, but they had nearly a year to make it work.
Working together, the ideas for fundraising came. Cadets drafted letters to local businesses and business leaders detailing their desires, plans, and educational gains and asked for their support. Many local business owners and leaders willingly answered this call.
Personally, cadets sold candles and candy bars, set up a booth at the Morrow County Fair, donated summer trap-shooting money, and worked extra athletic events for Highland’s Athletic Director to raise funds. With the gracious donations from the community and the overwhelming support of family, friends, and school staff with fundraising, the cadets were on their way to reaching their goal. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was coming to fruition.
To assist with Pearl Harbor and WWII history understanding, cadets were asked to take Mr. Chip Wendt’s WWII class offered at Highland, during the first semester. This would have them in Pearl Harbor, at the end of the semester, bringing the entirety of the class full circle. Seven of the cadets were able to fit that into their schedule.
In October of 2023, with one final business leader donation, this trip was a reality, and the formal planning could begin. Driftless Travel, out of Eastman, Wisconsin, owned by a retired Navy Senior Chief, volunteered to coordinate most of the larger details. Working with Navy Region Hawaii staff, our program was pointed to Pacific Historic Parks, Mr. James Neuman, coordinator for the entire commemoration. In a complete coincidence, the theme for this year’s ceremony was “Legacy of Hope.” The coordinating staff was looking for a way to incorporate JROTC cadets into every memorial ceremony, including the main ceremony. Highland’s request to participate hit Mr. Neuman’s desk at exactly the right time. One phone call from Mr. Neuman and Master Chief Shipley told him, “You have the green light to work Highland NJROTC cadets as hard as you can and rest assured, they will not let you down.” Mr. Neuman and the Hawaii Pacific Parks staff did exactly that and, in doing so, provided Highland cadets with experiences and memories that will truly last a lifetime;
Along with Master Chief Shipley and Mrs. Kayla Chatterton Sammons, cadets flew from John Glen International on Sunday, Dec. 3 and began their Pearl Harbor, Hawaii experience. For two of them, this was the first time flying, so everything was a new event. Landing on the island of Oahu, with some jet lag present, cadets were eager to get started.
Cadets participated in each and every ceremony. On Dec. 6, cadets visited the USS Missouri for a complete tour. They stood on the surrender deck where the war was officially ended. That same evening a sunset ceremony for USS Utah saw 200 people in attendance. Cadets Nevaeh Woods and Audrie Cain stood on the pier leading to the memorial in front of the crowd and, with exacting enunciation, calmly and professionally announced the ranks and names of 58 sailors lost in Utah.
Dec. 7 saw cadets at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for the main ceremony. They arrived at 0500 with zero complaints. Standing at the visitors center, you overlook Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the bridge to Ford Island – it’s mesmerizing. Cadets were treated as special guests and provided an area for snacks and drinks, as well as prime seating. Cadet Brianna Tuggle, Highland NJROTC Company Commander, was selected to escort Mr. Harry Chandler, 102-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, into the Remembrance Circle in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 people. She and Mr. Chandler would witness the missing-man flyover of F35 fighter jets, and together would salute the passing of the USS Decatur with her rails manned, honoring the event and the USS Arizona Memorial. Cadets Megan Decker, Elyssa Reigles, and Ryleigh Dewart were selected to march from the Contemplation Circle, carrying service wreaths, to place on stands in the Remembrance Circle.
After the main ceremony cadets were invited for a special tour to USS Arizona memorial with Pearl Harbor Survivors and Rosie the Riveters. This event will never be recreated and was such an emotional, yet satisfying, experience for the cadets. They were taken by boat to the memorial and were able to spend substantial time on the boat and the memorial.
From there, cadets went to the USS Oklahoma ceremony, where they performed as ushers, helping seat guests, handing out programs, and assisted the Marines 21-gun salute (some cadets were given brass from the salute).
The final event was a partial ash-scattering of Pearl Harbor Survivor Jack Holder, who passed away earlier in the year at age 101. Ashes were scattered at the USS Utah memorial. The ceremony saw Austin Grandstaff, Brendon Fox, and Ryleigh Dewart participating in front of this unusually large crowd. These cadets unfolded a flag that had earlier in the day been flown over USS Arizona, held it open while a Navy Chaplain gave a memorial prayer and refolded it. Austin then presented it to the family representative, and he and Brendon saluted.
Cadets were also able to take in some local culture while there; they visited the Honolulu Zoo, the famed Waikiki Beach, climbed Diamond Head and Koko Head, visited the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Top of the Tower Tour, and took full advantage of a typical Hawaiian Luau at Germaine’s Luau.
The final event before departing was a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Oahu’s Punchbowl Crater near Honolulu.
Cadets arrived safe and sound back at John Glen on the morning of Dec. 9. They would like to thank the entire community for the support of this fantastic event.
