The NJROTC Program instituted a "Senior Leadership Seminar" for the first time in its history.  The pilot course was held June 9-13 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee.  The Commander was one of six instructors selected for this course; nine Gulf cadets participated in the training.

The seminar is designed for cadets who are moving into senior leadership positions within their respective Units next (school) year.  It is not a replacement for what has typically been known as "Leadership Academy."  Instead, this course should be viewed as one which is a follow-on to the St. Petersburg program.  It is intended for cadets either in or being considered for senior leadership positions (e.g., CO, XO, OPS,  CMC, etc.). 

This course (content, activities, instruction) was nothing short of OUTSTANDING!  Cadets from around the state not only worked together in numerous (physical) team-building exercises outdoors (on land and water), but also in the classroom.  Several classroom leadership activities required cadets to work in groups and discuss potential leadership decisions when given various situations or scenarios.  All groups presented their results and had the opportunity to discuss among everyone.  Water survival, canoeing, rafting, sailing and a host of other activities presented a wonderful opportunity for learning various facets of leadership development, failure and success.

It was particularly gratifying to see how well the cadets came together to work on common issues, with the intent to take the lessons learned home to their Units and implement them as necessary.  They worked hard at most everything they did and learned volumes about true leadership, their responsibility and accountability.

Twenty-five of our finest cadets, the Chief and Commander travelled to the "Space Coast" on Saturday, June 7th to spend the day at Kennedy Space Center.  What a thrilling day it was for everyone!  We arrived shortly after the facility opened and spent most of the day at the site before returning home.  The cadets toured the "Missile Garden," the "Nature" facility, a mock-up of the Space Shuttle, and so much more.  They were able to experience the sights, sounds and feelings of a veritcal launch from the Shuttle's simulator.  They saw two IMAX movies - "Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D" and "Space Station 3D."  Both were very informative and quite interesting to say the least.  Also included were tours to the International Space Station Center, LC 39 Observation Gantry, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center.  What a great day!

On Saturday, May 31st, the NJROTC cadets hosted a fun day (at GHS) for the incoming 9th graders from Gulf Middle School and their parents.  This was the first in a series of events which we plan to host annually.  The kids participated in as many as seven fun events (i.e., obstacle course, tractor tire roll, sled pull, three-legged race, klacker-board, basket ball free-throw, shot-put) and two winners (one male, one female) received nice trophies.  All the kids participating received gift cards for local area vendors.  The booster club parents and some of our cadets grilled burgers and hot dogs, and provided drinks to everyone throughout the day.  We hope that our event next year will be even more successful.

The cadets, parents and instructors had a FANTASTIC time at this years ball!  More than 80% of the cadets participated and nearly all are anxious for next years ball!  The folks at the Spartan Manor were wonderful and the food was great.  All the cadets danced and sang songs, and many enjoyed receiving door prizes provided by our Booster Club.  There was the traditional cake cutting ceremony where the senior and junior individuals present (LCDR Nesthus and Cadet Nelson) cut the cake with a sword, as well as, the MIA/POW ceremony performed by the Honor Guard, representing each of our military services.

Our 2008 Annual Military Ball will be held at the Spartan Manor, between the hours of 6:30 and 11:00 p.m. This is a (formal) black tie event for all cadets AND THEIR PARENTS! It is representative of a time-honored tradition where everyone dresses their absolute best, and has a great night of dignified dining, dancing and fun! There will be lots of games, door prizes and more! We will also remember and honor those serving, those who have served, those who have paid the ultimate price, and our Missing in Action/Prisoner of War veterans. Please join us.

What:    2008 Military Ball

Where: Spartan Manor (6121 Massachusettes Ave, NPR/727-849-6464)

When:   Friday, May 9th, 1830 - 2300

Why:      It's a tradition, AND we're going to have lots of fun!!

Menu:   Chicken Saute' (boneless breast of chicken)

               or

               Baked Ham

               (Dinners include greek or ceasar salad, potato salad, potato, vegetable, fresh bread, chefs choice of dessert, coffee and tea. There will be an open soda fountain as well.)

Tickets:  $20.00 per person. Available from the Commander or Chief (at school - 727-774-3352 or 727-774-3354)

Information for cadets and parents:

Ten of our cadets will support an annual Tea Party function hosted and sponsored by the Gulf Harbors Woodlands Community.  Cadets shall find transportation to and from Gulf Harbor Woodlands Club House Number ONE. You need to be there by 11:00 a.m. to help set up, then remain until 2:00 p.m. to serve and provide other assistance to the sponsors. Uniform for the function is Summer Blue. The Commander will meet you at the clubhouse.

Directions: From US-19, head west on Marine Parkway. Turn left on Topaz. Clubhouse Number ONE will be on your left [5124 Topaz Lane, NPR].

If you have questions, contact your CO (Cadet LCDR James Cody).

The Gulf NJROTC Buccaneers have made headlines again!  Results of the Secretary of the Navy’s annual National Academic Exam were received on Tuesday, April 1st.  The exam is administered during the first week in March every year, with the results advertized about a month later.  The Unit, for the first time, has put one of its teams in the coveted "Top 100."  The cadets on this team placed 5th of 116 teams in the state and 9th of 1525 in the nation!  Further, three of Gulf’s five teams placed in the top 25% in the state, and the same three placed in the top 17% in the nation. Everyone in the Unit is extremely excited about this milestone.

Another GREAT day!!!  On Friday afternoon, the 28th of March, the GHS NJROTC hosted its first Pasco County Fun Meet in years.  Five of the six county teams arrived at the Buccaneer campus before noon to take a look at the much anticipated new "Obstacle Course" created earlier in the week.  There were a total of thirteen events in which each of the teams competed.  While not all-inclusive, some of the events included the obstacle course, the truck push, the tractor tire roll, the sled pull, the shot put, the three-legged relay, the wheelbarrow relay, the tug-of-war, the 100 and 200 yard relays and more.  The cadets, both those competing and those hosting (Gulf) appeared to have a REALLY GOOD TIME!!!  And, we were done ahead of schedule!  Also, this was the first year that trophies were awarded for every event, not just the overall "traveling trophy."  Congratulations to ALL competing cadets and instructors, particularly to Ridgewood who won the overall event, and Pasco who won the "Spirit Award."  We'll be anxious to compete next year when another Unit hosts the event.

What a great day!!! A majority of the Unit cadets, both instructors, and numerous parents and family members enjoyed the event on the 15th.  The cadets met on the beach before daybreak, where they warmed up with organized stretching and more in order to prepare for the stretch & reach, the sit-ups and push-ups, and the 1.5 mile timed run.  The official start time was 0800 and the cadets were all finished by 0900, after which they "shifted gears" (from the serious to the fun) and had a BLAST playing different games on the beach and in the water.  The BBQ started about 1030 and carried on until the afternoon.  Not only did everyone have a wonderful time, but ALL cadets finished the 1.5 mile run.  While some did not meet the minimum required time for their age group, this was the very first time they actually finished the run.  What an accomplishment!

The Gulf HS NJROTC will hold its second physical fitness test and family picnic event (of the school year) on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Robert K. Rees Park (aka Green Key Park). All cadets must be at the park (beach area) no later than 7:00 a.m., ready for an 8:00 a.m. kickoff for the test. 

The family picnic, for cadets and all members of the "IMMEDIATE" family, will start upon completion of the PFT (approximately 9:30/10:00 a.m.). Parents please bring a dish to pass and/or dessert. Cadets must bring a liter of soda or water. Hot dogs and hamburgers (with buns) will be provided.

There will be various fun events (e.g., beach football, volleyball, frisbee, and more) throughout the entire morning and perhaps into the afternoon. We will have one large pavilion (with grills) for our use, as well as, all the "kiddie" equipment on the beach. It should be lots of fun for cadets and family members. See you there!

*This is a MANDATORY event for ALL cadets. A significant portion of the cadet grade is based on both participation and the results of this event/test.