Editor:

A unique program exists at Natrona County High School; however, the people of our wonderful town do not realize the existence. This unique program is the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps class, featured only at NC. As a cadet for the last four years, I've observed a decline of cadets. This is due to how people and students see (or do not see) our program. Our program fulfills a mission statement in each cadet: "To promote young people to be better citizens." The most common mistake brought upon our program is that the program is thought to take you straight into the military; this is not true. JROTC may help with joining the military but is not something you are required to do.

Our program helps out with so many different community activities. We have Color Guards that are asked to present the national and state flag for many ceremonies. Every year we participate in the ceremonies for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. We offer a Color Guard and a Twenty-One Gun Salute to support all who have served our country. We also provide a Color Guard for Casper Parades. Participating annually in these events, we also have several other annual events: we help out the BLM with Public Lands Day and the Platte River Revival Day. Without the help of the Mustang BN, our community would still be searching for the perfect solution. In fact, the battalion makes things happen and will not give up on anyone who asks for our help.

In addition to our community service, we compete with three different teams with great success since the establishment of the program in the school year of 1913-14. Since we were established so early, we are the second-oldest JROTC battalion. Every cadet in the battalion is proud to be part of a helping team. We are Mustangs and we are here to help.

CODY PARKER, Casper