AFJROTC flies through inspection

BY ANGEL CHIARAVALLO
          The AFJROTC program performed in an inspection on December 3. They exceeded standards from the inspector, assistant regional director James Garcia.

          “The recent inspection was excellent! From our mass inspection to our unit briefing, we received an overall exceeding standard,” said Shayaan Qaiser, who has the role of inspector general. He ensured the cadets’ uniforms looked up to the highest standards in every category. “The inspector left satisfied, even recognizing select cadets – including myself – for superior performance.”

          During the process, inspectors made sure the squadron had spotless uniforms and remained professional. They made sure everyone performed well in their departments and guaranteed to exceed standards. “For our program to do so well on the inspection, it shows how dedicated every cadet is,” said Alyssa Cartagena. “We work so hard to excel in different areas by encouraging each other to always do our best.”

          “As the Squadron Commander, I hold the highest position available in the squadron. During the inspection, my role was to take command of the entire room, bringing the cadets to ‘open rank’ formation so the inspector could properly evaluate them,” said Malli Khokhal. She helped guide the inspector to every cadet and stayed with him throughout the process.

          To ensure success in each of their flights, all flight commanders trained their cadets to perfection. “I am a Flight Commander for Alpha Flight. I lead my flight to their part of the formation,” shared Natalie Harris, who led one of the five flights.

          The program showed their activities and accomplishments to the inspector, James Garcia. “We presented to the inspector an overview of our AFJROTC program, highlighting our mission, core activities, community service initiatives, and overall program structure,” stated Khokhal. The presentation team included Kamila Omirzak, Brianna Pelaez, Samantha Prado Roberts, Shayaan Qaiser, Domenika Popovych, Yara Al-Zubadi, Rachel Lipsitz, and Priana Lazerson.

          The AFJROTC program also received several trophies at a competition on January 11: 1st Unarmed Regulation, 1st armed regulation, 1st new cadet, 1st armed color guard, 2nd armed solo exhibition, 2nd athletics, 3rd unarmed dual exhibition. “I am helping to make sure that all the teams have the right number of cadets, and those cadets are prepared, we have all the right equipment, and that we are ready as a team to compete at Piscataway,” said Madelyn Bullen.

          The cadets continued to prepare for more competitions. “The next Drill competition coming up is on February 8th in Allentown Pennsylvania at Dieruff High School. This will be the second time that we will be competing at that school,” said Bullen.

Posted on 1/29/25

Photos by Tim O’Neill