Daleville High School JROTC installs new leadership

Daleville High School JROTC installs new leadership

The JROTC program is in full swing for the 2019-2020 school yearat Daleville High School. New officers have taken command and are motivated to continue DHS JROTC’s tradition of excellence.

According to the official Daleville High School JROTC website, “the Daleville High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) ‘Warhawk Battalion,’ teaches the fundamentals of leadership, producing highly motivated, dedicated, and intelligent individuals into our fast-paced world.”

 “I would say their leadership abilities are obvious, because, not only are they leaders here in JROTC, they are also leaders across campus-especially the Student Government Association (SGA),” Col. (ret.) Teresa Townsend said. “They are respected leaders among their peers and the faculty as well.”

“Once the former instructor and I decided that José Deras would be the Battalion Commander, we came up with a list of who would fill every position,” Col. Townsend said. “We allowed Deras, as the Battalion Commander, to help us pick his staff because they will be working directly for him.”

                  For Cadet Lieutenant Colonel José Deras, Battalion Commander, choosing his staff was something he took pride in doing. Deras was chosen to lead the staff as Battalion Commander because of his strong leadership skills and ability to work well with others. Deras, a senior, says that he was recommended for the new position by former officers. “I guess it was my attitude of getting things done, my dependability, and my ability to take command in the room.”

Many of the students said working together at the commissary on base has helped develop friendships as well as an appreciation of each individual’s talents. “We see each other every day,” Deras said. “We know what each other’s talents are and I thought about that when choosing staff.”

Deras has plans for smooth transitions next year. “Most people before us haven’t really organized, set up, and explained duties,” Deras said. “We plan to make sure that anyone coming into positions next year understands the duties and exactly what is expected of them.”

                  Cadet Major Alyssa Straw, S3 operations officer, says she wanted to be the operations officer because it is important and she had confidence in her abilities. Straw says she had a choice between being the executive officer and S3 Training Operations.

“In reality the S3 is a very critical job. The S3 deals with everything that goes on with the battalion, planning, making sure everything is executed correctly. It was a hard choice,” Straw said. “I chose the S3 because I knew that I could get things done and handle things accordingly.”

Cadet Command Sergeant Major Lauren Perkins first became Command Sgt. Maj. during her junior year when the former Command Sgt. Maj. had to step away. “Last year I was appointed to the acting Command Sergeant Major (CSM) position due to the current CSM needing to step away,” Perkins said, “I remained acting CSM for the remainder of the year. Deras and the colonel came to me and asked if I wanted the position for my senior year and I said yes.” 

Col. Townsend said Perkins is a senior enlisted cadet in the battalion. The Command Sgt. Maj. leads the Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Cadet Major Georgia Oliver, Battalion Executive Officer, was also chosen for her proven leadership abilities. Deras leads the entire battalion, but the Warhawk Battalion staff is led by Oliver.

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Alana Gordon, S1 Administration officer, has moved up the ranks quickly by striving for excellence each year. “I was recommended for the S1 position by the staff. Since my freshman year I have excelled as a leader,” Gordon said.

Gordon was Cadet of the Month and Cadet of the Year her freshman year and NCO of the Month and NCO of the Year her sophomore year. “I have moved up the chain really fast since my first year, I feel like I proved myself,” Gordon said.

Gordon is looking forward to another year of excellence. “My plan is to make sure that all the records are up to date so that the person that comes after me doesn’t have to struggle and scramble to get everything worked out,” Gordon said. “My predecessor, Straw, had everything organized for me.  So I wasn’t going into a mess. I appreciated that and I plan to do the same.”

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Jayden Faulk, S2 security officer, is the security and intelligence officer of the battalion. According to Col. Townsend the position requires a person that is trustworthy and serious.

“Faulk is the security and intelligence officer. He is responsible for the battalion’s security. He is trustworthy and very serious, he doesn’t talk a lot. This position requires someone who takes things seriously and will pay attention,” Col. Townsend said.

Cadet 1st Lieutenant Janee Clements, S4 logistics officer, wanted to be the logistics officer because she is a former communications officer and was aware of the requirements for logistics.

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Amerikus Enfinger, S5 public affairs officer, said last year she really wanted to be on staff. “Last year I really wanted to be on staff. I asked a lot of questions and I tried my best. When older cadets recommended me for the position of S5 public affairs officer, I was excited. I talked with Col. Townsend about the possibilities and I accepted the position.”

“For me choosing Enfinger was a very easy choice,” Deras said. “She is a very easy to talk to person, she communicates well and she worked hard for the position. No many people will do that.”

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Donald Christian, S6 communications officer, is experienced with technology. His classmates say he is “tech savvy.”

 “Choosing Christian was easy because he works with technology.  He is in charge of all technology in the JROTC building. He knows what he is doing with computers,” Deras said. “He has his own YouTube channel. He knows his way around computers.”

Students were selected for their positions based on their various talents and their demonstration of leadership abilities. They are all looking forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence set forth by their predecessors.