Guthrie Center Cadets honor deceased veterans during the holidays

Forty-two high school cadets with the Navy Jr. ROTC program based at SBISD’s Guthrie Center joined in the recently held Wreaths Across America program that honors America’s deceased military veterans. More than 15,000 people attended the program and public ceremony held at Houston National Cemetery.

The Guthrie Center JROTC cadets raised funds and bought more than 300 holiday wreaths decorated with red ribbons and bows. In addition, the cadets helped place more than 40,000 wreaths across the burial site. The national cemetery has about 60,000 grave markers and headstones.

KHOU-TV11 broadcaster Len Cannon served as master of ceremonies during the public ceremony, which was marked by several special moments. These included: a fly-over by the Commemorative Air Force, Houston Wing Flying World War II aircraft; a wreath presentation by Korean War veterans in honor of the 60th anniversary of that war’s Armistice; a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band; and a rifle salute by the First Battalion 23 Marines.

Navy Jr. ROTC cadets who attended the recent Wreaths Across America program included the following SBISD students: Cadets Joseph Rivas and Jermi McMillan, both from Stratford High: Cadets Kariana Bautista and Jazmin Jimenez, both from Northbrook High; and Cadet Karina Gonzalez of Spring Woods High. Photographs of these students were taken by the unit during the weekend program.

The Guthrie Center cadets will return on Jan. 11 to the local national cemetery for wreath pick up and help with disposal of the holiday greenery.

The Guthrie Center Navy Jr. ROTC program is led by Navy Commander Jerry W. Coufal. He’s assisted in naval science instruction programs by Master Chief Mark Heuser.