Denise Landers
This past month, East Valley Marines Commandant Dave Lott traveled to regional high schools to recognize outstanding Marine JROTC participants.
The first venture was out to Tolleson Union High School to present awards to two cadets during their end-of-year ceremonies. The awards were in honor of deceased detachment member Bill Van Zanten who attended that school. Besides the awards and certificates, two copies of Bill’s book, Don’t Bunch Up, were presented to the corps of cadets. The book provides a recap of Bill’s experiences in the Vietnam war.
The second trip was to Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande. Detachment 1296 lent its financial support to the JROTC courses in the form of a $1000 check, to be used at the discretion of the JTOTC commanders as they plan their program of development for the cadets. This has been a tradition of the East Valley Marines for several years. The check was presented to Gunnery Sergeant Jesus Flores, representing the cadet corps.