Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Harvey Craig
2016-2017 Essex County Teacher of the Year
Irvington High School
Irvington School District

11 November at 1100 hrs., we gather to honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation in the Armed forces. Veterans Day is not just a day on the calendar; it is a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by countless warriors who dedicated their lives to protect our freedoms and uphold the values we hold dear as Americans. 

We must remember those who have fought in far lands, faced unimaginable challenges and stood at Freedom's doorstep resolutely. From the battlefields of World War I to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans have displayed unwavering courage and commitment. They have answered the call of duty, often at great personal cost, leaving behind families, friends, and the comforts of home. My grandfathers answered this call during the Korean War. My father answered this call during the Vietnam War. I have answered this call by participating in the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the Balkans (Bosnia, Croatia, and Hungary) implementing the peace agreement in Bosnia, preventing the conflict from spreading, ending the humanitarian crisis, and helping create conditions for the country to build itself. 

Please commit yourselves to honor our veterans not just today, but every day. Let us strive to create a world where their sacrifices are acknowledged, their needs are met, and their stories are told. Together, we can ensure that their legacy endures and that future generations understand the true meaning of service. 

I am fortunate as a JROTC instructor to see — year after year — many of my Cadets follow in my footsteps, and the footsteps of those before me go on to serve this great nation. My former Cadets are soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and guardians. Some even served in Iraq and Afghanistan right after high school. These warriors are my heroes! 

Thank a veteran and always remember their sacrifices.

The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. JROTC’s mission is “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.” The Irvington High School JROTC program supports the mission by teaching students the values of citizenship, service, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.  

The JRTOC program is not a military preparation program, and participation in JROTC does not require students to join the military. However, JROTC students (Cadets) who complete the four-year program can enlist in the Army after high school at a higher rank. 

The National Defense Act of 1916 established organized JROTC programs at public and private educational institutions. In 1964, Congress expanded the program to all military services and changed from active duty to shared support from the services and schools. As congressionally mandated by Title 10 United States Code, Section 2031, each military service must have a JROTC program.  

The U.S. Army’s JROTC program currently operates in more than 1,700 public and private high schools, military institutions, and correctional centers throughout the United States and overseas. As Cadets progress through the program, they experience opportunities to lead other cadets. Instructors are trained and qualified in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act 2007 to teach and mentor approximately 314,000 JROTC Cadets annually. 

JROTC curriculum provides equitable and challenging academic content and authentic learning experiences for all cadets. All lessons are designed using a four-part model to motivate the cadet, allow the cadet to learn new information, practice competency, and apply the competency to a real-life situation. Moreover, the four-part model requires cadets to collaborate, reflect, develop critical thinking skills, and integrate content with other disciplines. The JROTC curriculum includes lessons in leadership, health and wellness, physical fitness, first-aid, geography, American history and government, communications, and emotional intelligence. 

The curriculum is rigorous and relevant to 21st century education. In fact, many high schools grant core credits for some of the subjects taught in JROTC. Cadets learn and apply the curriculum using technology in the classroom. 

Instructors use technology in the classroom as an instructional strategy to engage cadets in their learning. Examples of instructors using technology can be observed at the schools when they use our learning management tool, the Curriculum Manager (CM) which houses the instructors’ lesson plans, classroom management strategies and techniques, references, and a myriad of other teacher help aids. Cadets use these technologies to complete summative and formative assessments, present presentations, and play educational games to promote learning.  

With assistance from an organization working independently of JROTC, the College Options Foundation can help cadets locate colleges offering credits for completing JROTC. Additionally, the Army ROTC (not JROTC) offers scholarship opportunities to cadets who qualify.  

JROTC programs are an excellent opportunity for students. Please contact Nadia Jones-Vassell, Irvington High School’s Supervisor of Accountability, Assessments, and Career and Technical Education Programs, at njonesvassell@irvington.k12.nj.us or visit the JROTC Program Overview for more information.