The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) continued to support MCHS activities despite the restrictions of COVID-19. The cadets provided Color Guards for the Boys basketball game against Munster and the Girls and Boys doubleheader against arch-rival LaPorte. The MCHS Gymnastics team was also the recipient of the cadets hard work as they assisted in the set-up and disestablishment of the gymnastics equipment for a home meet.
“Our cadets are willing to do whatever it takes to support our school,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak.
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, noted the cadets enthusiasm and desire to return to their more normal active routine. “It has been tough on the cadets, particularly the seniors, to not have had a military drill competition yet this year.” McGrath is still hopeful of being able to host the MCHS’ scheduled Drill Meet on March 20th.
“I am optimistic that there will still be a National MCJROTC Drill Championship in Washington, DC and that we can earn a spot in that competition.” Other activities in which the cadets normally participate are the Leadership Camp at the St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin in June and the National JROTC Drill Camp near San Antonio, Texas in July. “Due to the lack of public exposure because of numerous COVID-related cancellations, I am fearing that our enrollment will drop for the next school year. The Drill Camp would be particularly beneficial, as we have lost much time this year in developing our younger cadets.”
The Marine Corps requires schools to have 100 cadets to maintain the MCJROTC program at their school. All of the activities that McGrath mentioned are done at no cost to MCHS or the cadets. They are completely funded by the Marine Corps, with augmentation for incidental expenses provided by the MCJROTC Booster Club. “We stand ready to support the cadets in any way.” said Booster Club President Mrs. Donna Schliephake.