Area 7 Annual Inspection and Review

Spud asked The Colonel and I if we would like to watch the annual inspection and review of his NJROTC group (on St. Patrick's Day).

"Of course, we wouldn't miss it for the world!", we said.

Commander Herbert was there to conduct the inspection and review. He is the commander for the Area 7 NJROTC groups. Area 7 encompasses all of Florida....so it was a big deal.

We took our seats on the bleachers in the gym and waited for the exercise to start.

The Color Guard marched in, presented the colors and we listened to one of the cadets sing The Star Spangled Banner, a cappella. He did a great job. His mother was in the bleachers and was pleasantly surprised when she heard him sing.

A few words of welcome were spoken by the NJROTC group leader as well as an introduction for Commander Herbert. With all of the preliminaries out of the way it was time for the inspection and review.

Spud is in the background, wearing the white hat.

Commander Herbert walked up to each cadet, inspected their uniform and questioned them about military protocol and current affairs.

When the inspection was complete it was time for the parade pass and review.

Spud in the white hat

The cadets walked in formation past Commander Herbert as the rest of us watched from the bleachers.

One hour later, when the inspection and review were done, Commander Herbert proclaimed that all of the cadets had passed the inspection with flying colors. The cadets were dismissed from ranks and smiled with the knowledge of a job well done.

The Colonel and I congratulated Spud and smiled because we were full of pride for our son and his fellow cadets.

Nope...we wouldn't have missed this for the world!

Spud is second from the left.