The cadets of the Christian Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (CJROTC) at Mountain Area Christian Academy (MACA) have embarked on a mission to raise enough money to go to Utah this summer.
Senior Master Sergeant (retired) Harold Bargeron said the trip to Zion National Park focuses on military education and research. It will help the CJROTC cadets learn team building, sharpen their leadership skills, make them a tighter unit and offer times of fellowship.
The cadets are now working to raise the $15,000 necessary to cover all the expenses for 12 cadets and two chaperons; air fare, lodging, food, activities and the necessary uniform items.
Through last week they had raised $1,920 through a car wash hosted by Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 6570 in Blue Ridge and a work day for a local company.
They plan at least three more car washes, a gun raffle, and two bake sales.
Still, their fundraising goal is a lofty one as they receive no federal monies. The cadets must pay their won way.
The trip to Utah would be a tremendous educational experience for the cadets, similar to previous trips to Washington, D.C., Estes Park, Colorado, and numerous local hikes.
Bargeron says these activities are only a part of what CJROTC cadets learn and what they do.
Their current military studies involve aerospace science.
During the year, the cadets will hold three ceremonies commemorating Veterand Say, 9/11 and Memorial Day. They will also present the colors at numerous functions including the Navy Seabees Military Ball.
Cadets regularly interact with veterans organizations in Fannin and Union counties.
Anyone interested in helping the cadets with their fundraising goal, or learning more about the organization, should contact Bargeron at MACA at 706-374-6222 or hbargeron@macalions.org.