The History of Parkland High School JROTC
The Parkland High School JROTC program has boasted an illustrious and highly successful program since its inception in the 1972-1973 school year, under the leadership of LTC Daniel M. Owens, who served as the first Senior Army Instructor (SAI). LTC Larry G. Miller succeeded Owens the following year. A major milestone during LTC Miller’s first year was the inclusion of female cadets in the program. Among other highlights was the first field trip to Fort Bragg, NC.
The 1974-1975 school year began with LTC George Cram as the Senior Army Instructor (SAI). He remained until 1976, at which time First Sergeant Ray H. Wook became the SAI. The unit began to make significant strides by placing number five out of eighty-five units at the Western Kentucky Postal matches; third place in Drill Team; and second place at the Wolfpack Invitational Drill Meet. In addition, the Rifle Team won the Brigade Match which resulted in Parkland’s JROTC recruiting the Director of Army Instruction Trophy for Best Overall in the county. The JROTC consistently won this trophy over the years.
The program began in the school years of 1977-1978 with LTC Acie McGee as the SAI. Cadet Bernadette Peguese, became the first female Battalion Commander. One of the highlights of LTC McGee’s was a trip to Orlando, Florida. The Drill Team won third place in the Inspection Category at the SNI Drill Meet. Awards were presented at a ceremony at Seaworld. LTC McGee retired at the end of the 1989-1990 school year.
LTC Lee Gamble came aboard during the 1990-1991 School year and remained until the Spring of 1992. His succession was met with a low enrollment, which had increased to 153 cadets, by the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year. Such a gain was the result of LTC Gamble’s long leadership and recruitment skills coupled with his passion for the program and his determination to help young people.
The school year 1993-1994 welcomed CSM Daniel H. P. Stanely as the SAI. He came to Parkland from East Forsyth High School where he had been teaching for eight years. The program continued to flourish under his supervision by winning several honors and awards. Cadet Brock Smith was selected as the Battalion Commander, and the Color Guard won the county meet. Further, Cadet LTC Brock Smith was nominated and selected for the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. Cadet LTC Smith was one of six to be selected to receive this award. CSM Stanley vacated his position in 1995.
The present SAI is LTC W. P. McCoy. He retired from the Army in August of 1995 and began teaching at Parkland immediately. In 1996 SFC Solustri assumed the Assistant Instructor position, he replaced First Sergeant Jeffrey Priest. In 1999 MSG Randall replaced SFC Solustri as the Assistant Instructor. This year, Jose Vázquez was selected to head the Mighty Mustang Battalion.
The program continues to attract a representative number of young people and to maintain its status as the recipient of many recognitions and awards
