AFJROTC Drill Pad

LEFT: Laney High School AFJROTC Cadet Stephanie Benton requests permission to use the school’s new drill pad from MSgt (Retired) Jesse Floyd. The new drill pad was dedicated in honor of the non-commissioned officers who taught drill instruction to the cadets of NC-802, including Floyd.

RIGHT: In attendance at the ceremony in addition to Floyd were Command CMSgt Delbert L. Johnson and the current Aerospace Science Instructor, CMSgt Charles

Marching With a Livelier Step
Businesses help Laney AFJROTC add drill pad

The AFJROTC program at Laney High School now marches with a livelier step thanks to a new concrete practice pad donated Feb. 3 by Carolinas Cement Co. and other local businesses.

For 29 years, the Laney AFJROTC program has been using the first available field on the sprawling Laney campus to practice drill instruction, an integral part of the curriculum.

Many times before a drill competition, the students would use a portion of the parking lot, dodging parked cars to complete their routines. Although they have won numerous trophies, the team now has the opportunity to perform consistently on a hard surface thanks to the donation of concrete from Carolinas Cement Co. and the S & W Ready Mix Concrete Co. of Castle Hayne.

The drill pad was dedicated in honor of the non-commissioned officers who taught drill instruction to the cadets of NC-802. In attendance at the ceremony were MSgt Jesse Floyd, USAF (Ret), Command CMSgt Delbert L. Johnson and the current Aerospace Science Instructor, CMSgt Charles L. Smith. A plaque honoring these NCOs will be placed in a corner of the drill pad and will be known as the Chief’s Corner.

Concrete Kings, the residential construction class of Laney High School, and Gardner Welty Construction all provided support with preparing, forming and finishing the concrete pad. Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans made a generous cash donation, and the cadets also raised money with fund-raising activities

Representing Laney High School were Principal Al O’Briant; Ted Prystal, teacher of residential construction; Gene Rivenbark, assistant principal responsible for facilities and grounds; and Lt Col. Green. Bob Odom and Sean Hurley represented Carolinas Cement Co. and Gordon Singletary for S & W Ready Mix Concrete Co.. Other guests included Nick Rhodes, member of the New Hanover County School Board and Major Derrick Floyd, USAF, Group Commander of NC-802 in 1990-1991.