ROA collects uniforms for Junior ROTC cadets

  • Published
  • By Capt. Robert Simmons
  • 452 ASTS
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron at the base have teamed up to provide uniforms for the four Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units at local Moreno Valley High Schools. 

In 2005, as the vice president for the ROA chapter at March Air Reserve Base, I recognized a need for uniforms at area Junior ROTC units. My son was a cadet with the Redlands High School Junior ROTC and told me about the need for uniforms. We began a uniform drive at the base to collect both Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) and dress blue uniforms for the cadets. 

With the efforts of several members here, we helped amass more than 40 sets of uniforms for the Redlands Junior ROTC unit. In 2006, I presented the idea of a uniform drive to the ROA to collect uniforms for the Yucaipa High School Junior ROTC unit that had recently begun its inaugural year. They were able to collect more than 30 sets of uniforms for the unit. 

Last year, I went to the local Moreno Valley High Schools and asked them if they needed uniforms. I was told by all four schools that uniforms, especially BDUs, were in high demand since the Department of Defense had reduced funding for Junior ROTC programs and cadets were forced to purchase BDUs without reimbursement. 

The ROA began another uniform drive this past winter to collect more uniforms. Since the Air Force is going to the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), many Air Force members are switching to the new uniform and are willing to donate their old BDUs. 

We contacted the Civil Air Patrol unit here and asked if they needed uniforms too. When we spoke to the local unit commander, the commander informed us they actually had excess uniforms they would be willing to donate to the Junior ROTC units. 

I realized this was an exceptional move on the part of CAP, due to the scarceness of uniforms. It is great to see the two organizations work together to ensure the local students are provided with the uniforms needed to properly experience the full benefits for both programs. Since many students in Junior ROTC come from poor or moderate income families, the donated uniforms are a real blessing to the students who wouldn't otherwise be able to buy them. 

Last Wednesday, the Reserve Officers Association and the Civil Air Patrol met with the instructors from the Canyon Springs High School, Moreno Valley High School, Rancho Verde High School and Valley View High School Junior ROTC units to present them the uniforms they have collected. 

What Is ROA?
The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) represents members of the seven United States Uniformed Services. 

ROA Founding and Charter
Founded in 1922, and chartered by Congress in 1950, ROA's mission is to "...support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate National Security." 

ROA Business
The business of the association is handled through its national headquarters in Washington D.C. Legislative policies are established at two national meetings each year -- A national convention is held annually in early summer and the mid-winter conference and military exposition in late January. 

ROA Benefits
Balancing civilian and reserve commitments requires a unique approach to career management. ROA provides a wide range of professional and personal benefits including, professional development workshops, mentoring programs and a career center to meet the unique needs of members. As a liaison between government entities, the media and its members, ROA keeps reservists and their families apprised of important topics such as call-ups and legislative actions.

For more information on the Reserve Officers Association, visit their web site at www.ROA.org