AFJROTC hosts Veterans Day Celebration

Ret. Lt. Col. Wayne Wilbanks

WW II Veteran

The WISD Air Force Junior ROTC program honored area veterans with its annual Veterans Day Celebration held November 9 at Pirate Stadium.  Commanded by Lt. Col. Wayne Wilbanks, cadets paid tribute to the many men and women who serviced in past wars and continue to serve today. 

Col. Wilbanks shared with audience the history of Veterans Days, formally known as Armistice Day, and a proclamation by President George Bush. He invited veterans to stand and be recognized for not only their years of service but also for the branch they served.  

The program also featured the traditional Pass in Review led by Deputy Corp Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Chris Cutliff and Corp Commander Cadet Colonel Sean Smith.  Reviewing the troops were Lt. Col Wayne Wilbanks and 2006 WHS graduate Private First Class Michael Smith.  Mr. Smith is currently serving in the Army and will report for duty soon to the demilitarized zone of Korea. 

The AFJROTC concluded the program by inviting guests to sing as they played “God Bless America.”   

Private Michael Smith

WHS teacher Jepp Brewer

Persian Gulf Veterans

Vietnam War Veterans

Korean War Veteran