DENBIGH HIGH SCHOOL - On October 3rd the Packer Battalion Smithfield High School JROTC Staff were invited to Denbigh High School to participate in a leadership town hall featuring Brigadier General Steven M. King, the Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Cadet Command (USACC). Cadets from Bethel, Denbigh, and Smithfield High School JROTC programs attended. Guest speakers shared their personal journeys through their lives, exploring key moments in their military careers, and shared their adaptation to principles and skills they gained along the way. Cadets were able to ask probing questions of the three panel members consisting of BG King, COL (Ret) Samuel Licorish (Richmond DAI) and LTC Charles Birdsong (Senior Army Instructor for Bethel HS).
This event fostered meaningful connections and inspired our staff cadets with opportunities for mentorship and guidance for those considering a career in the military and a way to navigate life’s obstacles.
BG King presented Charlise Albers, the Packer Battalion Executive Officer, with his USACC Challenge Coin for her performance at the American Independence Youth Leadership Conference in April 2024; her achievement as being chosen as one of the Motivational Cadet Leaders at JCLC Summer Camp in June 2024, and placing second in the battalion for girls in the Cadet Challenge Fitness Test in May 2024. After receiving her coin, Cadet Albers said, “After working diligently over the past few months to continue developing my leadership style, it feels extraordinary to be recognized for my efforts by receiving the USACC Challenge Coin. This is motivation for anyone else to not give up and to keep giving everything your all!”
Article written by C/ CPT Courtney Martin, Packer Battalion Public Affairs Officer
Pictured: BACK ROW (L to R): COL(Ret) Samuel Licorish, Summer Quimby, Kadence Distefano, BG Steven King, Charlise Albers, Keagan Frey FRONT ROW (L to R): Courtney Martin, Nymiar Towns, Ryder Swedlund, and Christian Jacobs