Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA (June, 2006) -- Summer comes and summer goes. This past June 2006 will be one that cadets of Donna High School will remember for the rest of their lives. It was an experience for these young students that gave them a broader outlook at military way of life including training, living conditions and their dining facilities. Cadets enjoyed the outstanding food provided by the Marine Corps Dining Facility.

Saturday morning, June 10th at 7:00 a.m. o’clock., the MCJROTC departed from Donna and arrived at Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, California Sunday at noon. It was a 26-hour straight drive and only the bus drivers were relieved. No sooner when we arrived training began. Training began with instructions on how to do their own racks or in civilian term bed. After instructions were received, the cadets began by setting their military racks. After they prepared their uniforms for the next day and supplies squared away, cadets stepped outside to observe the second phase Marine Corps recruits conducting their training. After the evening meal, the cadets engaged in some drill and physical training of their own.

Monday, Reveille went at 4:30 a.m. which means to wake-up. Male and female cadets fixed their racks, showered in their perspective areas. By 5:30 a.m. cadets were in formation ready to march to the chow hall for breakfast. Next on the schedule was to be at Main Site to receive some instruction with the Marine Corps SWAT Teams. The SWAT Team explained their mission, the qualifications, and the gratification of their job. Cadets were able to handle the equipment utilized by the SWAT team after the presentation. Soon after, cadets were transported to a facility that had computerized simulations weapons. It was like playing X-Box in a theater size screen with real scenarios. Lunch came quickly and off to the General’s building at Marine Corps Installation West. Sgt Major Bell welcomed the cadets with a motivational speech. Cadets were flattered and so were MGySgt Castro and MSgt Rodriguez when the Sgt Major complemented the cadets as the best that he had seen. Sgt Major Bell seemed to have been sincere. He invited us to see the San Diego Chargers on a scrimmage for the next day. Monday was wrapped up with few a games of volleyball at Del Mar Base on the beach.

On Tuesday morning soon after breakfast and our daily shores were completed by 0800, we were at Camp Talega for martial arts training. Cadets had a grueling workout of stretching exercise, participating in take downs, fireman’s carries and other techniques. Hurrying back for our noon meal at 22 area, cadets quickly ate their meals to go see the San Diego Chargers football team with their cheerleaders. Shortly after we were greeted by Major General Michael R. Lenhert and Sgt Major Bell, the General took the time to talk to the cadets of the importance of an education and staying drug free. We preceded taking pictures with the General, football players and the cheerleaders. The evening ended with us going to a baseball game with the San Diego Padres and the LA Dodgers at the PetCo Stadium. The cadets and the chaperons cherished the beautiful treat of a first class baseball stadium. We were all in awe. Few words can describe the moment.

Wednesday after breakfast, we participated with the Marine Crash Crew Fire and Rescue Team. After a brief explanation of their duties, the cadets participated in using the water hoses and the equipment the Crash Crew uses to get the job done. Lunch came and we went to see the Land Cushion Air Crafts, LCACs . We viewed a video of the performance of the LCACs. Boarding the LCACs came afterwards. As exhausted as we were, everybody came to life as we entered the bowling alley with 10 lanes reserved and video games. The cadets were interviewed by the Base Newspaper, Lance Corporal Juan.

Thursday, up and early in the morning, the eagerness was just overwhelming by the anticipation for us to arrive at Universal Studios. We wanted to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. That was the plan and it was well executed. Thanks to our bus driver, James from Daisy Tours out of San Antonio, TX. It was an experience that will not be forgotten.

Friday, another early start, we departed Edson Range, Camp Pendleton enroute to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California for Morning Colors followed by a speech by the Commanding General. Cadets took picture with the Commanding General of MCRD, Sgt Major Woods to include two Medal of Honor recipients, retired U. S. Army Sgt Major Caviani and retired USMC Colonel Modrzejewski. Cadets received a treat that few get the privilege to observe Marine graduation ceremony. Following the noon meal, cadets received an educational tour of the Base Museum. It was time to say good-bye to the Marine Corps for now. Departed MCRD at 1430 Friday, June 17th arriving in Donna on Saturday evening at 2200.