(L-R) Ed Reed, Vice Commander-Public Relations, Fred Rogers, Past Commander, Major Gary Billings, USMC (Retired), Senior Naval Science Instructor, Delbert Parson, Post 178 Commander.
The recently established Lebanon Trail High School Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program and the Post 178 Americanism programs share common missions. The mission of the Cadet Corps is to motivate young people to become better citizens and effective leaders.
Post 178 Americanism programs, Boys State, Oratorical Scholarship Contest, School Awards, and Scouting, have an identical mission. The teaching goals of both programs are focused on leadership, teamwork, personal responsibility, a sense of accomplishment, and service to the nation. Both programs also highlight American values and patriotism.
Gary R. Billings, Major, USMC (Retired), is the Senior Naval Science Instructor for the FISD NNDCC program. Major Billings established the program in 2021 and has 69 students from across the Frisco ISD. NNDCC students receive the exact same curriculum as NJROTC and graduate with an advantage when applying to military academies, university ROTC programs, scholarships or entering the military.
Post 178 Executive Committee members recently met Major Billings to exchange ideas for partnering with the Cadet Corps. The meeting was positive and identified areas for further exploration. Additional coordination meetings are planned. Major Billings will also be the guest speaker at the post’s upcoming April membership meeting.
Post 178 is honored to partner with and support the Lebanon Trail High School Navy National Defense Cadet Corp.