Photo Caption – (L-R) Ed Reed, Post 178 Commander. Major Gary Billings, USMC (Ret.), Lt Col Ivan Acosta, USAF (Ret.), and Ted Ruybal, Post Liaison Committee Chair.
The Frisco ISD Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program was established with 69 cadets in 2021 at Lebanon Trail High School by Maj Gary Billings. Because of its success, the program enrollment for the 2023-24 will be 114 cadets. As a result, Lt Col Ivan Acosta, USAF, (Ret.) recently joined the program as an additional instructor.
Ed Reed, Post 178 Commander, and Ted Ruybal, the newly assigned Post Liaison Committee Chair, recently met with Maj Billings and welcomed Lt Col Acosta to the Cadet Corps. All discussed ideas that will ensure the continuation of their highly successful partnership. The cadets have participated in many post activities since their program was established.
The 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, such as, 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, and a sense of accomplishment.
Post 178 is honored to partner with and support the Lebanon Trail High School Navy National Defense Cadet Corp.