(L-R) Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain, and Cadet Program Chair, LtCol Hamartrya Tharpe, USMC (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Instructor, Senior Chief Petty Officer Keven Scullin, USN (Ret.), Naval Science Instructor. Larry Wilhelm, Boys State Program Chair, and Ed Reed, Immediate Past Commander.
The Frisco ISD Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program was established with 69 cadets in 2022 at Lebanon Trail High School. Because of the program’s successes, the 2024-25 enrollment has grown to 124 cadets, allowing them to become a Navy JROTC program. As a result of a recent leadership team change. members of the Post 178 Executive Committee met to welcome and discuss plans with LtCol Hamartrya Tharpe, USMC (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Instructor, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Keven Scullin, USN (Ret.), Naval Science Instructor.
During the meeting, Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain and Cadet Program Chair, Larry Wilhelm, Boys State Program Chair, and Ed Reed, Immediate Past Commander, reviewed ideas that will ensure the continuation of their successful supportive partnership. The cadets frequently partner and participate in community events with the Post 178 Color Guard.
The NJROTC 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 support and partner with the Lebanon Trail High School NJROTC.