JROTC Annual Overnight Trip Day One
JROTC cadets woke early for a five-hour drive to Fort Hood, located in Killeen Texas, where they were able to walk about U.S. Army Experience 2026 learning what different jobs the army has and the different teams to be a part of. “It was a herculean effort put on by the United States Army’s III Corps, also known as the “Phantom” Corps. In which a considerable amount of vehicles along with their branch operators displayed their equipment in what is known as a “Static Display”. Helicopters, Tanks, Engineer River Bridging Equipment, Paladin Artillery Vehicles, Hospital Clinics, a Dental Unit, and so many more. It was a little overwhelming but allowed us to interact with the soldiers to learn about their expertise.” Major Knight explains in detail.
While cadets toured the career expo, First Sergeant Krause and Major Knight took multiple trips to Burger King, allowing each group of cadets to pick their own meals. Cadets also received free food and goodies, along with being able to utilize Food Trucks like Kona Ice, etc.
After all cadets were fed, JROTC gathered on the charter bus, heading northeast to Waco, Texas to view The Dr. Pepper Museum where cadets were able to freely walk the floors, learning the origins of Dr. Pepper, the history of soda within Waco, and the multiple soda brands associated with Dr. Pepper.
One exhibit known as Sit Down to Take a Stand showcases the connection between soda and segregation, highlighting how even soda fountains had to be fought over. “I was looking at the walls when I started noticing the change in theme,” cadet Miracle Ramirez commented “I stopped to actually read the sections, learning about the sit-ins and even seeing one of those whites only signs.” Cadets were able to buy Dr. Pepper merchandise from a small gift shop and even got to try different flavored Dr. Pepper floats!
Cadets gathered again to head back to Fort Hood for dinner in the DFAC building. Once finished cadets were taken to The Last Drive-In Picture Show where they made themselves comfortable outside with folding chairs, blankets, and snacks to watch the heartwarming family/comedy The Pout-Pout Fish under the stars. To end the night, cadets were taken back to Fort Hood once more where they would sleep in barracks for the night gaining a small semblance of what life’s like as a soldier.
JROTC Annual Overnight Trip Day Two
March 27th most cadets had awoken and started packing up their bedding and luggage, getting ready to depart from the barracks to head to the DFAC for a short breakfast to fuel their last day of adventure.
Cadets gathered on the bus ready for Sea World San Antonio. Once they arrived cadets were encouraged to split off into groups of four, and given passes eligible for a free meal and a refillable collectible Sea World Cup. As cadets explored Sea World they viewed sea animals, explored the water park, rode rollercoasters, visited gift shops and played prize games. Battle buddies Charlie Mendez and Gabriella Robles played competitively, winning each other a big shrimp ramen plush and a small kraft macaroni plush. ”I named my baby Lil Mac, unfortunately my Aunt jacked me for it,” Charlie Mendez said.
Cadets said goodbye to SeaWorld, piled on the charter bus, winded and spent, where they were taken to Bucees to grab a couple snacks for the ride home. While cadets scoured the store, alarms started blaring. Water rushed from one of the drink fridges spilling across the floor. Cadets gathered their items quickly forming a line to cash out their snacks amidst the chaos, scurrying to board the bus and head home. As the bus pulled off the alarms continued to blare in the background sending the cadets home with more stories to tell.
