The local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter recently lent its support to the U.S. Army JROTC program at Bradley Central High School.

Representatives of VVA Chapter 596 this past week presented a $500 donation to JROTC instructor Sgt. 1st Class Roger Wright.

 “As veterans who have served our country, we want to help support future military,” said Doyle Hughes, the group’s treasurer.

Hughes added the group has long supported Bradley Central’s JROTC chapter, and one of their longtime members actually has a granddaughter in the program now.

Wright said he was grateful for the VVA chapter’s continued support, as the JROTC program operates separately from other school programs and does not receive school funding.

“The support of the community has helped these young people to go out and help many agencies in the community,” said Wright. 

Wright explained the JROTC program teaches students skills which can help prepare them for careers in the military, while also emphasizing values such as leadership and community service.

Though not every student chooses to go into the military after high school, he noted the skills they learn can help them succeed in a variety of fields.

Wright said the $500 donation will be used to help maintain the program’s facilities at BCHS, as well as provide insignia for students’ uniforms.

A new outdoor rappelling wall is at the top of the program's list of facility-related needs. The students have had one in the past, but Wright said it was destroyed after a non-JROTC student crashed a car into it. 

For more information on the JROTC chapter and its activities, visit bchsjrotc.webs.com online.