The following story was written and reported by Richie Richards, Native Sun News Staff Writer. All content © Native Sun News.

Cutline: Pine Ridge High School JROTC includes: Dante Martin, Christian Good Lance, Alexis Brown Eyes, Tessa Black Elk, Kristen Big Crow, Myra Slow Bear, Jacob Sorbel, Dakota Big Crow, Peyton One Feather, Fallen Sorbel, Tierney Red Hawk, Commander Savannah Ghost Dog, Laura Waters, Torianne Little.

JROTC at Pine Ridge
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer

PINE RIDGE –– The Grand Entry at this year’s Teca Wacipi Okolakiciye powwow held at the LNI tournaments was led in by the Pine Ridge High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets acting as color guard.

Pine Ridge High School has had the JROTC under the command of Major Iwen since 2002. Before coming to PRHS, Major Iwen commanded the Lower Brule JROTC program from 1995-2002. The JROTC was founded after the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916. The provisions of this act allowed for the loaning of federal military equipment and personnel as instructors to high schools around the country.

The instructors are to follow a set course of training and guidelines to guarantee the integrity and success of the program in schools.

According to the U.S. Army Cadet Command website, “Title 10 of the U.S. Code declares that ‘the purpose of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.’"

Although based around a military structure, Major Iwen states, “The intention of JROTC is to not get students interested joining the military but to motivate students to become better citizens.”

The JROTC Program intends to teach cadets to:

•Appreciate the ethical values and principles that underline good citizenship.
•Develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
•Be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
•Appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
•Understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educations and employment opportunities.
•Develop mental management abilities.
•Become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of the military services.
•Develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

Major Iwen enforces the importance of community service and showing leadership through giving back to the community. Each year the Pine Ridge High School JROTC program puts on two community blood drives- one per academic semester.

The JROTC cadets are responsible for all aspects of the blood drive including; creating posters, calling donors, attaining facilities and personnel, and publicizing the event through KILI radio station and local newspapers.

This semester’s blood drive has a tentative date in early February. For more information about the blood drive please contact Major Iwen at (605) 867-5192.

(Contact Richie Richards staffwriter@nsweekly.com)

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