1. Signal Mountain & Hurricane Divisions
On 11 MAR 17, all three Chattanooga-area divisions came together to go caving in AL. What a great time by all! A special THANKS to INST Goodrich in setting this training evolution. Also, LTJG Lacey Hoover & INST Jacob Abbott & ENS Bruce Weeks from the Hurricane Division also attended this and made sure everyone came out of the caves alive and uninjured. It truly was a team building experience by all. Everyone mustered at 0745 at the YMCA for a safety briefing and the issuance of equipment. From there, they all head to AL and spent the entire day, yes, the entire day until 1700 caving. There is not enough room to put all the fantastic pictures that were taken on this day. You will need to look at our unit website for those pictures.
Everyone having a great time!
April, Page 1

2. LC2 Williams had the best fun as he was “buried” in a pile of leaves.
For those that did not want to go or were too small for caving opted for Plan B this day. A small but mighty group of us mustered at the Brainerd Mission’s Cemetery for clean up day. Three times a year, the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution gather at the cemetery to make it shine for guests.
LC2 Williams had the best fun as he was “buried” in a pile of leaves.
PO2 Gilreath managed to get us all free hot chocolate on this cold day from Krispy Kreme Donuts! It sure tasted great. He also managed to get some donuts as well. 
Our group picture with the SAR and DAR Chapters. We would have stayed longer, but it started to rain so it was time to leave.
April, Page 2

3. On 23 MAR 17, four cadets from the Hurricane Division honored Medal of Honor Recipient Desmond T. Doss at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on the 11th anniversary of his passing from this world. A special thanks to the Burnettes, Currie, and Lynn for taking time during Spring Break to gather together for this colorguard.
The first “wave” of summer trainings have now been posted. This weblink will not appear on HomePort like it has in year’s past. Check back often for updated trainings that have been added.
April, Page 3

4. SA-T Cabrera pinning and honoring a Vietnam Veteran.
Starting on 27 MAR 17, Chattanooga hosted and honored our Vietnam Veterans like never before. A three day commemorative series was set up by Mr. Bud Alley and his outstanding committee members pulled together to honor our Vietnam Veterans. From the Ia Drang Battle, Vietnam Veterans from both the 2nd and 7th Battalions that fought ever so bravely those fateful days, came to Chattanooga to tell their stories.
Sea Cadets from all 3 divisions came out to support and serve our Vietnam Veterans. In the upper, middle picture, SA-T Dembrak and MOH Col. Joe Marm shakes hands.
SA-T Cabrera pinning and honoring a Vietnam Veteran.
April, Page 4

5. Day 2 of 3, was a day at the Tivoli theater, downtown
Day 2 of 3, was a day at the Tivoli theater, downtown. There, three showings of the movie, “We were Soldiers,” starring Mel Gibson was played at 10, 1:30, and 4:30. After each showing, a panel consisting of MOH Col. Joe Marm Joe Galloway, Bud Alley, Ernie Savage, and Jim Lawrence were on stage to answer any questions. What a truly amazing day! A few of our Sea Cadet from all three divisions were allowed to miss school for the day and spend some quality time with “history.”
Cadets White, McFadden, Joe Galloway, and Bynum.
Our panel discussion group. They did a great job!
Cadets White, Cabrera, MOH Col. Joe Marm, and Bynum.
April, Page 5

6. Day 3 of 3…the true remembrance of those that gave it their all
Day 3 of 3…the true remembrance of those that gave it their all. We arrived at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1630 planting over 1,000 flags. One flag for every name that was listed on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. Once the flags were planted, a short “pizza” break was given to the cadets. Once the ceremony started, the cadets lined the walkway with the other JROTC and Civil Air Patrol units and saluted and honored all those that walked through the archway. Afterwards, all of the Sea Cadets participated in the final section of the ceremony by shaking a glow stick every time the names of our fallen heroes were read. What an wonderful way to honor those who came home to the US so many years ago and were not shown our appreciation. Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans!
Photo Courtesy of Nancy Henderson.
April, Page 6

7. SA-T’s McFadden and Bynum each received an anonymous donation from a local veteran with two books…We Were Soldiers and Once Young & We Are Soldiers Still. Mr. Bud Alley also donated and autographed his book, “The Ghosts of the Green Grass.” These two cadets attended all three events during the week and stayed all day on Tuesday. They received a true blessing this past week.