The local unit of Sea Cadets, SPC Justin O. Penrod Division, honored Vietnam soldiers during the opening ceremony for “The Wall That Heals,” the visiting Vietnam memorial in Mahomet at Lake of the Woods Thursday night. During the ceremony, the cadets escorted Vietnam veterans as the veterans placed a wreath to honor those who perished.
Cadets will also be part of the candlelight vigil at 9pm on Saturday, June 25 where a candle will be lit for every life lost. The community is invited to come and pay their respects.
Penrod Division was honored to be part of the memorial’s visit to Mahomet, IL, the hometown of the division’s namesake, SPC Justin O. Penrod who died August 11, 2007 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Participating in the events of this weekend is just one of the many ways that Champaign-based Penrod Division Sea Cadets show their patriotism and reverence. Cadets place flags on veteran graves each Memorial Day, they volunteer at the local VFW where they hold monthly drill, and they engage in volunteer efforts throughout their local communities.
Penrod Division cadets come from Savoy (Morgan Tapley), Urbana (Julius Zumwalt & Tony Walker Jr.), Bloomington (Nick DeCandio), Saybrook (Evan Isenburg & Cameron Green), Arrowsmith (Juan Rios-Narciso), Concord, (Jaci Stambaugh) and Mahomet, IL (Michael Palumbo Jr.).
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets are a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth training organization, for young people ages 10 through 18. They are sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.
- The goals of the Cadet program are to:
- Develop an interest and ability in seamanship and seagoing skills.
- Instill principles of good citizenship and strong moral principles.
- Demonstrate the value of an alcohol-, drug- and gang-free lifestyle.
- Expose cadets to the prestige of a military career.
Through the Sea Cadet program, cadets perform community service, connect with local veterans, and prepare to join the military, or pursue a civilian career using the leadership skills and advanced training they receive. Cadets benefit from the training in a variety of ways:
- Cadets demand the best from themselves and others.
- Cadets have a competitive edge no matter what they do in life.
- Cadets are eligible for military advanced pay grade programs.
- Cadets can compete for scholarships.
Cadets are asked to chart their course we are asking them to not only make the most out of their time in this program, but to use the resources they are given to develop a vision for their future. The slogan “Chart Your Course” is a reminder to cadets to seize the limitless possibilities available to them and a reminder to volunteers and organization to help them realize their full potential.
Whether they join the military or pursue a civilian career, the possibilities are limitless for cadets. The program prepares them to overcome challenges and to expect the best from themselves. Cadets take the skills they have mastered and go on to become leaders in their communities.
For more information on becoming a cadet or supporting the local division, contact Commanding Officer LTJG Michael Palumbo at penrodco@gmail.com or (815) 878-1850. You can visit the division’s website or Facebook page www.champaignseacadets.com and www.facebook/com/champaignseacadets to learn more.
