LACEY – In an inspiring display of dedication, a group of JROTC cadets from Central Regional High School undertook a heartwarming initiative to uplift the Hero Wall at the Lacey Walmart.
To mark the completion of their mission, the cadets began with a ceremonious flag raising in front of the store on Memorial Day morning. The distinguished group of high school students stood tall during the event, demonstrating a true sense of respect and service.
The weight of her new role as the freshly appointed commander was not lost on Savannah Haskell as she spoke on behalf of her unit. While acknowledging that the initial groundwork for the mission had been laid by her predecessor, Commander Keith Brown, Savannah said she was fully prepared to shoulder the responsibility should anything go wrong.
“The Wall of Valor wasn’t taken care of as much as it could have been,” Savannah shared. “We were especially concerned with the veterans on the wall who died during a war. I feel it’s an honor for them and their families that we show them and their families that we do appreciate them, and all they’ve done for this country.”
The Wall of Honor is directly outside the customer service area at the Lacey Walmart and was updated by a group of JROTC cadets from Central Regional High School. (Photo courtesy Cadet Juliana Gonzalez)
Staff Sergeant Giovanni Holgun-Ruiz and Officer in Charge Jayden Yurick coordinated most of the operation associated with uplifting the Hero Wall outside Walmart’s Customer Service center.
“I worked with some of the other cadets to come up with an idea to expand upon the wall,” said Giovanni. “We built a plan, and we set everything up, and then we put it all together and hung everything on the wall.”
Giovanni revealed that a critical part of the mission involved procuring veteran photographs. A dedicated dropbox was set up at the Walmart store to facilitate this. The cadets complemented the initiative by devising a user-friendly Google form for photo submissions.
Approximately 50 photographs were ultimately encased in frames, and the cadets showcased their efforts by attaching their signatures to a note of gratitude. The result was a breathtaking montage of courage, with some honored as heroes from as far back as World War I.
With plans to join the Coast Guard after graduating this year, Colonel Keith Brown is now the unit’s retired commander. Keith credited those under his command at the time for coming up with the ideas to make the mission successful.
“I oversaw everything and made sure it was nice and neat and tidy,” Keith shared. “They’re the ones who did all the work.”
All cadets who participated in the dedication service showed up dressed in crisply pressed uniforms and exuded a dignified presence. Three separated from the ranks and moved to ceremoniously hoist the American flag with a demonstration of reverence and precision.
“The old flag that is being hoisted represents our past and present soldiers of the nation,” Jayden said during the ceremony. “The new flag represents America’s future and our military’s protection. We have a memorial to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans to provide our protection.”
Cadets lined up at the wall as a formal presentation was made by retired Commander Keith Brown. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Following the flag-raising, the cadets and spectators moved inside as the unit’s retired commander offered a few words. Keith thanked Walmart for allowing the cadets to expand the wall and credited the cadets who led the mission. He concluded his remarks by paying special honor to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and asked for a moment of silence.
Of particular note, Cadet Juliana Gonzalez served as the unit’s photographer and took some amazing pictures of the event.
Will Ferguson, Walmart Store Manager, and Chris Igoe, the Operations Coach, said the Wall of Honor originated 13 years ago when the store first opened. Ferguson and Igoe were overjoyed when the JROTC group decided to breathe new life into the cherished wall, adding a fresh layer of significance.
To express gratitude for the cadets’ invaluable contribution, Walmart graciously donated five tickets to an extraordinary presentation planned in Philadelphia. The event features the Jocko Willink, an esteemed American author, podcaster, and retired United States Navy officer. This special opportunity served as a token of appreciation and offered the cadets a chance to gain inspiration and insights from a distinguished figure in their field.
Central Regional High School’s Major Steven Mares, Senior Army JROTC Instructor, watched the cadets run their operations from the sidelines. His eyes gleamed with pride at how each of them handled themselves. Mares said 120 students are involved in the program throughout the school district.
Meanwhile, the unit’s retired commander wasn’t the only cadet who planned to pursue a military career. The new commander has another year in high school but is already brimming with determination and ambition.
A flag raising was part of the ceremony. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Savannah expressed her plan to embark on a path to becoming a doctor while also pursuing a career in the United States Navy. She also said her grandfather’s Navy service strongly influenced her aspirations.
From the sidelines, Bill Dondero, the Commander of VFW Post 9503, observed the cadets’ performance with a sense of satisfaction. Having recently met with the unit’s leadership, he expressed his delight in rekindling the relationship between the two groups. Unfortunately, the adverse circumstances of the COVID pandemic forced a halt in their gatherings, depriving students of valuable interactions.
Through their mission, the JROTC cadets from Central Regional High School didn’t merely uplift a wall – they left a mark on the community that will serve as a reminder for those who fought for the freedom of all Americans.
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