Hylton JROTC honors ‘Missing Man’

The C.D. Hylton High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps wasted no time accepting the invitation to the "Missing Man" table ceremony.

The ceremony took place in honor of the nation's service members who are missing in action or who have been prisoners of war.

Accompanied by retired Air Force Maj. Sheila Allen, the group of cadets performed the ceremony at the Mamie Davis Park across from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 in Occoquan.

This day of remembrance is held by the VFWs every year.

"The POW/MIA ceremony is significant to all of us because we want to account for all of our brothers and sisters," said retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Wayne Dearie, commander of the Occoquan VFW.

The act of compassion by the veterans has shown the cadets that those joining the service are not only going to be defending our country, but joining a family.

The cadets received much praise for their ceremony honoring almost 88,000 U.S. service members who have been recorded as missing or unaccounted for.

Dearie complimented the cadets by saying, "They did a wonderful job. I have never seen that particular ceremony done that well."

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. B.J. Richardson, who recruited the cadets to perform, was also pleased and impressed by his selection of talented junior officers.

This ceremony is done to honor those who have not been forgotten and is a special and emotional day for many. The cadets felt privileged to be guests and spoke highly of their experience.

"I was very honored to be able to do this POW/MIA ceremony. Every day I learn something new in JROTC," said Air Force JROTC Cadet Airman 1st Class Jannel Rapier, 17.

Rapier plans to become an Air Force officer after she graduates from college. As many were appreciative of the cadets' performance, the day ended with a new bond between the veterans and JROTC cadets.

—Prince William County Schools