Richard Hyatt: Paying homage to local JROTC

When Columbus High School boasts that its battalion is the oldest Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit in the state of Georgia, no one raises an eyebrow.

It was formed in 1919, less than three years after the National Defense Act of 1916 created the nationwide program.

Cadets in local schools have been counting cadence for 95 years, and for the first time the Muscogee County brigade is about to have a name.

School board members will vote next Monday on a proposal to call it the Lighthouse Brigade. They will also consider an emblem designed by Cadet Lt. Col. Kennedy Davenport of Kendrick, the second female cadet to lead the citywide brigade.

"She created the emblem," said retired Lt. Col. Roger Barros, director of the school district's Department of Army instruction. "I'm 54 years old and have the creativity of a doorknob."

Barros took over last November, succeeding longtime director Roy Plummer. He arrived with the idea of expanding the purpose of the local JROTC program by exposing youngsters to all aspects of leadership, scholarship, patriotism and character.

Army Sgt. Harry Lanier founded the program at Columbus High around the time Fort Benning's footprint was being established just blocks away on Macon Road. JROTC soon spread to Jordan, and today Barros oversees battalions at eight Muscogee County schools along with a unit at Chattahoochee County High. More than 1,200 students wear the familiar uniforms.

The brigade archives still preserves Lanier's personal effects and some of his letters. Every year his descendants present a saber to the outstanding cadet in town. Barros was introduced to traditional JROTC in high school in Massachusetts, but he reports many changes.

Cadets used to go through gallons of Brasso to keep their medals shiny and cans of Kiwi to spit shine their boots, shoes and belts. "That's part of a bygone Army. We wear Corofam now," Barros said.

But looking sharp and following rules is still part of wearing the uniform. It's about pride and attention to detail.

"I had a student question me about why it was important to wear ribbons an eighth of an inch above the pocket," he said. "I told him that if you grow up and become a heart surgeon, an eighth of an inch will definitely matter."

Instead of teaching military subjects, JROTC now stresses corps values. Cadets learn about self-respect, citizenship and service and not just how to stay in step on the parade field.

As JROTC approaches its 100th anniversary, Barros wants to pay homage to its local history. He hopes to identify past students who excelled in the program so they can share their experiences with today's cadets. By doing this the retired officer will uncover a treasure chest of memories.

And Sgt. Harry Lanier will be very proud.

-- Richard Hyatt is an independent correspondent. Reach him at hyatt31906@knology.net.

This story was originally published January 13, 2015 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Richard Hyatt: Paying homage to local JROTC."