by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC)- Clermont Battalion held its annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 17th at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
The annual ceremony recognizes those graduating cadets who are moving to the next chapter of their lives, whether in higher education, military service or seeking a career in the private sector while also recognizing the under-class cadets for performance above the normal or demonstrating traits that highlight the core values of the Sea Cadets – honor, respect, commitment and service.
Retired Sergeant First Class Matt Wood welcomed family and guests. At the same time, the sea cadets’ honor guard opened the ceremonies with a traditional presentation of the United States flag and colors combination. In the absence of guest speaker Retired Lieutenant Colonel Robert Thomas, SFC Wood delivered the intended message to the audience.
Lt. Col. Thomas enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1989. After follow-on training, he earned the Military Occupational Specialty of Amphibious Assault Crewman. Lt. Col. Thomas deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm as part of the minefield breeching team for the 1st Marine Division. Deployments in 2003, 2004, and 2005 included 10 months of tour in Iraq as Support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 29 years of active-duty service and decorated with the Legion of Merit, Lt. Col. Thomas retired honorably from the United States Marine Corps.
Staff, adult volunteers, and cadets recognized at the ceremony were as follows.
- Instructor of the Year- Auxiliary Warren Tanner
- Officer of the Year- ENS Dr. James Tanis
- Purple Heart Foundation recipient- Petty Officer Second Class Aiden Hevey
- Daughters of the American Revolution recipient- Petty Officer Third Class Serena Mahadeo
- Sons of the American Revolution recipient- Petty Officer Third Class Dylan Mullen
- Veterans of Foreign Wars recipient- Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Budhai
- South Lake Florida Base Submariners recognition- Chief Petty Officer Phillip Hackett
- New League Cadet of the Year- RC Mikaela Perez-Ruiz
- New Sea Cadet of the Year- SA Connor Hinton
- Central Florida Navy League Cadet of the Year- Petty Officer Second Class Philip Tanis
- Central Florida Navy Sea Cadet of the Year- Chief Petty Officer Emmie Justice
- Central Florida Navy Junior Sea Cadet- Petty Officer First Class Brodey Fleming
- Kiwanis Club of Clermont/Harold Cummings Memorial Scholarship recipient- Chief Petty Officer Phillip Hackett
- Senior Farewell recognition- Chief Petty Officer Phillip Hackett and Chief Petty Officer Casmia Bovell
The USNSCC is a national youth leadership development organization that promotes interest and skill in naval disciplines while instilling strong moral character and life skills through leadership and technical programs modeled after the United States Navy.
The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC)- Clermont Battalion annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
Please visit www.ClermontBattalion.com for more information.
