The United War Veterans Council of New York City invited seven Xavier JROTC Cadets to join GEN Raymond Odierno, Army Chief of Staff, on Friday, June 13, to celebrate the Army’s 239th Birthday at Bryant Park in New York City. General Odierno, the highest-ranking officer in the Army, thanked the cadets and also the people of New York City for opening their arms to the Army and to our soldiers.

Just one day after completing their final exams, our cadets donned their uniforms and greeted the Chief of Staff. From left to right in the photograph are Xavier Cadets Peter Monegro '17, John Pagano '17, John Nikas '14, James Cole '16, Mark Pepperman '17, Ted Colter '17, and Stephen Vasile '17.

Our cadets enjoyed precision drill performances (with rifles and fixed bayonets) by the US Army Drill Team, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) from Washington, DC. Members of our own Drill Team took away several ideas for their own summer practices, but much to their dismay, the X Squad will NOT fix bayonets like the Old Guard!

The celebration included musical performances by West Point’s Band and by the USO Show Troupe.

Not to be forgotten were the soldiers currently deployed. “As we sit here today, I ask you to think about the thousands of men and women who are deployed away from their families, and say a prayer for them as they continue to protect our freedoms,” Odierno said.

- Roy Campbell (LTC, US Army, Retired)
Senior Army Instructor
Xavier JROTC Regiment