DeSoto Independent School District

DeSoto, TX- Continuing with the district’s FOCUS initiative which hones in on Finance, Organizational Redesign, Campuses and Classrooms, Unity and Systems and sustainability, DeSoto ISD announces the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Veterans Day Celebration (Campuses and Classrooms).

DeSoto High School JROTC will present their annual Veterans Day Celebration at 9:30 am on Friday, November 8,2019, in the DeSoto High School Fred Nickels auditorium. The public is invited to join in the celebration.  Veterans are also invited to a special reception which begins at 8:45 am for special greetings and recognition. 

The JROTC is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act.  The Eagle Battalion was established in August 1993 by Colonel Dennis Cross and Command Sergeant Major Roy McCormes. DeSoto ISD proudly sponsors the DeSoto ISD Eagle Battalion which has five companies - Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo. DeSoto ISD also supports three Junior Corp Cadet (JCC) programs - one at each of the three DeSoto middle schools. The district and instructors of the JROTC program subscribe to the JROTC vision and goals of the federal program.

Eagle Battalion is active throughout the school year, including numerous public presentations of colors at assemblies, meetings, sporting events and other school and community activities.  During Veterans Day season, students support many community programs including the City of DeSoto’s annual Vet Fest, Friend’s Place Adult Day Care Center’s Veterans Program and marching in Dallas’ Veterans Day Parade. The DHS program provides opportunities for JROTC to engage the student body in celebrating the contributions of veterans in DeSoto ISD as well as the community at large.  “It is important for DHS to celebrate Veteran’s day to thank the many members of this great nation who have sacrificed so much,” stated LtCol Russell Hooper. 

“We must constantly be reminded of the fact that “freedom isn’t free”; many veterans who give selflessly for our freedom, walk among us every day.”

DeSoto ISD appreciates and celebrates the service of our employees who are veterans, and after giving so much, continue to pour into the lives of future generations.  

Salute!