Veterans honored by DeSoto JROTC

DESOTO — The DeSoto High School JROTC program hosted the annual DISD Veterans Day Program on Nov. 10 in the DHS Fred Nickles Auditorium.

JROTC Coordinator LTC Russell Hooper orchestrated an outstanding salute to veterans.

The ceremony included armed and unarmed drill team exhibitions, choir and cheerleader performances, guest speaker LCDR Ronald Nunn, USN (Ret) and a teacher at the DeSoto Freshman Campus, the traditional service song medley to honor all attending veterans and a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace by Vincent Zubras.

LCDR Nunn enlisted in the Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School after college earning his wings in 1971. After graduating from FV-126 of Top Gun fame he flew with the VA-95 Green Lizards and VA-145 Swordsmen before a 30-month station in Japan.

LCDR Nunn has over 5,500 flight hours in ten different Navy jet aircraft and earned the ‘Golden Tailhook’ honor for top landing performance aboard the USS Ranger.

The event took new meaning in wake of the Fort Hood incident the previous week as a moment of silence was given in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

The event was held a day early so that the DeSoto High School JROTC could again march in the Dallas Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov.11.

Last year the unit earned Best Marching Unit honors.