Paloma Valley NJROTC qualifies for another trip to nationals

Photo courtesy of MSgt Frank Puebla

In what is becoming an annual tradition, the Paloma Valley High School NJROTC Battalion has earned a trip to the Nationals.

Based on their performance in academics, fitness and close order drill, the Battlecats finished second in the state competition Saturday at Santa Ana High School and earned a return trip to the Navy National Championships April 3-4 in Pensacola, Florida. Two years ago, the Battlecats finished second in the nation. Last year, they placed fifth.

"I believe this year we are better than we've ever been and are capable of becoming National Champs," wrote MSgt USMC (ret.) Frank Puebla in an email to the program's supporters.

Paloma Valley will be among the top 25 teams of the 612 NJROTC programs in the U.S., Guam, Italy and Japan.

To raise funds for 45 Cadets and the support group to make the costly trip to Florida, the Paloma Valley program has established a GoFundMe page which can be accessed below:

Paloma Valley NJROTC fundraiser

The program will also conduct a Community Discount Card fundraiser soon, Puebla said.