Generally Speaking: Fort Hamilton JROTC celebrates 100th anniversary 5K run

Thousands of high school students who are affiliated with Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) programs at their schools around the world participated in 5K fun runs on Saturday, April 23 in an attempt to set a Guinness world record for the most runners running simultaneously.

Locally, the Tiger Battalion from Fort Hamilton High School held their 100th anniversary 5K run along the streets within the Fort Hamilton Army Base. The Shore Road school’s top gun is Army Instructor Major Sang Lee.

Trophies were awarded by Major Lee to the following male JROTC cadets: Jose Ramose (first place), Boian Sergiu (second place) and Josh Caraballo (third place). Female cadet winners were: Adilia Verde (first place), Kathy Espinoza (second place) and Melanie Alaniz (third place).

The Army JROTC program was established at the area high school 23 years ago by Army Lieutenant Colonel Lee Anderson with the close cooperation by then-Principal Dr. Alice Farkouh and Fort Hamilton High School graduate and Hall of Famer, the late Larry Morrish. Anderson, also a past Deputy Fort Hamilton Post Commander was recently cited for his service and patriotism at Brooklyn Borough Hall by the United Military Veterans of Kings County.

Kaye Houlihan is the current Principal of Fort Hamilton High School.

The mission of the Army’s JROTC programs is to motivate young people to become better citizens. It’s a strictly volunteer program for high school-age students with emphasis on character education, student achievement, community service, diversity and giving back to others. It does not commit students to future military service.

Earlier that day, the school’s JROTC Color Guard and cadets participated in a flag raising ceremony coordinated by City Councilmember Vincent Gentile at Owl’s Head Park.

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Bay Ridge music man Frankie Marra is holding his sixth annual fundraiser to benefit the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade at the Salty Dog Bar and Restaurant, 7509 Third Avenue, on Sunday, May 1, from 2 to 9 p.m. Five popular area bands are performing. Donations are $25 at the door.

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