American Legion Award Jrotc

Amiya Jones ready for military life

NATCHEZ — Natchez High School graduate Amiya Jones’ desire to join the military is not about fading in with the khaki, white or cammo ranks but all about standing out.

“It’s a way to gain responsibility to be on your own,” said 18-year-old Jones of her career aspirations and involvement in high school with junior ROTC.

In addition to ribbons she received as commander of last school year’s ROTC class, Jones received the Daughters of the American Revolution bronze medal awarded to a senior in every program and the American Legion patriotism award at the end of last school year.

Jones said she used to talk about joining the military when she was in middle school, mostly because her parents, who met while they were both in the U.S. Army, had a military background.

Jones said her mother was worried about Jones early plans to join the military at first, but she supported her once she entered high school and showed serious interest in joining the U.S. Air Force.

“I want to study aeronautical engineering,” Jones said.

Jones said aeronautical engineering mixes technology with science and finds better ways to make airplanes, missiles and spacecrafts.

One of the many summers in which Jones participated in an ROTC-related summer programs, she overcame a fear of heights when she got a chance to fly in a bomber plane at a camp in Virginia.

“After I got on my first airplane, I was like, ‘That’s pretty cool,’” Jones said.

Jones leaves next week to study her chosen field at Southwest Mississippi College. She intends to then earn a degree at Mississippi State University.

Jones said she considered going on active duty after high school at one time, but she decided she wanted to earn a degree first to become an officer.

“I don’t like to be told what to do, so I try to get a much rank as I can so I can tell other people what to do,” Jones said.

But two years of ROTC and summer programs have shown Jones that she is a capable leader because she is dependable, a team player and trustworthy.

“Let us Not Forget” 9/11 Remembrance Day – Poker Run & Family ...

September 1, 2011                                      Contact: Lynelle Zelnar, Executive Director

For Immediate Release                  Corporate Office: 561-369-2933  cell: 561-248-6064

“Let us Not Forget”  9/11 Remembrance Day – Poker Run & Family Fun Day at American Legion Post #321 Cooper City

Cooper City, Florida   — American Legion Post #321-Cooper City in partnership with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO) in support of our troops with a “Let us Not Forget” 9/11 Remembrance Day – Poker Run & Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 11, 2011. 

“What better way to show our support of our Heroes, then to hold a special Remembrance Day to bring family and friends together for a full day of fun and a time to remember”, says Lynelle Zelnar, Executive Director and Founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.   

At 9am, breakfast will be served for only $5.  “Let us Not Forget” opening ceremony will be at 9:00am emceed by Majic 102.7′s Rick Shaw, joined by Cooper City High School JROTC to present the colors.  At 9:03  there will be a moment of silence, in remembrance of the plane that went into the South World Trade Center Tower, following the first attack at 8:46am.   There will be other moments of silence throughout the day.  The Poker Run registration starts following the opening ceremony with “kickstands up” at 11:30.  The 5 stops are as follows, beginning at American Legion Post #321, then Mickey’s Bar, Flossie’s Bar & Grill, Azteca Patron and back to American Legion Post #321 as the 5 stop with Award presentation and BBQ at 5pm.

The fun-filled day for the family are from 12noon-3:30pm, which will include bounce house, letter writing to soldiers, face painting, arts & crafts activities, other interactive children activities.  BSO will also join us by hosting a booth for crime prevention (Fingerprints) and have a specialized vehicle on site.