FORT HOOD, Texas — Leadership and military tradition came together as Junior ROTC cadets visited The Great Place June 4, 2026 as part of their annual Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge, or JCLC, summer program based in San Antonio.
“It’s the Cadet Command Initiative where cadets in a Junior ROTC high school program get an opportunity to come together for a week of leadership and team building events,” retired Maj. Jamelle Garner, senior Army instructor at Theodore Roosevelt High School, and JCLC Delta Company trainer, advisor and counselor, explained. “It’s visits like this that plant that seed into the minds of what could be, and so if they don’t experience it, they don’t know that these opportunities exist.”
This year’s theme was “Adventure,” and Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment delivered in historical fashion with a dynamic horseback riding demonstration to welcome the more than 200 cadets and cadre from 18 schools in the Northeast Independent School District.
Following the traditional firing of the cannon, the rhythmic sound of hooves introduced the 1st Cav. Div. Soldiers as they thundered across the field, kicking up clouds of dust in preparation for a show of speed, precision and tradition that have defined the unit’s equestrian heritage for generations.
The Soldiers, mounted on steeds and dressed in historic Cavalry uniforms, showcased ceremonial maneuvers and displayed skill and dexterity during the mounted weapons demonstration, before interacting with the audience and introducing their four-legged partners to their many admirers.
“That was one of the best shows I think I’ve seen,” Cadet Poppy Dixon, a recent graduate from Alamo Heights High School, said of the high tempo display. “It was so wonderful to meet all of the horses especially, and all of the cadre who ride them. It was so wonderful to be able to ask them questions, and so I’m really glad I got to come today.”
The excitement continued as cadets arrived at an attack helicopter battalion, or AHB, motor pool.
The cadets marveled at seeing some of the Army’s premier weapons and aircraft up close, many of them clamoring for the opportunity to explore the planes and helicopters inside and out and take selfies to commemorate the experience.
Warrant Officer Marc Mora, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, said he was just as excited for cadets to see the aircraft and learn more about the Army’s mission and capabilities.
“I love seeing the generation behind us that’s going to be replacing us, is also eager to learn something and get in these aircraft,” he expressed. “Making sure that I can give them the opportunities and the tools necessary to be that next great generation is very important.”
In addition to the educational activities, students enjoyed lunch on post and spent time bonding with fellow cadets from across the region.
The visit culminated in a tour of the National Mounted Warrior Museum where cadets learned about military history, leadership and legacy through photos, static displays and interactive exhibits.
“The experience of the aviation, the Cavalry unit, the transportation unit and then to visit this museum is just not an experience that we could have captured in San Antonio,” Garner conveyed.
Garner said the cadets are leaving Fort Hood smarter, opening up the beginning of opportunities for their future.
“They can go now, further research and see (if) the Army is something they really want to do,” she said. “They’ve left this entire week wiser and more emboldened to step into leadership positions, and for that, I’m just grateful. I think it’s just a full circle opportunity, because these (cadets) are, of course, the future.”