NJROTC Unit were the Stars of the FOTAS Benefit Breakfast at FATZ

Last Saturday, FOTAS held its fourth annual benefit breakfast, an occasion marked by many firsts.  It was our first-time event with FATZ Café, having outgrown our original partner, Applebee’s. 

We had adoptable animals from our county shelter on site for the first time, thanks to Herbie Brown, our Rescue Waggin.  A cat and two kittens found new homes.  With great community support, we sold more merchandise, and raised more money than any previous benefit breakfast.

And most significantly, we were honored to work side by side with the NJROTC Unit (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) from Aiken High.

If you Google “NJROTC,” here’s a bit of what their website will tell you about the program:

The NJROTC accredited curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage… seamanship, navigation and meteorology.  Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by … community service, academic, athletic, drill and orienteering competitions…, marksmanship sports training, and physical fitness training.

What does the NJROTC program do?

• Promotes Patriotism
• Develops informed and responsible citizens
• Develops respect for constructed authority
• Develops leadership potential
• Promotes high school completion
• Promotes higher education
• Promotes community service
• Develops a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline and leadership…

The service and work ethic s developed in the NJROTC program’s participants were in evidence at the FOTAS breakfast.

Commander Negron is understandably proud of the performance of his young people, and he clearly enjoys his role in their development as the unit’s commander at Aiken High.  He has led both rifle teams and academic teams to win state championships, but last Saturday they were Aiken County Animal Shelter champions.

In selecting rising senior Bobby Arthurs as the unit’s executive officer for 2012-13, Commander Negron said, "This year, he was my go-to guy for all big community service activities, as well being a platoon commander."  No surprise to find young Arthurs leading the unit serving the FOTAS breakfast.

Bobby started his freshman year looking for a way out of gym class, which participation in the NJROTC program affords.  Now he has his eyes on the Marines and the Citadel.

Valery, a rising sophomore, was recruited in the 8^th grade by a couple of High School cadets.  She likes the teamwork, skill building and the way the program gets them involved in serving their community.  She loved fund-raising for the shelter.

Here’s the thing - next year, when we settle in at our brand new, fine and final Aiken County Animal Shelter on its rolling wooded lot, FOTAS  sees an opportunity to do much more than rescue lots and lots of homeless pets. 

We are building a public place that beckons, a place that can deepen the character and enhance the quality of the Aiken County communities it exists to serve.  Animals do make us human.  Humble, practical and creative, our new public shelter will inspire the best in us, much like those magnificent young people with the NJROTC at Aiken High.

  FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 411 Wire Road.  For more information, contact “info@fotasaiken.org” or visit FOTAS on line at  www.fotasaiken.org

Aiken County Animal Shelter:  “By the Numbers”

June 11^th thru 17^th

Received:   84 dogs & 19 cats

Adopted:     4 dogs & 13 cats

Euthanized:  33 dogs & 19 cats

 Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week” 

XENA and WEBSTER - darling, inseparable, loving, year-old siblings.  These two are truly better than one!   Half-price at $35 each  

WEBSTER

XENA

 

COCONUT  - Cuddly male kitten who will purr for you.  Yours for 

only $35! 

 

All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip!