Plum Air Force JROTC cadets honored by borough vet for recent performance

Vietnam veteran and Mayor Harry Schlegel thanked a group of recruits for their serving in leading a military celebration.

He presented members of the Plum School District’s Air Force Junior ROTC program with a proclamation at a recent school board meeting for their performance in the Oakmont/Verona Memorial Day parade.

About 30 cadets led the May 27 parade that featured Schlegel as its grand marshal.

Schlegel, who served in the Marines from 1966-70 and reached the rank of sergeant, said the event “felt like my parade.” He briefly talked about how he and other service men and women did not receive such a celebration upon their return from Vietnam.

“The members of the ROTC displayed a high degree of discipline in their military appearance, demeanor and performance,” Schlegel said. “(They) made their families, the Air Force, Plum and myself very proud by their actions as the honor guard.”

The cadets, in full uniform, led the procession from James Street in Verona, along Allegheny River Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue in Oakmont and up the hill to the Oakmont-Verona Cemetery for the service.

Cadet Maj. Kasey Fischer said it was an honor for her group to be recognized.

“It feels good to have us be noticed for more than just (our competitions),” Fischer said. “We haven’t served yet (in the military), so it’s very cool to be recognized for JROTC in general.”

The cadets and school district officials also thanked the mayor for his service.