Rosewood JROTC honors fallen cadets and local veterans
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on November 9, 2014 1:50 AM
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Brian Casey, 17, and other members of the Rosewood JROTC present the colors before a ceremony for two of their former members. The cadets also honored local veterans and their families.
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U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Luther Dawson walks through an arch of honor formed by members of the Rosewood JROTC during a ceremony honoring veterans Friday.
News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Leasa Holmes pauses to remember her son, Joshua, a former JROTC cadet at Rosewood, who died earlier this year in a motorcycle accident.
Their commemoration of Veterans Day wasn't just about thanking those who have served their nation for the members of the Rosewood High School JROTC.
This year, they also honored two of their own.
As part of the group's Veterans Day luncheon, the cadets invited local veterans and their families to join them.
And among those who gathered in the audience were some special guests -- the families of Pfc. Andrew Sass and Cpl. Joshua Holmes, two young men who lost their lives before they had a chance to complete their military careers.
The event began with comments from Capt. Len Addis, senior JROTC instructor, who spoke of the origins of Veterans Day.
Then, it was about the memories -- and the thank yous.
Wrestling coach Bill Edmundson described Sass and Holmes as two of the finest young men he has ever coached.
He told their families of the young men's achievements not only as cadets, but as students and athletes as well.
Sass died in a training exercise in California while serving in the U.S. Army.
"I will never forget the Saturday I heard," Edmundson said. "I took a knee, hoping it wasn't true." He remembered Sass as a great leader on the wrestling team.
"He had his priorities straight," he said.
Holmes lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Greenville. Edmundson said he was a "strong, Christian man."
Holmes prayed before every wrestling match.
"I am so proud of these two men and what they accomplished in their short time," Edmundson said. "Their legacy lives on at Rosewood."
Sgt. 1st Class Dinah Tootle knew both as her cadets. She still gets teary talking about them.
"They were my students, and I loved them. Our hearts go out to the families. We do not take our freedom for granted. We're still grieving for them."
The JROTC cadets planned the ceremony with assistance from Mrs. Tootle and Addis.
For the students, it was not just about remembering their fallen alumni. It was also about acknowledging the veterans who have already given of themselves in service to their country.
"These high schoolers have planned it all," Ms. Tootle said. "They want to give back."
Cadet Joe Martinez was among the students who planned the luncheon.
Martinez invited the families and veterans to take the walk of fame under the sabers.
"We salute you," he said.
"It means everything to honor the vets that take up arms," the senior said. "They sacrifice their lives. We need to repay the price."
The JROTC cadets will perform a ceremony at Wayne Community College on Monday. They will also march in the Goldsboro Veterans Day parade on Tuesday at 11 a.m.