After eight long years, CVA now has an official Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC).
Chief Matt Snyder shared the news to Central Valley Superintendent Jeremy Rich and the CVA leadership corps during a brief visit to the District Office on Monday, May 6.
"I just got off the phone with the Acting Area One Manager who told me the Secretary of the Navy has approved CVA as an NJROTC unit effective July 1, 2024," said Chief Snyder.
The room erupted in smiles and applause with the announcement.
CVA had been on a short list of U.S. high schools that operate successful Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) programs and were qualified to transition to NJROTC. In addition to teaching the core content of the program, units have to maintain successful enrollment over the years. A huge benefit of becoming an NJROTC unit is funding.
A letter from NJROTC Program Director Cdr. S. T. Williams explained that NNDCC and NJROTC units are identical "...with the exception that the Navy will now offer significant funding including partial reimbursement for two instructor salaries, uniform support, and other support."
CVA launched its NNDCC program in 2016. Chief Warrant Officer Don "Gunner" Beyer led the cadets through their first two years before retiring in 2018. Chief Snyder came aboard that September and has steadily build on that foundation.
Chief is quick to say that NJROTC is not a military recruitment program. Its goal is to instill in cadets the values and skills they will need to be effective leaders and good citizens.
Central Valley Superintendent Jeremy Rich congratulates Chief Matthew Snyder upon learning CVA's NNDCC unit is transitioning to an NJROTC unit.