THE RAYEN SCHOOL Ceremony honors members of JROTC, retiring instructor

Sgt. 1st Class John R. Ayers, JROTC instructor, is retiring July 1.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Members of The Rayen School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps were recognized at a luncheon Tuesday for their commitment and dedication to community service.
Service, whether in the military or as a civilian, brings a satisfying life, said Police Chief Robert E. Bush Jr., who was the main speaker at the event, sponsored by VFW Post 6488 and its Ladies Auxiliary.
"When you serve successfully, you walk taller and display a sense of accomplishment that others cannot," Bush said.
Bush, a former Marine who was wounded twice while serving in the Vietnam War as a helicopter gunner and was decorated for his actions, told the JROTC members that in service they might receive unjust criticism or not be thanked for a job well done.
"Your thanks will come from within yourself, from your co-workers and your superiors," Bush said.
Also honored at the luncheon was Army Sgt. 1st Class John R. Ayers, who is retiring July 1 as a Rayen JROTC instructor. He received a plaque from Post 6488 and proclamations from Youngstown City Council and the Youngstown Board of Education. Ayers served on active duty from 1959 to 1981 and has been with the JROTC for five years.
The Rayen JROTC, with about 90 members in grades nine through 12, has been designated an Honor Unit for two years in a row for its overall excellence, citizenship and community service projects.
Thanking veterans
Youngstown schools Superintendent Ben McGee said he is "humbled" by what the men and women of Post 6488 do for the community and did for their country in the military service.
Living up to their legacy is a big responsibility, but "you are up to it," McGee told the JROTC members.
Wendy Webb, assistant superintendent of schools, asked the JROTC members to celebrate what black Americans have contributed to the nation.
"Don't be afraid to take a stand. We are not at risk, we are at promise," said Webb, who will become Youngstown's first black woman superintendent after McGee's retirement at the end of this school year.
Post 6488 officers who participated in the ceremony were Edward Henderson, commander; Anthony Feldes, past commander; Earl McAlway, chaplain; and Sandra Graves, president of the Ladies Auxiliary.
alcorn@vindy.com