Veterans Speak with CPS JROTC

On March 31st, 20 students from various CPS schools with JROTC programs will sit down, grab hold of a camera and interview veterans from The Mission Continues, American Legion Post 973 and Chicago Vets to gain perspective on life in and out of the military from the eyes of the youth of Chicago. The city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools is home to the largest junior reserve program in the country, with more than 9,000 cadets enrolled in programs at 45 of the district’s 104 high schools (The Chicago Reporter). Ninety-three percent of Chicago junior reserve cadets are African American or Hispanic, according to March figures from the CPS’ Department of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. And more than 70 percent of junior reserve programs are offered in high schools located in majority-black or majority-Latino ZIP codes (National Census Bureau). One CPS spokesperson said that “Only 9.4 [percent] of our students go into the military.” However, former Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki was quoted back in 2010 that the national average is closer to 30%. In partnership with these students, we will interview the personal experiences of these veterans (ranging from as early as the conflict in Vietnam to veterans closer to their own generation) to allow them to ask the questions that many of their former and currently serving teachers can’t or will not answer. And also interview the students on their personal experiences, why they are part of the JROTC program and what their ultimate take away is from speaking with the veterans. Afterwards, the American Legion Post will host their monthly Burger Night with help from the cadets. So come for the service and to help the cadets, but ultimately stay for the burgers and after service celebration.

Type

Service Project

What To Wear

Bring your Mission Continues shirt. If you dont have one, we've got you covered.

What to Bring

Your willingness to participate.

Inclement Weather

All indoors.