TAMPA, FL -- Tampa has deep roots in the military community. MacDill Air Force base, home of Central Command, is the command center for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The military presence seems to have had an influence in the schools. According to Hillsborough County School officials, 24 of 27 public high schools have ROTC courses. The three schools that do not have the program likely soon will and applications have been filed to add the course.
The interest in the program is evident at schools like Spoto High School in Riverview, which has a waiting list to enter its ROTC program even though many students are torn about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Spoto senior Jeffrey Then says that despite the conflict, ROTC courses have taught him lessons that launched his dreams.
"I would like to join the Air Force because I feel like there are a lot of opportunities. My parents back me up on my decision they feel like it is a good idea especially because how the economy is. Jobs are hard. The Air Force can help me have a stable job."
Another student, Jamar Burns, says the Army is all that he knows. His father is active military. Jamar wants to take the course to get a feel of his father's life, but that is as far as he wants to go. Violence like the bombings that took place over the weekend reinforce his decision.
"It is fear for me. Death, I would not want to do it."
Lieutenant Commander Larry Jordan, who teaches Spoto High School's ROTC class, says the stark contrast between the students means he has fulfilled his duty. The course is not meant to recruit but to teach discipline and plant a seed for the future.
"You never stop learning. We encourage them to go to college. Why not do it as an officer? Why not lead," he asks.
There are strong examples at Spoto. The principal, Clyde Trathowen, spent 20 years in the Marine Corp. He is a Purple Heart recipient. He was also among the first to work at CENTCOM. He says his mission now is to watch over his 1400 students. Sixty eight of them have parents fighting overseas.
"When things like this happen, we are there for them and give them that extra pat they might need."
The strong influences have shaped Jeffrey and Jamar. They both may have different paths they want to take, but both these young men have a goal in common. They are headed to college. For Lt. Commander Larry Jordan and Lt. Colonel Clyde Trathowen, that is mission accomplished.
