Sen. McLachlan, Bethel & Danbury JROTC Back Measure at State Capitol

As cadets from Bethel High’s JROTC program look on, State Sen. Michael McLachlan (www.senatormclachlan.com) testifies before the legislature’s Education Committee.

On March 5, State Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) testified before the legislature’s Education Committee in support of a bill which makes revisions to the law relating to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program instructors.

Bethel High’s JROTC program leader, Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells, visited the State Capitol to join Sen. McLachlan in speaking in favor of the measure, which clarifies the credentialing and permitting system for the certification of JROTC instructors.

Dwinells brought along six Bethel JROTC cadets.

“We’re very proud of our local JROTC programs in western Connecticut,” Sen. McLachlan told the committee. “There are about 200 students enrolled in Bethel High’s program. That’s a huge number for a relatively small high school, and it shows how popular JROTC is. Lt. Dwinnels wins the gold medal for running a terrific program. The success that is realized by these students is tremendous. That’s why I think that creating permanence in the accreditation process which will ensure these programs continue to thrive throughout Connecticut.”

Danbury High School’s program has about 100 cadets each year. Danbury’s JROTC leader Lt. Col. Bryan Holmes was unable to be at the State Capitol in person on Monday but submitted written testimony in support of the bill.

“I have seen firsthand the benefits of the JROTC programs at both Danbury and Bethel High Schools,” Sen. McLachlan said. “These programs provide a unique and positive educational experience for our area students.”

Sen. McLachlan will now monitor the bill, Senate Bill 299, as it proceeds through the legislative process.