cover

THE BEST
ABOVE
TO NONE
SECOND
Issue No.
1
Issue No.
September2014October
The Battalion
Post
cover
DAY SPA
Presented by the
Cougar Battalion
COUGAR BATTALION IS NUMBER ONE

newsletter, the Battalion Post, serves to coalesce the prideful company mottos,
Battalion
of drill shoes, squeaks of sneakers, and laughs in the classroom. This is a bridge
stomps
yours,
Sincerely
Hajra Jamal
C/CPT
Photo
Foreword
Dear fellow cadets,
all have different definitions for the same things. To some of us, JROTC is a class, to
We
it is a team, to many it is family. When you hear the word “JROTC,” perhaps early
others
workouts and sweaty palms come to mind. Or you may think about Sergeant
morning
lectures: sometimes didactic, always inspiring. LET1s probably envision the
Major’s
practicing their seemingly flawless routine, wishing to make friendships as
Woosahs
as theirs. Five years ago, no one thought about a newsletter as part of
unbreakable
Five years ago, this easel for showcasing battalion achievements, relishing in
JROTC.
memories, and eternalizing our passions did not exist. The revitalized Cougar
fond
in stories and captured in photographs of the experience known as JROTC; in all
written
its definitions.
of

Award Ceremony, which occurs at the end of every year, celebrates the achievements
The
the battalion and its cadets. On this day, the seniors pass their leadership positions to well-
of
cadets who will lead the battalion in the next year.
deserving
year’s ceremony, in my opinion, was more memorable than the previous one, but that’s
Last
because JROTC played a bigger part in my life sophomore year. During freshman year,
just
don’t really know much regarding JROTC and the structure of the battalion, but you gain
you
2014 Award Ceremony
Reflection
By: C/SSG Alyssa Brioso
knowledge about it as time goes on. Also, a stronger bond is formed with the other
more
over the course of those two years.
cadets
during the ceremony, which is also known as mass promotions, cadets are given
Basically,
and positions that they will hold for the next year. Also, ribbons, ranks, and cords are
ranks
to cadets who worked hard to receive them. This was my favorite part of the
distributed
not because I got more decorations for my uniform, but because I received those
ceremony,
by people I respected and admired. Take for example the drill team and color
decorations
cords. Those were handed down to me from cadets Matthew Aquino and Ashalesh
guard
who were both influential seniors during my sophomore year. Them giving me those
Tilawat,
was very special because it was like them giving me a piece of them to hold onto, for
cords
adventure
they were soon leaving to go to college.
Later on during the ceremony, Colonel Powers
A STORY BY SAL. T. C
a very motivational speech, almost like a
made
up call, telling us that good leadership and
wake
from all cadets will keep the
participation
alive. Through this speech, he gives the
battalion
and drive to make the next year better
inspiration
the last. than
Colonel's speech, many cadets started to tear up because such influential seniors
After
leaving us behind. They played the part of big brothers and sisters, and it was sad to
were
see them go. There was a bit of crying, laughing ABOUT the crying, and a lot of hugging.
Their leaving was bittersweet a goodbye, but it left us space to grow into the leaders they
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, helped consectetuer
us to become.
adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget
big family coming together and appreciating the year they have
a as Ceremony Awards see I dolor. Aenean massa. Donec quam felis, ultricies
nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.
with one another. It is a time where cadets can look back at a great year and look
spent
to a better one. It also showed me how positive and big of an impact JROTC has
forward
on my life. Without this program, my high school years would not have been as
made
I would have never had as much confidence or made strong bonds with great
colorful.
people I now consider family.

How has JROTC influenced you
Q:
It influenced me in so many different ways: my self-confidence
A:
What was your main goal when you first joined JROTC
Q:
My main goal was to improve my personality because when my
A:
INTER
How would you high school life have changed if you hadn't joined JROTC
Q:
Honestly, I'd probably be really depressed, lazy, and unmotivated. I'd be even more stressed than
A:
How did SGM and Colonel pose as figures towards you
Q:
SGM is definitely a second father that I never had, and I wish I met him earlier in my life
A:
different perspectives. He's another role model.
from
Any last words
Q:
definitely boosted up, as well as my self-esteem. I felt like I
has
be more open now. Before I was always reluctant to talk about
can
with C/LTC
Interview
Anne Baluyot
Kelly
even to my close friends, whereas now, I can express
anything
freely.
myself
By: C/ Maryam Jamal
were you like in your first year of JROTC compared to
Q:What
now
I was very shy. I would never ask for an answer directly, rather
A:
ask a friend to ask for me, I wouldn't be confident in what I was
I’d
Now I'm not afraid to go up to the person if I don't know
doing.
them.
joined she said that she made so many new friends and she
sister
so confident about herself now even though she only stayed
was
a year, and I really needed that due to like past events that
for
brought me down. Because of lack of self esteem I really
always
wanted to join JROTC. I can be stronger and break away.
am right now, because I wouldn't know how to deal with it. My life would be more hectic. JROTC
I
honestly what keeps me going.
is
I made so many mistakes and he would have been my guidance. He's been my guidance
because
all four years and I honestly would not know what to do. Sometimes I think about after high
for
wondering, “Who’s going to be the one leading me" He's like my guardian angel, and I'm
school
exaggerating. Colonel can be irrational sometimes with his logic, but he actually makes me see
not
Let's say you’re going into a position you don't want or someone is telling you to do something
A:
you don't want to do it, still do it because that's what I'm doing. I don't want to be here as the
and
but I'm still doing it. Even though I might not be doing a good job, I'm still here, you know I'm
BC,
my best to do my best. If I'm doing it, you can too. Restore the program back to its former
trying
glory because right now it's not what it could be.

VIEWS
like how to be organized and everything.
management,
Why did you decide to join JROTC and continue until you are a
Q:
senior
I joined because I had initial interest during the orientation
A:
I saw them doing Woosahs and BIA, and I wanted to do that.
when
also figured that that was what I wanted to do in my life. I stayed
I
senior year because I loved the program.
until
What is your favorite JROTC memory
Q:
1, so I had an already set group of friends. We're not that close, but we're cool, you know!
Academy
What do you plan to do in the future
Q:
Who are your role models
Q:
I look up to my grandmother because she had a lot of siblings, and she had 5 children; she took
A:
Any additional thoughts
Q:
My words to the people of the battalion are start now on any application process no matter what
A:
with C/CSM
Interview
McCray
Natasha
How has JROTC influenced your personality What has it taught
Q:
you
JROTC has influenced my personality by making me a more
A:
person, it made me more social, and it taught me time
outgoing
C/CPL Mathew
By:
Seedhom
I have a lot of memories, but the best would be JCLC
A:Wow…
it is so fun. You get to meet people from other schools and
because
did it every year since freshman year. Last year was especially fun
I
there were Drill sergeants. Drill Sergeants are the mean
because
They are jerks and everything, but in the end Drill Sergeant
ones.
made me a better person. He was the meanest Drill Sergeant
Lopez
too.
close have you gotten to your peers because of JROTC
Q:How
would say that I've gotten pretty close to them, but we aren’t that close. I guess the fact that we
A:I
been together all these years: we all started at all different levels, like me coming from
haven't
I plan on going to a military academy, and I plan on doing my commitment. When you go to a
A:
academy you have a certain commitment, like 4 to 7 years. I wouldn't do it to just get the
military
and then do the commitment. I think I would go past the commitment and then decide
education
I want to do, like retire and be successful like Colonel.
what
of all of them. She even took in my cousin; she has been taking care of her since she was a
care
I want to be a family person like her, but I'm not quite there yet.
baby.
you are because it is going to be easier in the long run, and find out ways to keep people
year
motivated.

off, what made you want to join JROTC
Q:First
year, I had no intention of joining because I thought
A:Freshman
have been if you didn't follow your friends
would
A huge impact. High school would be so dry without JROTC.
A:
What would you consider to be your best trait
Q:
caring. I always try to be considerate of others and keep others' feelings in mind before
A:Being
a lot about people I’m close to. Sometimes, I feel a bit motherly.
care
What college do you plan on attending and what do you plan on studying there
Q:
the silliest or funniest thing that you've done
Q:What's
I really can't think of anything that silly or funny, but the first thing that came to mind was
A:
like getting colonel and Strangers was 10pts. And yes, we got in trouble for this.
points,
What were the consequences
Q:
INTERVIEWS
with C/MAJ
Interview
Hamdulla
Sabrina
was specifically for people who wanted to join the military. I
it
out that a lot of my friends from middle school were joining
found
By: C/SFC Kevin Alarcon
so I followed along and I think that was the best decision I
though
in high school
made
How big of an impact do you think the program has made on
Q
years in high school How different do you think high school
your
made most of my friends within the battalion and I've found a
I've
home within the office and the classroom. Joining also
second
me to become part of Woosahs which has become such a
allowed
part of my life. Being Woosah commander gave me a type of
big
and creative outlet I never had before. I now know
responsibility
it means and takes to lead a group of people and I now know
what
it feels to become completely attached to a program and the
how
within it
people
or doing anything. I do my best to show my team and friends my love for them whether
saying
by bringing them food for practice or just asking if they need to talk when they're down. I
it's
No, don’t ask me this haha. I just recently started trying to plan out my future but its been
A:
because I don’t really have that one thing I’m passionate about. Im thinking of staying in
hard
medical field and will probably become a critical care nurse like my mom. Maybe I’ll go to
the
Rutgers School of Nursing Still looking for other options
the
year when we went to Kentucky [for Nationals], all the Woosahs got a bunch of
sophomore
and stuck them on people without them knowing. certain people earned you more
clothespins
colonel made the guys drop which made no sense so they got mad at us and we had to
A:Well,
to Saugan and Colonel. I wonder if Colonel will say “Why is she bringing this back”
apologize

joined for a good reason.”
have
when I decided to join. Waking
That’s
in the morning isn’t that dreadful.
up
also realized that I wouldn’t ever
I
going well,” I thought to myself.
was
this all happened for a reason.
Maybe
part of the reason I stayed.
was
days went by, I started to like
As
Freshman Reflection
By: C/ Makayla Abraham
seven o’clock in the morning is
“Ugh
early.” “Why would anyone want
too
a few minutes, Sergeant
After
walked in, changing the
Major
take an extra class” “I don’t want
to
join the army!” These were my first
to
of the room. Everyone
atmosphere
silent, expecting him to be
because
before joining the JROTC
thoughts
Then I thought to myself,
program.
and stern. As he spoke about
strict
and the program, I realized
himself
people go through this much
“If
for the program, they must
trouble
was a playful and kind person to
he
up to. The vibe I got from him
look
program even more, so I decided
the
join Raiders. All I can say is that
to
to worry about being late to
have
school.
will get a workout! If you want to
you
your strength and feel great
increase
I first entered the gym, I saw
When
familiar faces...my friends
many
yourself, Raiders is the team
about
you. In addition, you really feel
for
to join too! Inside the
decided
we talked amongst
classroom
part of a team, not just working
like
by yourself. It’s great motivation!
out
and I even got a chance to
ourselves
a lot of new faces. “Everything
meet
am currently participating in the
I
JROTC program, with classes
normal
the morning and formations every
in
and so far, I think I like
Wednesday,
it!
Joining wasn’t a bad idea afterall.

Stretch. 5 Mile Run. 3 sets of core. SCUBA! 3 sets of pushups. 1 ZAHIDI, 2 ZAHIDI,
Warmup.
ZAHIDI, 4 ZAHIDI, 5 ZAHIDI! Cool down. Stretch.
3
several workouts from 400’s to Michigan’s along with several core and arm workouts.
run
Jillian Umali describes this experience as, “No matter how much we may want to give
C/SFC
we keep our eye on the goal, surprising ourselves at what we can accomplish.”
up,
Kyle Sumook came back from vacation the same week
C/SSG
experience so far in my life.”
painful
the later parts of summer vacation, Saturday practices were reserved for a physical fitness
In
RAID
By: C/SSG Tapan Patel
are the wise words the Raider team heard all summer from C/2LT Zahidi. Every
Those
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday the Raider team practiced extensively at Lincoln
Monday,
It was strenuous, however the improvements were extremely visible. Mile times were
Park.
faster than a speeding bullet and pushups were pushed faster than before.
dropping
summer, Idriss Zahidi was in Morocco and handed the leadership positions to his
Earlier
practicing delegating leadership. When Idriss returned, he expected everyone
subordinates,
run 4 miles easily at 8 minutes per mile. This was however not evident and much work was
to
be done as most of the team could run more than a mile at that pace. Idriss had each cadet
to
Idriss .He started off really well with his pushups and sit-ups
as
had to battle a great feat, stomach cramps otherwise
however
as stitches. He practiced and ate the pain, and this pain
known
extant through most of his workouts making him go
was
two battles at once. Kyle says, “I joined raiders to
through
myself and my body. When those first few weeks of
improve
kicked in every practice I would always cramp up all
raiders
my body, but I kept going. For me, raiders was the best
over
The test was a simplified version of the Army PFT, instead of running two miles, one
test.
was ran, to see cardiovascular improvement. Then a 2 minute muscular endurance test,
mile
pushups and sit-ups

2LT Michelle Belvin started off with running a 9 minute
C/
and has shaved off 2 whole minutes. She has ran with
mile
splints, hip flexor pain, tight iliotibial bands, and has
shin
All she has to say is that, “Hard work pays off.”
persevered.
running comfortably,” is what Idriss has consistently
“Stop
me. Idriss took each and every one of us in and built a
told
He is always there to support us when we’re almost
family.
the quit. C/SGT Charlene Lanuza says that, “I've
about
self-improvements due to Idriss's motivation.”
experienced
not only gives you a workout but also provides a
Idriss
and it’s always worth it. He deserves to be called a
purpose
not something greater, he has devoted his time to us
coach,
ERS
was fixed, abs were cut and chests were ripped. The rest of the week remained the
Form
long run, sprints, pushups, and core. C/SGT Chris Colon had an 8-pack of abs even
same,
starting Raiders, however they weren't up to par and it was exhibited in these tests. He
before
“Before I went to raiders, I wasn't that good at being active. I had the appearance but
says,
the strength. Going to raiders during the summer helped me get so much better in
never
ways. I know if I didn't join raiders I wouldn't be nearly as strong as I am now.”
multiple
Ravin Muzones describes his experience as, “Even when my body was beat tired and
C/SSG
out, I looked ahead and saw Chris, Tapan, and Kyle struggling with me which made me
worn
that although you may face pain and struggle, there's always people around you just
realize
you who are there to help. Never feel alone because someone out there knows just how
like
you feel.”
as a father.
incentive in joining raiders was to become fit all around. Without the equilibrium of your
My
shape, and injuries are come easier than Sunday morning. My favorite part, however,
body
how much of a family we were. I look forward to every practice because I know I’m
was
and with the people that look for the best in everyone, just like a family.
welcomed
and perseverance in the face of rejection are the elements to succeeding
“Dedication
and physically” – C/2LT Idriss Zahidi
mentally

Why did you join tennis
Q:
I joined tennis because I didn't know how to start high school off and I thought it would
A:
if I joined a sport. I so happened to know how to play tennis which made it very easy.
help
What's your most proudest achievement tennis wise
Q:
I think my proudest achievement was winning my match at the state sectional final.
A:
When you're feeling down in a match how do you pull it together
Q:
Why did you join tennis
Q:
I joined because joining a sport is good for college
A:
What's your most proudest achievement (tennis wise)
Q:
ATHL
with C/SSG Allyson Valde
Interview
C/CPL Paulo Morante
By:
have to admit, it's really hard to keep yourself together. When I'm down all I
A:"I'll
myself is to go back to the basic principles which have previously brought me
remind
success."
with C/SSG Therese Villa
Interview
C/CPL Paulo Morante
By:
keeps me healthy, and is an activity to do after
apps,
school.
My "most proudest" hahaha last year when Anj and I
A:
the state sectional title.
secured
What qualities and lessons have you learned from
Q:
that helps you in tennis
JROTC
Patience, motivation, leadership helps me especially
A:
when I play doubles if I need to keep my
leadership
partner focused on the game plan and to play at
doubles
110%.

to push through, but managed to keep their heads up high and get a winning streak on.
had
had coach Gladstone step up as their head coach and managed to practice and work
They
catholic in the Cougar Come and away at Union City, against Union City in two sets,
Hudson
new accomplishment in McNair history. They have come back stronger from the downfall
a
no coach and teach their new coach to come back as champions!
having
2nd Lt. Felicia Jimenez shares her thoughts about the being a cadet on a varsity athletic
C/
Q: How do you balance rotc and volleyball
team.
Uhm, I try to do my best and decide what is more
A:
ETICS
with C/2LT Felicia Jimeniz
Interview
C/CPL Paulo Morante
By:
Lady Cougar Volleyball team has won The Jersey City Public Schools Champions (25-22
The
Snyder) and are following that win with a 4 win streak. After losing Coach Diaz, the team
vs.
with her guidance. She's learned so much about the game since the beginning of the
hard
and they're proud to have her as their coach. They beat their biggest competitions,
season
their season earlier in the year and are determined to make it to counties as champs. They
of
high expectations for the rest of the season and no matter what, they are a team. We
have
hard, play hard, fight together, as one. Cadets 2nd Lt. Jimenez, SG Olivia, and COP
work
have applied the lesson they have learned from JROTC to help lead a team from
Villamor
at that time. I usually spend more time at
important
than in JROTC. Volleyball is extremely time
volleyball
and I have to sacrifice a lot of what I want to do
consuming
the program for volleyball.
in
How does rotc help you as an athlete
Q:
JROTC helps me deal with discipline and commitment,
A:
I'm not completely committed to JROTC. The
although
gives me guidelines and responsibilities that must
program
met and increases my discipline as an athlete and
be
overall.
How does volleyball help you as a cadet
Q:
"Volleyball helps me to learn how to accept defeat and
A:
humble,, it strengthens my character and confidence
win
a person and a cadet, especially in inspection."
as

Country -
Cross
What is something about cross country most people don’t know
Q:
every runner matters and can change the race!
because
What conditions do you run in
Q:
Athletics
with C/SGT Jasmine Sawh
Interview
C/SSG Tapan Patel
By:
Cross Country seems like an independent sport but people don't realize how
A:
your team matters. It really is one of the sports that require teamwork
much
Coach doesn't have a problem making us run in a hailstorm with wind
A:
us back, but once he hears that thunder, we HAVE to run to that bus!
pushing
What is the craziest thing that has happened
Q:
your running career so far
in
Sawh: I remember falling down in the
Jasmine
and looking at my hands and seeing dust
race
it. In my head I thought, "Wow jasmine! You
on
so dumb! How can you fall down" So
are
even looking down, I continue to finish
without
race. As I am 10 meters away from the finish
the
feel something running down the back and
I
of my leg, when I look down I see blood. I
front
feel any pain, but the amount of blood
didn’t
down was so much I had to scope it up
coming
throw it on the floor. Cross country is one
and
of a sport.
hell

performances and wowed the crowds. And even though the weather was glum,
amazing
entire platoon of cadets came to support the program. Not even the rain could drown
an
Events
20 14
By: C/MAJ Bogdana Bartkiv
Marathon
1/2
year's Liberty Half Marathon was another success! The weather was beautiful,
This
for a run. Stationed around the downtown area, our cadets gave water and much
perfect
support to the hundreds of runners who took part in the event. LET 1s mingled
needed
upper LETs and everyone was able to have a good time. After getting soaked from
with
runners crushing cups as they passed by and the occasional mischievous Cadets
the
water down someone's shirt, everyone relished in the joy that the marathon
pouring
to all of us. Finishing at Paulus Hook, the marathon ended on a high note with
brought
cadets just as motivated to cheer on the runners as they had been at the beginning of
the
race. I'm sure everyone is eagerly awaiting the fun of next year's Half Marathon.
the
Day Parade
Columbus
a three day weekend ahead of them, every cadet was thrilled to celebrate Columbus
With
in an honorary parade. The ABS Color Guard leaded the way with a professional
Day
of the colors. The Unarmed and Armed Exhibition teams put on their usual
showing
the voices of our cadets as they sang cadences. It is always an honor when a cadet
out
in the parade and hears a little child say "I want to go to McNair!"and this year
marches
no exception. The love of the crowd is a great feeling, one that all the cadets can not
was
to experience again at the next parade!
wait
Cancer Walk
Breast
the chill of the upcoming winter, cadets made it out to Lincoln Park for the Breast
Facing
Walk. It was easy to get lost in the sea of pink, but it was not easy to have a bad
Cancer
The park was filled with selfless people there to help a great cause. The walk started
time.
the fountain and looped all the way around the park twice. What started out as a cold
at
morning turned into a fun dance-athon filled with joy and laughter. The walk was
Sunday
success and in the end, no one wanted to leave the crowds of people filled with new
a
and fun memories.
friends

advice
By: C/1SG Carlos Marin
I want to be more involved, but
sometimes I feel out of place. What
should I do
Personally, I commend you for trying to get
involved. However, I had the same predicament
you did. The best advice I have is to be involved,
just like you want, but don't do it alone.
Although you may feel like you don't fit in,
there are a few cadets who would make you
feel involved, no matter the team(s)
Why do some people
take themselves so
seriously, while others
do the opposite
Some people are on the side of the spectrum where they take their
responsibilities to a whole new level, others don't make their
positions worth it and in the end people question what they did.
Sometimes they are blind in their actions and don't seem to know
where they are on the spectrum. Although they may have their own
perspective on their jobs, they should learn to compliment their job
with some fun. We may all be cadets, but we are also teenagers, and
teenagers need to have fun in and outside the uniform.

gym echoed with booming questions, “What are the five major terrain features, cadet”,
The
is your battle cry, cadet”, “Who is the Chief of Staff of the Army, cadet” To my dismay,
“What
rest, I looked down. My legs weren't shaking anymore.
parade
people would discard such a memory. But I realized that I had proved myself to be
Most
An Open Letter
to Lower LETs
By: C/CPT Hajra Jamal
one inserts their future plans in the ground knowing what will sprout up. We are
No
sowing seeds, forgetting our origins in the tangled tendrils of memories.
constantly
back, I have traced my current mentality, position and love for this battalion back to
Looking
first inspection. I stood petrified, not at rest, as the senior leadership penetrated the squads.
my
Thomas Danilenko walked up to my squad leader, C/SSG Priscilla Hurtado. In disbelief, I
C/LTC
to attention. My mind went blank. Being inspected by the battalion commander made this
went
wrecking process even worse. When he stepped in front of me, I was facing the second
nerve
on his jacket. He towered above me. Still, I tried to appear calm. “Are you nervous cadet”
button
answered “no,” wanting to get over with inspection already. Thomas pointed to my leg, which
I
shaking violently, like a leaf clinging to its branch in howling wind. Thomas, to my surprise
was
not howling. He noticed my quivering and knew that intimidation would not yield
was
in this case: a sign of a skilled leader. But at that moment, I only thought of my
motivation
To keep me calm, he said “Don’t worry. I’m not scary. I’m just like you.” He then
humiliation.
to ask me questions, which I answered correctly. When my squad went back to
proceeded
to someone superior in rank and seemingly intimidating because of it. This is why I
competent
in inspection for drill team. Every second in a platoon roaring with confidence while
compete
questions is an irreplaceable rush of adrenaline. Besides the exhilarating thrill, I love
answering
prove myself in my “inspection voice.” With pitch and inflection, my timid voice is amplified
to
a strong harmony, joined by the rest of my team: a reminder to be thankful for every
into
together with them.
moment
I have learned anything in my four years in the program, it is to never be afraid. Even if you
If
like a leaf, remember you are part of a sturdy tree. Right now, you are a bud. If you ever
tremble
help you look to your squad leaders, the branches that connect you to the thick trunk of the
need
And although you rarely see them, remember that your LET 4s are the roots of the
platoons.
We work underground; behind the scenes to make sure everything happens for the
battalion.
Some jut out of the soil, being outgoing despite the workload. Others are buried deep.
best.
you are a leaf, branch, trunk, or root, rest assured that we all work toward common
Whether
your failures are our failures and your successes are our successes, as previous battalion
goals:
Ashalesh Tilawat used to say. Remember that there are countless rings in the
commander
tree trunk that uphold honorable history and traditions.
battalion’s

Contribute to the Cougar
Battalion Story
Cadets are welcome to add their
own voices to the Battalion Post.
See the S-5, C/CPT Hajra Jamal for
details.
Special thanks to Colonel Powers
and Sergeant Major Rivera for
supervising this project.
© Battalion Post
Layout by C/SFC Louis Gaspar and
C/CPT Hajra Jamal