Story by: Gavin, Johnny
Photos by: CSM (R) Leigh Perry
The Deputy Commanding General, of the United States Army Cadet Command, Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike presented the Legion of Valor Award Bronze Cross for Scholastic Achievement to Army JROTC Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Kalena Towe from 7th Brigade during an awards ceremony at Montgomery Central High School. Kalena was one out of ~25 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine JROTC Cadets to receive the prominent award out of over 500,000 Cadets across the Country. The Legion of Valor award is voted on annually by a select group of Medal of Honor winners or their service equivalent to recognize scholastic excellence in military and academic subjects. C/LTC Towe received this award as a result of her self-drive, stellar academic performance, and exceptional leadership ability. During her four years of high school, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while serving as the Battalion Commander (most senior Cadet), within the Indian Battalion where she leads with distinction. As a four-year member of the drill team, Cadet Towe has served as a LET I Drill Captain, as well as the Color Guard and Unarmed Drill Team Captain of the nationally recognized drill team. Cadet Towe has captained the Color Guard and Unarmed drill platoon to multiple local championships culminating in winning last year’s 7th Brigade Unarmed team championship, as well as finishing 3rd in the Nation in Color Guard and 3rd overall Unarmed Team at the National All-Service Drill Championships held in Daytona Beach, Florida May 5-7, 2023. Additionally, she was selected into the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society. Kalena was also a member of the JLAB leadership team which qualified for the National Championship, in our nation’s capital.
