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On Friday, April 4, 2025, two Robert Vela High School JROTC cadets were recipients of the Jeremy D. Smith Award in Washington D.C. The awardees were selected by a board from the Concerned Veterans for America Foundation (CVAF). Cadets Anna Faz and Efrain Lander Rivera were two of six cadets from Texas selected for this prestigious award. The trip to D.C. included a distinguished visitor tour of the Secretary of Defense Office Corridor at the Pentagon, National Museum of the Marine Corps, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. I have attached a storyboard for your perusal.
Jeremy D. Smith Award Pre-requisites:
The SSgt Jeremy D. Smith Exemplary Service Award is awarded to JROTC and Civil Air Patrol cadets who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication to their country, and service to their communities and fellow citizens. It is given each year in honor of U.S. Marine Corps SSgt Jeremy D. Smith, who exemplified these traits in service and in life.
The cadets selected to receive the award are recognized at a presentation ceremony during an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, where they get to view and experience the foundations of our nation and nexus of our republic. Recipients also receive a customized award plaque and challenge coin, as well as recommendation letters from their U.S. Representative and CVAF leadership.
Cadet Anna Faz:
Cadet Faz serves as the Battalion Commander of the Sabercat Battalion and holds the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. She has been in the RVHS JROTC program for four years. Cadet Faz is a member of the following National Honor Societies: English, Science, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Cadet Faz also serves on the City of Edinburg Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee. She is a senior at RVHS and seeks to be admitted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force as an officer.
Cadet Efrain Lander Rivera:
Cadet Rivera serves as a Squad Leader in Alpha Company, First Platoon (1st period class). He has been in the RVHS JROTC program for four years. He is a member of the RVHS Folklorico Dance Team. Cadet Rivera is a stellar volunteer in the community.
He does not hesitate to volunteer his time and assist multiple organizations. Cadet Rivera is a senior and has been accepted at Northern Arizona University (NAU) where he plans to pursue an engineering degree. He also plans to enlist in the Arizona National Guard. While at NAU, he will also enroll in the ROTC program and seek a commission as a U.S. Army officer.
Washington D.C. experiences:
On Friday, April 4, the awarded cadets were given a distinguish visitor tour of the Pentagon, which included the Secretary of Defense Office corridor. The Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and is the world’s second-largest office building.
On Saturday, April 5, the cadets were given a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, which included a stop at President John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Arlington House. The grounds at Arlington National Cemetery honor those who have served our nation and it provides a sense of beauty and peace for the guests.
Later that afternoon, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum where they explored hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history.