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While the cadets of 2026 may not have been alive during the tragedy that is 9/11, many have been affected as a by-product of their family who indeed was affected. Our very own Wing Commander, C/Maj Anthony Sears recalls his dad's life experiences, "My dad is a Marine and was actually in bootcamp during 9/11 and would be deployed twice to Iraq." Our cadet Command Chief, C/CMSgt Lydia Piet shares, "My grandfather who was a Navy veteran wanted to be there to help the people out of the building." 

Even though some cadets may not have family that were directly involved in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, they still understand what aaprofound loss this was to our nation. C/1st Lt Kenneth Morales expresses his feelings about this day of memorial, "[...] It also to me is a day that represents unity. So many ordinary citizens were doing everything they could to help others and get people to safety that day."

SASI, Colonel Argie S. Moore (USAF Ret) recalls her experiences while she was already serving in the military. "On September 11, 2001, I was stationed at RAF Mildenhall in England and touring a C-130 maintenance facility," Colonel Moore's service changed drastically that day. "I later [...] completed multiple deployments to Iraq [Afghanistan, and other countries] ]in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom... Although those conflicts did not end as many of us had hoped, that does not diminish the lives lost, the sacrifices made, or the years spent trying to bring stability and hope to another nation." 

Cadet leadership at NV-20061 decided to honor the lives lost and forever changed on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by wearing Class A dress blues. 

On

WHO: Shadow Ridge High School AFJROTC (NV-20061), Las Vegas, NV

WHAT: Annual Downtown Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade

WHERE: 4th Street in downtown Las Vegas, NV

WHEN: Novemberr 12, 2026

WHY/SUMMARY OF EVENT:

Shadow Ridge High School AFJROTC (NV-20061) honored the veterans of the Las Vegas community, past and present, retired and active duty by participating at the annual Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade.

The day began with cadets getting bussed to a near-by street where the parade took place where cadets practiced their craft. During this waiting time period, cadets got to see the other organizations who came together in support of veterans and feel a true sense of how their presence impacts the community they are apart of.

At the very front of the entire wing were the banner holders: C/MSgt Gabriel Delgado, C/MSgt Ember Heckman, C/1st Lt Kenneth Morales, and C/1st Lt Ethan Ordway. Behind them, the Color Guard, squadrons, and drill teams. When it was time to parade downtown squadrons participated in basic marching they have been learning in class while the Unarmed Drill Team and Armed Drill Team trailed behind performing exhibition routines. 

While this may have been one of the first considerably strenuous events NV-20061 takes part in, the cadets' drive and self-determination to be their very best is what made them march on strong. While many high schoolers think of Veterans Day as another day off from class, NV-20061 takes pride in using this momentous occasion to show compassion, respect, and patriotism to the veterans of the Las Vegas community.

Pictured are members of the NV-20061 Cadet Wing