We MOtivate Young People to Become Better Citizens!The Waimea High School JROTC Menehune Battalion was established in 1995. Currently the Menehune Battalion is the largest in the state of Hawaii. We consist of 136 cadets from grades 9-12.
The program's mission is to "Motivate Young People to Become Better Citizens." This is achieved through leadership application and selfless service. We participate and initiate numerous community service projects within Kauai's community. In addition, our Special Teams such as the Color Guard and Honor Guard participate in many ceremonial events, bearing allegiance to the nation and its flag. Special teams such as Drill Team and Adventure Challenge Team participate in competitions off-island, representing the Menehune with distinction. Our motto is "DEEDS NOT WORDS", a saying that our cadets live by. They are motivated to do go forward and perform deeds to our school, community and nation. Young leaders are taught by instructors and mentored by fellow cadets who share the belief that one must learn to follow before they can lead. This ethos produces leaders that truly understand what they ask of their subordinates. |
"DEEDS NOT WORDS"
via Instagram (@menehun3jrotc) |
PREVIEW OF OUR BATTALION
Meet the Instructors
Colonel (Retired) Vincent L. Freeman, Jr., born in Texas and raised in Texas and
Oklahoma, retired from the U. S. Army in 2014 after over 31 years of military service. Colonel
Freeman was an Army JROTC cadet in high school and enlisted in the Army National Guard
while simultaneously enrolled in Army ROTC at the University of Oklahoma where he received
an early commission as a Field Artillery Officer in 1985. Colonel Freeman is a combat veteran
Field Artillery Officer, European Foreign Area Officer, Strategist, and Joint Planner with
experience as a cadet, an enlisted soldier, and an officer in the reserve and active components
involving 16 duty assignments, including 6 overseas, and official duties in 20 countries in three
different theaters. He has served in operational assignments with the 45th Field Artillery
Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment, and 25th Infantry Division,
as well as three assignments at US. Embassy-Rome, Italy, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the
Pentagon, and U.S. Strategic Command. He has served as a Senior Army Instructor since 2015.
Oklahoma, retired from the U. S. Army in 2014 after over 31 years of military service. Colonel
Freeman was an Army JROTC cadet in high school and enlisted in the Army National Guard
while simultaneously enrolled in Army ROTC at the University of Oklahoma where he received
an early commission as a Field Artillery Officer in 1985. Colonel Freeman is a combat veteran
Field Artillery Officer, European Foreign Area Officer, Strategist, and Joint Planner with
experience as a cadet, an enlisted soldier, and an officer in the reserve and active components
involving 16 duty assignments, including 6 overseas, and official duties in 20 countries in three
different theaters. He has served in operational assignments with the 45th Field Artillery
Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment, and 25th Infantry Division,
as well as three assignments at US. Embassy-Rome, Italy, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the
Pentagon, and U.S. Strategic Command. He has served as a Senior Army Instructor since 2015.
Army Instructor:
SGM(Ret.) Keith K. Castaneda
SGM Keith K. Castaneda has taught at Waimea High School since 2009. Throughout his years in United States Army he has been a Senior Operations Manager, Senior Installation Operations Manager, and Education Course Manager. SGM Castaneda had also served as Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Instructor in Oregon State University. IN addition to this he has been involved in the various communities he has lived in, serving as Community Service Volunteer in El Paso, TX, and a School Service Volunteer at Kekaha Elementary School. SGM Castaneda currently teaches freshmen and sophomore cadets, giving lessons in Citizenship, Government, Health and guiding their development.
ARMY INSTRUCTOR:
SGT FIRST-CLASS (RET.) WILLIAM Wilder
SFC William Wilder retired after more than 24 years in the U.S. Military.He served in the Marine Corps, the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. With multiple deployments and various duty locations, SFC Wilder has had many jobs, including Motor Vehicle Operator, Master Driver, Instructor, Recruitment Sustainment Program NCO, Schools NCOs, Brigade Security Manager, Master Resilience Trainer, and Retention NCO. SFC Wilder has been the JROTC LET 1/ Freshman Army Instructor since 2021.
COMMANDERS message
Welcome to the official website of the Waimea High School JROTC Battalion! Aloha to all incoming LET 1s, returning cadets, and valued parents/school/community members! I am C/LTC Joveline Alvarez, and I have been given the privilege to serve as your Cadet Battalion Commander for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Our JROTC program is much more than just your typical class, club or extracurricular activity; it is a molding experience designed to cultivate outstanding leaders and responsible citizens. We have the privilege to be an essential component of a program that instills the values of honesty, service, and excellence in each cadet, developing the qualities that will influence their future success. As we begin the school year, our motto "DEEDS NOT WORDS" functions as a guiding principle for all of us. It reminds us that great leadership is not just about what we say, but also about the actions we take. Our actions will have a visible impact on the community we serve, showcasing our dedication to community engagement and selfless service. Let us enter this school year with energy, passion, and a never-ending desire to make a difference - not only in our own lives, but also in those of those we connect with. "DEEDS NOT WORDS" |