Members of the JROTC Drill Team at Edison were looking for pointers when the U.S. Army Drill team performed at their school gym on Tuesday.
"They're the professionals," said Heriberto Ramos, an 11th grader and JROTC captain.
Students gasped and clapped as the soldiers twirled their bayoneted rifles, tossed them in the air and caught them one-handed.
The performance offered a preview of the U.S. Army Spirit of America Show, which will take place at the Blue Cross Arena at the Community War Memorial this weekend. This show includes battle re-enactments and performances by Army musical groups and ceremonial units.
Among the soldiers who will perform with the Commander-in-Chief's Guard is Staff Sgt. Jason Seifert, a Farmington native who is the current U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Seifert joined the Army after graduating from Victor High School in 1999.
As a member of the Old Guard, the unit that encompasses the Commander-in-Chief's Guard, Seifert welcomes foreign dignitaries, participates in Army retirement ceremonies and Arlington National Cemetery funerals, performs in re-enactments and shows such as Spirit of America and protects the national capital region. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he was assigned to the search and rescue mission at the Pentagon.
To win the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award Seifert had to write an essay and participate in shooting, grappling and first aid competitions. He hopes the Spirit of America show, which tells the story of American soldiers throughout history, inspires people to serve their country. "There are more ways than just being in the Army to give back to your nation," he said. "We hope everyone takes an opportunity to find some way to give back."
The free show also includes Sgt. First Class Christopher Roussey, a member of the U.S. Army Band who graduated from Brockport High School and Pvt. First Class Tim Sawyer, who is originally from Churchville-Chili and is a member of the U.S. Army Drill Team.
Ulises Miranda, the senior Army instructor for the Edison JROTC Battalion and a retired Army lieutenant colonel, was pleased that the Drill Team visited his school.
"I think our students don't get a lot of exposure to what's out there in the bigger world," he said. "It's great for them to hear what (the soldiers) have done and where they have been."
There are more than 100 students enrolled in Edison JROTC classes, including Walter Graham, an 11th- grader and a first sergeant.
"It helps you build character and teaches you how to be responsible and have self discipline," he said.
Jose Romero, a private in the Edison JROTC, was impressed by the Drill Team's synchronized routine.
"One day I'd like to learn to do the same things," he said.
IF YOU GO
The Spirit of America will take place at the Blue Cross Arena at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Though performances are free, tickets are needed. They can be picked up at the Blue Cross Arena. For more information, call 758-5331 or visit www.bluecrossarena.com.
