By Command Senior Chief Shawn M. Wingle, RCPS Naval Science Instructor
The William Byrd Navy National Defense Cadet Corps of Roanoke County has been putting in
countless hours of hard work since this past fall preparing for the Annual Military Inspection
(AMI)– and on Feb. 11, under the red, white, and blue– they absolutely knocked it out of the
park.
With the American flag proudly displayed and the unit guidon standing tall, the ceremony began
with the side boys welcoming special guests and a powerful national anthem, sung by Company
Commander Cadet LCDR Alexis Short, setting the tone for a morning filled with patriotism and
pride.
From the sharp precision of the Color Guard to the discipline and unity shown during drill, the
professionalism during uniform inspections, the commanding Pass and Review, and the
confidence shown during the final unit brief, presented by officer cadets — every movement
reflected honor, respect, and commitment to something bigger than themselves. They represented
Roanoke County and their country with excellence.
“As we approach nearly 70 enrollments for Fall 2026, we are excited to continue growing this
outstanding program and begin preparing for next year’s inspection. The future is bright. While
the unit currently operates at William Byrd High School, plans are in place to relocate to the new
Roanoke County Career &Technology Center (RCCTC), once construction is complete —
marking an exciting new chapter for the organization. There, the unit will become the Roanoke
County Corps of Cadets,” said Command Senior Chief Shawn M. Wingle, RCPS Naval Science
Instructor.
“A special thank you to our two USMC inspectors (1st Sgt. Anthony Baudanza and Sgt. Jacob
Adams) for assisting with the uniform inspection — we are grateful for your leadership and
support.
First Sgt. Baudanza serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Bravo Company, 4th Combat
Engineer Battalion in Roanoke. Sgt. Adams serves at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station
in Roanoke. Both inspectors evaluated cadets on grooming standards, military bearing, uniform precision, and military knowledge, offering mentorship and encouragement throughout the
process.
Also present was Kevin Wilson, Area Four Manager for Naval Service Training Command, who
oversees 28 schools across Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee. His attendance underscored the
regional importance of the NNDCC program and its continued growth and success towards
becoming a full NJROTC in the years to come.
In addition to the AMI, the event also included drill demonstrations by the armed and unarmed
drill teams, including the “16 count manual of arms” which concluded the presentation.
Three cadets earned the prestigious Exemplary Personal Appearance Award, presented to the top
10 percent of cadets during the inspection for outstanding uniform preparation and military
bearing; Cadet Otey, Cadet Pearson, and Cadet Price.
Feb. 11.
The AMI also served as a meaningful moment for two graduating seniors. One cadet from
William Byrd High School (Cadet Bridgette Wray) will enlist in the United States Marine Corps
following graduation, while another from Hidden Valley High School (Cadet Jeniel Johnson)
will attend Radford University and seek to participate in the Army ROTC program.
Corps after graduation.
ROTC program after graduation from Hidden Valley High School.
“Their commitments reflect the leadership foundation developed through the program,” said Wingle.
Special guests in attendance at the AMI included Director of Roanoke County Public Schools
Career and Technical Education Jason Suhr, Deputy Director for CTE Mark Jones, RCPS
Human Resources Director Jim Bradshaw, William Byrd High School Assistant Principals Kevin
Richardson and Hannah Prater, and more than 50 family and friends.
The formal unit brief was presented by the battalion’s student leadership, including the Company
Commander (Cadet LCDR Alexis Short), Executive Officer (Cadet LT Andrew Bartley), Senior
Chief Petty Officer (Cadet Nathaniel Hale), Operations Officer and Color Guard Commander
(Cadet LTJG Chaelyn Bandy), Public Affairs Officer (Cadet LTJG Jaxon Fowler), and the
Supply Officer and Drill Commander (Cadet LTJG Landen Martin), who also delivered a portion
of the presentation. “Their confident and well- prepared briefings highlighted program
achievements, academic performance, community service efforts, and future goals,” Wingle said.
“The Annual Military Inspection was more than a formal evaluation; it was a celebration of
leadership, discipline, teamwork, and service,” he continued. “For the cadets of Roanoke County,
it was a proud day that demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their respect for the
traditions they represent. Bravo Zulu to all cadets on a job exceptionally well done!”
