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JROTC COMPASS PROGRAM AT MY WARRIOR’S PLACE
By Carol Zieres, COL USA (Ret)
Photo credit: Carol Zieres
The MOAA Tampa Chapter sponsored a JROTC Compass Retreat held at My Warriors Place in Punta Gorda, Florida on 10 -12 April 2026. The program was fully funded using MOAA Foundation Community grant funds. I participated as a Chaperone for the event and would like to share a few notes about the curriculum and my observations throughout the weekend:
- Seventeen Junior ROTC Cadets attended the Retreat (Eleven cadets from Freedom High School and Six cadets from Boca Ciega High School).
- Purpose and Expected Outcomes: This was an interactive program with a blend of workshops, seminars, group projects, and experiential learning activities guided by experienced professionals with backgrounds in leadership training and youth development.
- Cadets learned leadership skills through interactive workshops and real-world scenarios to build confidence and resiliency.
- Training sessions focused on understanding personality types, enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and effective feedback
- Mechanisms.
- Team building included collaborative exercises that build trust and cooperation with their peers and the understanding of diverse perspectives within a team setting.
This program significantly contributed to the holistic development of the JROTC cadets preparing them to excel in their future endeavors. My Warrior’s Place has traditionally offered a “Forever Warrior” program to Veterans, but until now, has never been able to offer a similar program to Junior ROTC Cadets. The MOAA grant funding afforded the opportunity to make modifications and tailor the program for those who have never served, specifically youth, ages 13 to 18. This 3-day program was hence renamed, “JROTC Compass program” and the curriculum is designed to make the Junior ROTC cadets better citizens and inspire future leaders whether they go on to serve in the US military or pursue a civilian career.
It was a privilege for me to be involved in the planning and execution of this 3-day retreat as well as observe the Cadets during a variety of confidence-building exercises in a relaxed, picturesque setting on the Peace River. I saw first-hand the bond of friendships that emerged as Cadets sat around the campfire, “chattering,” while roasting S’mores in the evening and learning new balance techniques during the group activity, Tai Chi. Graduation was held on Sunday afternoon and parents of the cadets were invited to attend. Cadets received a JROTC Compass coin and pin along with their diploma documenting their proud achievement and then all enjoyed a baked lasagna dinner complete with graduation cake.
A special thank you to Ms. Kelly Kowall, Founder and CEO of My Warriors Place, who worked tirelessly to put this program together, not only developing the curriculum for the program, but also teaching and demonstrating each module as a primary instructor! Kelly is always looking for individuals to volunteer at My Warriors Place and given sufficient funding, is hopeful that the JROTC Compass Retreat can be offered again next year.
MOAA TAMPA CHAPTER INSTALLS NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) Vice President, Tony LaVecchia, CAPT USN (Ret) installed MOAA Tampa’s new board members, President, Steve Poulin, ADM USCG (Ret), Vice President, Corvelli McDaniels, CPT USA (Former), Secretary, David Zallo, LTC USA (Ret) and Surviving Spouse Liaison, Frances Chancey, LTC USA (Ret) at luncheon held at the Columbia Museum Restaurant in Ybor City on March 12, 2026. Congratulations and welcome to the MOAA Tampa Board of Directors!
Past President, Paula Stewart, LTC USA (Ret) turned over the gavel to the new chapter president and received the Past President’s pin from Tony LaVecchia. Paula, thank you for your service to the MOAA Tampa Chapter.
FCoC VP Tony LaVecchia inducting MOAA Tampa Chapter’s new board of directors. Pictured (L-R) Frances Chancey, David Zallo, Corvelli McDaniel, Steve Poulin and Tony LaVecchia.
Paula Stewart, Past President, MOAA Tampa Chapter FCoC VP Tony LaVecchia presented Paula Stewart the Past President pin.
FCoC VP Tony LaVecchia provided updates from the FCoC and MOAA National.
FCoC VP Tony LaVecchia presenting the President’s pin to new MOAA Tampa Chapter President, Steve Poulin.
Welcome remarks from Steve Poulin, President MOAA Tampa Chapter.
Corvelli McDaniel, Vice President, MOAA Tampa Chapter
David Poulin, Secretary, MOAA Tampa Chapter
France Chancey, Surviving Spouse Liaison, MOAA Tampa Chapter
FREEDOM HS NJROTC 2025 MOAA GRANT
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL TAMPA NJROTC RECEIVES MOAA NATIONAL GRANT AT AUGUST 2025 MOAA TAMPA LUNCHEON
By Pettis Sims, LCDR USN (Ret)
Edited by: Sara Marks, CAPT NC USN (Ret)
Photo credit: Maryna Juman
Freedom High School’s NJROTC is pleased to receive the MOAA National 2025 Grant. This year’s MOAA grant money will be used for bus transportation to out of county competitions; help with entry fees and paying for meals for cadets participating in competition. Competitions include orienteering, marksmanship, and Brain Brawls.
“NJROTC has taught me much about leadership and discipline, but not only that it’s also taught me about community. From community events to competitions, I’ve met some amazing people and got to experience things most high school kids don’t. Accepting this grant has given me much appreciation for the MOAA organization. This day I took two freshman cadets, who were learning Color guard, myself, and the unit’s Admin Officer. We all appreciate and enjoy MOAA anytime we go to these monthly meetings. We are very grateful to be a part of something so respected. Thank you MOAA.” – Chelsey Parks, Cadet Color Guard Commander.
L to R: K. Krivan, I. Selvaggi, Admin Officer, C. Parks, Color Guard Commander, and K. Krivan
L to R: I. Selvaggi, Admin Officer, C. Parks, Color Guard Commander and MSgt Laura Hernandez, USMC (Ret), Naval Science Instructor Freedom NJROTC accepting the MOAA National Grant for 2025 from MOAA Tampa Chapter President LTC Paula Stewart, USA (Ret).
MOAA GRANT 2025 KELLY KOWALL
KELLY KOWALL, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF MY WARRIORS PLACE AWARDED A MOAA COMMUNITY GRANT AT THE MOAA TAMPA AUGUST 2025 LUNCHEON
By Carol Zieres, COL USA (Ret)
Photo credit: Carol Zieres
Ms. Kelly Kowall, CEO and President of the nonprofit, My Warriors Place (MWP), received a MOAA Community grant award for $1950 in recognition for the enhancement of the quality of life programs and services that MWP provides to military Veterans in the Tampa Bay area.
Kelly introduced a new program starting up this fall, called the 82ND COMPASS PROGRAM, designed to give Veterans a road map and some directions to be able to leave the fight within and integrate back into civilization. This 6-month program teaches resilience that over time will help the veteran bounce back strong! This is free for any 82nd Veteran.
COL Carol Zieres, USA (Ret) presented Kelly Kowall the MOAA Community Grant.
MOAA Tampa Honors Five JROTC CADETS at the April 2025 Luncheon
The MOAA Tampa chapter honored Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) MOAA award winning cadets at the April luncheon. Chapter member Major General Frank Moore USAF (Ret) presented each Cadet with the MOAA medal. The five cadets honored at the luncheon were:
Freedom High School Cadet Justin Muller
Cadet Muller has 368 volunteer hours this year at various events such as color guard, drill competitions, relay for life and the Tampa beautiful project. He has attended Basic Leadership Training camp and leadership academy. He participated in the state brain brawl competition; this is the first time that Freedom qualified to participate in this state competition. Cadet Muller participates in all drill competitions and is key part of each drill team. He also manages to be part of the Police Explorers program while maintaining a 4.0 GPA average.
Middleton High School Cadet Cody Jimenez
Cadet Major Cody Jimenez is one of Middleton JROTC’s top leaders and academic performers. He serves as the Deputy Group Commander, the second highest position in the cadet corps, and is responsible for managing over 100 cadets along with overseeing 8 extracurricular and community service activities, to include Academic Bowl, CyberPatriot, and rocketry. As the Deputy Commander, his leadership was instrumental in training cadets and preparing the unit for a Headquarters AFJROTC inspection. The results were an Exceeds Standards – the highest level. Cadet Jimenez is also the Marksmanship commander. He generated interest in the 10-meter air rifle competition, expanding cadet participation from 4 to 12 members.
Sickles High School Cadet Katelynn McEntee
Cadet McEntee is the Deputy Corp Commander for Sickles High School. Cadet McEntee was instrumental to the unit receiving a perfect 100% score during this year’s annual Headquarters inspection. Sickles HS was the only school in the Southeast to receive a perfect score. She is the Marksmanship Team Commander and led her team to the Scopos 60 Shot National Championship Title, the State of Florida Precision Team State Championship, #2 ranking in the Air Force JROTC Nationals, and a top 15 in the world ranking. Cadet McEntee has several offers from just about every NCAA Rifle Program to be a member of their team when she graduates. She is also completing the final steps in the Boy Scouts of America to becoming an Eagle Scout!
Strawberry Crest High School Cadet Fallon Gee
Cadet Gee is the First Sergeant of Alpha Company. Cadet Gee has nearly a 4.0 GPA and is a National Honor Society member. She is a Master Driller and led her platoon to the Florida State Final Drill Meet. Cadet Gee is a JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (Summer Camp) graduate and National Flight Academy graduate. She has commanded Color Guard Missions at Parades and sporting events. Cadet Gee sings carols at the local Nursing Homes during the Christmas Season
Wharton High School Cadet Ky’lah Cooley
Cadet Cooley is the NJROTC Platoon Commander and has led her platoon with discipline and responsibility, guiding fellow cadets with integrity. She is the Track team Captain and a member of the Wharton flag football and soccer teams. She was voted the most athletic JROTC cadet in 2023-2024 and was recognized for outstanding physical fitness and athletic achievements within the program. Cadet Cooley is a Church Leader (Junior Pastor) and serves as a mentor and spiritual guide, contributing to the growth and leadership of her faith community.
New MOAA Tampa Chapter President
LTC PAULA STEWART, USA RET SWORN IN AS THE MOAA TAMPA CHAPTER PRESIDENT
By Sara Marks, CAPT NC USN RET. Photo Credit: Maryna Juman and Sara Marks
Congratulations to LTC Paula Stewart, USA RET, for stepping forward as the MOAA Tampa Chapter President and SGT Ben Ritter, USMC (Former)/Honorary Member for taking over as the Director for Legislative Affairs. Thank you to COL Charles Dalcourt, USA RET, for your leadership over the past five years and to LTC Reggie Williams, USA RET, for your dedication as the Director for Legislative Affairs.
WC Area VP Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET, hands the gavel to Paula Stewart, LTC USA RET.
Congratulations to the MOAA Tampa Chapter’s new President.
Paula Stewart, LTC USA RET, shared an inspirational acceptance speech and explained what it means to “giddy up”.
Charles Dalcourt, COL USA RET, hands the President’s gavel to WC Area VP Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET
Area VP, Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET, swears in the MOAA Tampa Chapter 2025 Board of Directors. Front row, Ben Ritter, Director for Legislation. Back row (L to R) Paula Stewart, President, Lewis VanDyke, Treasurer, Carol Zieres (stepping down as Immediate Past President), Sara Marks, Director for Communication, Bill Mitchell, Director for Legal Affairs, and Charles Dalcourt, Immediate Past President.
Paula Stewart, President, Carol Zieres, Former Immediate Past President, and Charles Dalcourt, Immediate Past President
2024 JROTC/ROTC
MOAA TAMPA RECOGNIZES THE JROTC STUDENTS AT THE APRIL LUNCHEON
By Ken Martin, LtCol USMC (Ret)
At our April luncheon the Chapter presented the MOAA award (medal)to deserving Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets. Deserving JROTC cadets and their guest were invited to our luncheon which was sponsored by the Chapter and the United Services Automobile Association (USAA). The MOAA JROTC awards program recognizes an outstanding cadet or midshipman in his or her next-to-last year in the program who has demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership.
The following cadets were recognized and presented medals by our President:
Blake High School
- Recipient: Cadet 1Lt Ivelise Alicea
- In attendance with MSgt Herbert Ayers, JROTC instructor
- Completing her 3rd year in the Blake HS AFJROTC program and currently serving as the Unit Athletic Officer
- Cadet Alicea is an outstanding student. Holds a District GPA of 4.2. She has excelled across a number of AJFROTC activities:
- Key member of drill team—her efforts contributed to Blake’s “Exceeds” rating on drill for last year’s Unit Inspection
- Key member of the Unit’s 1st ever “Honoring 911” Ceremony & Presentation—Outstand ceremony to highlight fallen heroes
- Chief Narrator for multiple presentations in commemoration of Juneteenth—Presented for the Mayor of Tampa and other Distinguished Guests
- Member of the Parade team—marched in the “Joy of Giving Parade” to support charity events helping local families
- -Athlete—Member of the Howard W. Blake HS Girls Softball Team
Freedom High School
- Recipient: Cadet Carlean Ross
- In attendance with her mother
- Cadet Ross is currently the Color Guard Commander . She participated or organized the participation of the Freedom cadets in over 200 color guards, competing in 5 color guard competitions
- Participated in 4 orienteering competitions and numerous volunteer events.
- She is also the Public Affairs Officer where she is in charge of all media distribution and promoting the program within Freedom HS and families.
King High School
- Recipient: Cadet James Shaughnessy
- In attendance with his father, Joey Shaughnessy
- 11th grade, IB student
- Platoon commander and competed in JROTC Orienteering
- King Varsity Football Captain starting wide receiver, linebacker, punter and kicker
- King Varsity Soccer (goalie) and Varsity Track
- Honor roll student, member National Junior Honor Society
- This summer, Cadet Shaughnessy plans to attend a Service Academy Summer Program as well as an NJROTC leadership program.
- Following graduation, Cadet Shaughnessy plans to attend West Point Military Academy.
Middleton High School
- Recipient: Cadet Matthew Griffin
- In attendance with his mother Desiree (dez-E-ray) Dolly vvand either Major DANIEL P. PAGANO OR SMSgt Rutzke
- Cadet Corps logistics officer, responsible for maintaining current inventory of all uniforms, accessories, and ceremonial and drill rifles. Key contributor to Middleton’s preparations for a HQ Air Force JROTC inspection; expert inventory helped unit achieve the highest rating – Exceeds Standards
- Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl ; member of team for sophomore and junior years; provided engineering expertise along with being the team’s expert on various mythologies; helped his team earn a spot at Nationals in June 2023. This was a top-16 placement out of 630+ Air Force JRTOC teams.
- Marksmanship Team: one of the best shooters on the 10m air rifle team; while not an experienced air rifle marksman, he was dedicated to learning and improving his skills.
Strawberry Crest High School
- Recipient: Cadet First Sergeant Jordan Smith
- In attendance with his parents, Johnny Smith and Linda Smith and LTC John Ingraham
- Cadet Smith is Bravo Company First Sergeant, a Drill Team Leader and Color Guard Commander.
- Jordan holds a 4.1 District GPA.
Wharton High School
- Recipient: CadetSeamanAlannys Cruz Mercado
- In attendance with her mother, Iniabel Mercado
- Cadet Alannys Cruz is one of the top cadets at Wharton and was a unanimous choice for this award.
- Member of Wharton NJROTC for 3 Years
- She has been in a Leadership position for the past two years.
- Platoon Commander for 2nd Platoon this year.
- Earned a spot on the Top Sporter Marksmanship team in her 1st year.
- Plans to attend University of Puerto Rico on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship
MOAA Tampa’s Transition Event Thriving After Military Service
By Paul McAneny, COL, USAF, RET
On Tuesday, August 23rd, the MOAA-Tampa Chapter hosted it’s fifth ever quarterly event for transitioning military members and their families. The popular event is titled “Thriving After Military Service” and, rather that the typical transition events focused on, job skills, resume writing, networking, etc., the MOAA event addressed leading fulfilling lives following your military service.
Why are we doing this? Simple…because nobody else is.
Thetheme of the morning portion of this unique seminarwas “a focus on the family” with speakers from TRICARE and the Veterans Administration as well as local Financial Advisors and Attorneys.
The afternoon was dedicated to “a focus on the community” with representatives and volunteers from organizations such as MOAA’s own Tampa Chapter, Association of the US Army-SunCoast Chapter,the Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court Mentors Group, 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Tampa Sports Authority, EoS Fitness, and charity organizations addressing both veteran homelessness and mental health.
All that plus free drinks and snacks all day including lunch and a chance to meet other great transitioning military families.
THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL EVENT…you must be in Tampa to attend.
Attendees included a variety of ranks (officer and enlisted) from all military services.One enthusiastic attendee stated, “Extremely valuable! I’m in the middle of my transition now and this was the only venue I’ve seen that covered these topics.”
We are continuing to work with our full time partners, Tampa’s own FIVE Labs/USbioskills Lab and Conference Center. The FIVE Labs CEO comes from a military family and also a member of our local South Tampa Chamber of Commerce; he wanted to participate in an event supporting our local military and veteran community.
The MOAA-Tampa Transition Seminar is held every quarter with the next event scheduled for Tuesday, 15 Nov 2022. Sign-ups are now open at this link: https://MOAA_Tampa_Thriving_Transition_Seminar.eventbrite.com
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