Fairfield, CA - On Thursday, November 9th, the Public Safety Academy (PSA) proudly hosted a Military Fair in honor of Military Appreciation Month. The event provided an immersive and interactive experience for Cadets of all grade levels (5-12), allowing them to explore various branches of the military and discover diverse career opportunities within each.
Four out of the six branches of the military were represented at the fair, including the Army/Army National Guard, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Cadets enthusiastically engaged with representatives from each branch, participating in activities such as exploring informational tables, playing games, and even attempting pull-ups for exciting prizes.
What made this year's Military Fair particularly special was the union of Middle School Cadets with their High School counterparts, fostering a collaborative environment for insights into military careers, higher education paths, and future success. This marked the first time in several years that PSA brought together multiple military branches on the same day and time.
The highlight of the event was the swearing-in ceremony of three Senior Cadets as newly enlisted members of the United States Army. Cadets A. Shepherd, R. Loucks-MacKenzie, and A. Rockwell received their Oaths of Enlistment from United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Gonzalez. These cadets will contribute to the military as Helicopter Repairer, Black Hawk Mechanic, and Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, respectively.
Danica Matthews, College and Career Technician at PSA and instrumental in planning the event, expressed her enthusiasm, "It was a GREAT day here at PSA! This event was about opening up future doors to the endless possibilities our Cadets can have through hard work, determination, dreaming, and achieving. We are extremely proud of our enlisted Cadets and bid them all the best as they open their wings and fly. SOAR HIGH Eagles, Go Cadets!"
PSA extends its sincere gratitude to the Army personnel who contributed to the success of the event, including PSA Recruiter Staff Sergeant David Castro, Company First Sergeant Tiffani Hightower, Sergeant First Class Bryant Hall, and Sergeant First Class Darrin Burnett-Smith. PSA also appreciates the participation of all military branches, dedicated parents of Cadets, Superintendent Kris Corey, and PSA and district staff who supported this impactful event.