By TR Robertson
It was a chilly evening last Friday as the JROTC Cadets from Vista High School gathered on the grounds of the Dick Haines Stadium, along with family members and distinguished guests, for the annual Awards Ceremony, Change of Command, and Military Pass in Review. This event would also be significant as it marked the final ceremony as the official Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for Vista High School, Colonel (Ret. U.S. Air Force) Vincent J. Lostetter, Jr.. Colonel Lostetter has served in this position for the past 12 years after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years active duty, graduating from the U. S. Air Force Academy. During his time on active duty, he also served for 22 months in the Pentagon. A graduate of San Marcos High School, the Colonel said after his time on active duty he looked into a variety of new career options, all of which led him to find the position was open at Vista High School for someone to run the JROTC program. He said he felt Vista was where he belonged. While at Vista High the Colonel built the program, increased student involvement and added a unique aviation program where students can get college credit through Palomar Jr. College. The Colonel said he came to the program thinking of how much he could teach the students but over the years has found the students have taught him so much more. He said, “the students have done so much more for me than I have for them”. He specifically said PATIENCE has been one of the most beneficial qualities the students have taught him. When asked what he would be doing after he retired, Lostetter said he knows he has a big “honey-do” list of things to do, but he wants 6 months to simply do nothing, visit family, maybe take a cruise and kick back. He said he will probably occasionally volunteer to help the JROTC program, especially with the aviation program he brought to Vista High. His replacement will be Aerospace Science Instructor Chief Staff Sergeant (Ret. U.S. Air Force) Donna J. Goodno, who has been with the program for 5 years. The Chief said she is excited to take over the program, looks forward to the challenges and hopes the Colonel stays involved in some way.
A VIP reception was held just prior to the start of the Friday program. The reception included meeting the Colonel and the special keynote speaker for the evening, Major General (Ret. U.S. Air Force) Scott Vander Hamm. A light meal of pulled pork, specially prepared by the Colonel, with cole slaw, prepared by the cadets, was offered before heading out to the Dick Haines Stadium. As people entered the stadium, they were entertained by the sounds of the String Ensemble made up of Vista students from various schools, covering grades 3-12 who meet at The Leadership Academy and perform for various functions. The annual ceremony began with Master of Ceremonies Cadet Staff Sergeant Jade Marin welcoming those in attendance and introducing several distinguished guests, including Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Doyle, Vista High School Principal Megan Ratliff, Vista High School Assistant Principal Paul Zendejas, District 74 Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, Vista Councilmember Jeff Fox, former Vista Councilmember Amanda Rigby and several presenters from different organizations. Cadet Flight Commander and 2nd Lt. Kelly Dominguez led the Cadets and the audience in an invocation. Assemblywoman Laurie Davies read and gave a proclamation to Colonel Lostetter honoring the program and the Cadets of Vista High School.
Following the formalities of the opening, Colonel Lostetter welcomed those in attendance and told the Cadets why he had brought them down to the track in front of the podium for this ceremony. He said he wanted to see all of them up close and personal and for them to see and focus on what he had to say to them. The Colonel told them and the audience how proud he was proud of their 11,000 community service hours they had accumulated for the last 4 years and the 32,000 they had accumulated since he took over the program. He spoke about the many people he will always remember who helped build the JROTC program, listing many such as Larry Peterson who assisted in getting uniforms and other items for the program, all of the ladies in the finance office for Vista High School who helped him find ways to come up with needed items for the program. He thanked Superintendent Dr. Doyle and Vista High Principal Megan Ratliff for believing in him and the importance of the program and his wife and family for knowing what it is like to be married to someone in the military, their commitment, and the necessary sacrifices. He talked to the cadets about their commitment, the things they have accomplished and their future goals. He referenced graduates like Coast Guard Ensign Jesus Gomez, in attendance, and how important it is to remember where they came from and the importance of giving back. The Colonel spoke about the Cadets maintaining their Integrity, Service and Excellence in their life. He finished with a story about his relationship with the keynote speaker, Major General (Ret.) Scott Vander Hamm.
Introducing Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker Major General (Ret.) Scott Vander Hamm, the Colonel listed many of the accomplishments and duty stations the Major General has had, including his 32 year career, former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon and a six time Commander of Units of up to 30,000 personnel and his current position as Vice President of Government Programs and Corporate Lead Executive for Northrop Grumman Corporation in Bellevue, Nebraska. Major General Vander Hamm spoke to the Cadets about teamwork, loyalty and dedication to what they do in life. He told each of them that they may not know what the future may hold for each of them, but they can prepare for what comes by the life they live. He summed up his presentation telling them to remain Grateful, Generous and Hopeful in their life and good things will come. Following the presentation a lengthy Awards Presentation was held, presented by CMSgt Goodno. Over 20 National Awards were read and presented by representatives from the organizations, with Major General Vander Hamm assisting where needed. A number of Unit Awards were announced as well, for Scholastic, Achievement, Superior Performance, Leadership, Outstanding Cadet and Outstanding Flight group. Echo Flight won for the Fall and Delta Flight won for Spring. A number of Cadets received their wings for Aviation Honors Ground School completion. The Distinguished Air Force JROTC went to Alayna Zepeda as did a proclamation from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office. Juan Blancas also received a proclamation from the Congressman’s Office. The New Commander Promotion ceremony involved Alayna Zepeda’s promotion to Cadet Lt. Col. and taking part in the Squadron Change of Command ceremony. The final part of the evening involved the March on, Formation of Parade, Presentation of Command followed by the National Anthem and the Pass-In-Review, all accomplished with great formations and military precision.
This formal, dignified and traditional ceremony will be the final Pass-In-Review for Colonel Lostetter as the leader of the Vista High School Air Force Junior ROTC CA-953 unit, but I’m sure it will not be his final Pass-In-Review ceremony presented at Vista High School that he will see. Go to www.vhs.vistausd.org/academics-1/afjrotc for more information about the program and Vista High School.
