MCH: Operation Jaguar to aid MC's military

Madison Central High School is commencing Operation Jaguar.

The community-wide project aims to reach out to Madison Central graduates and the uniformed men and women serving with them in war zones with a little touch of home.

"Currently, there are 369,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines located at duty stations outside the United States. Of those, 94,000 are deployed to Afghanistan and 56,000 are deployed to Iraq, some of whom are Jaguars," MC teacher Aaron King said.

One of those Jaguars is First Lt. Brian King, 2003 graduate of MC, 2008 graduate of the United States Military Academy and the brother of Aaron King, a 2005 graduate of West Point.

"It is the mission of Operation Jaguar to provide some of the basic comforts we all take for granted," said King, who is joined by Lt. Col. Mike Gentry of the school's Air Force Junior ROTC program, in leading the drive for donations of money and items for the troops.

Madison Central is first targeting Bull Company, which has about 200 soldiers, for the wave of toiletries, foods and fun items, Gentry said. "Then, based on recommendations from faculty and staff, we want to hit as many others as we can."

Donations will go toward deployed military personnel.

"It would be hard to say just how many former students are serving or have been deployed, but everyone knows someone who has either been overseas or is on the way," King said.

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Congressman Harper's Military Academy Day to be at Madison Central Saturday

U.S. Representative Gregg Harper will hold his annual Third Congressional District Military Academy Day at Madison Central High School on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Military Academy Day is an opportunity for students and parents to learn more about our nation’s military academies, requirements for admission and the appointment process. Harper will be joined by area midshipmen, cadets, alumni and representatives from the five service academies: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and U.S. Naval Academy. The representatives will be present to help answer questions the participants may have about each prestigious institution.

“I encourage all students seeking guidance on obtaining a service academy appointment to take part in this informative informational seminar,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “I look forward to visiting with the bright young men and women from across the Third Congressional District considering service to our country.”

High school students preparing for college in the approaching years and considering the service academies option should participate. Junior high students are also welcome to attend.