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There are 15 JROTC High School programs in Brevard County with many having 180 or more cadets enrolled in the 2022-23 school years. Viera HS leads the way with 250!! There are also two Sea Cadet, two Civil Air Patrol and one Sea Scout Ship programs in Brevard, who have cadets from around the county interested in their programs.

The Good Deeds Foundation of the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAACC) works year round to raise funds to support four major pillars: Veterans in need; Active Duty Units and Personnel; Veteran Related 501c3 organizations with great track records that support veteran and active duty causes; and youth programs focused on military related missions.

In the past year, donors have been very generous so MOAACC’s GDF was able to provide every JROTC Program $1800 each at a minimum and $1000 each to the five other Cadet Programs. The grand total of $32,700 was symbolically presented on the Viera HS Football Field in a pore-game program on 16 September, VHS’s Veteran and First Responders Appreciation Night.

As best we can determine, the collective amount is the biggest ever given to all programs in Brevard and likely unmatched elsewhere in Florida or around the country by a single veterans organization. Each year JROTC and Cadet programs encounter a number of expenses not covered by the sponsoring branch of service or the schools. With a typical goal of raising $3000 each year on average per each program, this year Brevard JROTC and other Cadet programs are off to a strong start. MOAACC’s GDF Board is happy to be able to offer funding and hopes next years contributions will allow us to match or exceed the record amount this year.

MOAACC/GDF has also pledged to purchase every trophy for nine major JROTC competitions in the Raider Challenge, Drill Teams and Rifle Team events from October to April, helping the JROTC even further.

That night of the ceremony, VHS painted its mid-field logo Red, White and Blue as more than 70 veterans and first responders walked through two rows of JROTC cadets all saluting at halftime. The stadium was almost full despite a drizzling rain and the fans cheered the vets as loudly as the did their home team Viera Hawks football team playing against a tough Orlando opponent. It was a moving night for veterans and first responders accented by the BCFD Hook and Ladder engine four stories up with a giant American Flag.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey was also at the game. He not only represented First Responders at the ceremony, but also supports MOAACC and JROTC programs regularly. The Sheriff is the MOAACC/GDF Honorary Chairman for the 10 Dec 2022 Golf Tournament Fundraise at Cocoa Beach Country Club. His BCSO also raised thousands of dollars in June for four 501c3 charities via Dancing with The Space Coast. One charity chosen supports veterans and JROTC programs. Tim Thomas and his partner won the dance contest, representing veterans!!

MOAACC Good Deeds President Donn Weaver, center, presents the symbolic, county-wide check to VHS JROTC Cadet Leaders and Instructors LTC Tim Thomas , USA Ret and 1SG Carl Thomas, USA Ret. On the left is MOAACC’s Student Affairs coordinator and GDF member CW4 Dan McIntyre, USCGR, ret and Sheriff Wayne Ivey, with is great dog Juni.