Villas VFW Post 5343, U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club Donate to Middle Township High School’s New Naval Cadet Program

Middle Township High School’s new Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) unit received donations Sept. 26 from VFW Post 5343, and U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club, during a check presentation ceremony. 
The NNDCC program, one of only 300 approved by the Naval Service Training Command of the Department of the Navy, provides schools that are ineligible for the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) with the opportunity to teach the NJROTC curriculum. Unlike NJROTC programs, NNDCC programs do not receive Department of Defense funding for uniforms or operating costs, so they fundraise and rely on donations to offset expenses.
To support these efforts, Bill Howard, commander of VFW Post 5343, retired chief boatswain’s mate, U.S. Navy, and Thomas Sippel, Sr., retired master sergeant, U.S. Army, presented a check for $500 to Senior Naval Science Instructor Susan J. Blood, veteran lieutenant commander, U.S. Coast Guard, and her class of 22 cadets.
“This is just a start to what we hope to give to the new NNDCC program, Commander Blood, and her cadets,” said Howard. “We look forward to further building this relationship, providing volunteer opportunities, and other ways to help it grow.”
Additionally, Thomas Sippel, Jr., staff sergeant, U.S. Air Force, and Joseph J. Kremp, rank: spec 4 (E4), from U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club presented the class with another check, for $200.
“We always try to take care of our own,” said Sippel, Jr. “Once we learned Commander Blood and the cadets are relying on donations for uniforms and equipment, we unanimously voted to support their efforts.” 
During their time with the cadets, the serviceman spoke about their military experience, including how it changed their lives and how it still impacts them. The stories captivated the cadets.
Afterward, they were able to ask questions as they are currently learning ways to apply the Navy’s Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment and the General Orders of the Sentry.
“We’re grateful to both organizations for their support,” said Commander Blood. “We knew this first year would be a challenge in terms of funding, but we’re building momentum. We have ambitious goals to hit within the next few years, and it’s because of donations like these that will help us really propel the program forward.”