Nov 10, 2011 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE — Two U.S. military veterans and program instructors for various Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) were hired Wednesday to oversee the implementation of a similar program at Connellsville Area Senior High School.

In a unanimous vote by the Connellsville Area School Board, Col. Ulysses Winn, who has directed the JROTC program at Albert Gallatin Area High School, and Chief Joseph Cordier, senior JROTC director at the Crisfield High School and Academy in Crisfield, Md., were hired for the local program.

According to Dr. P.J. Carte, personnel committee chairman, Winn has led the Albert Gallatin program since 1995 and held several positions during his military career, including senior liaison officer and advisor to the commanding general.

Winn is also a certified principal, school counselor, vocation instructor and special education teacher, said Carte.

Winn will serve as the JROTC Senior Army instructor for the Connellsville JROTC course.

Cordier has also is a U.S. Army veteran and served as a counter-intelligence agent/technician from 1978 to 1996. Following his retirement, he was hired as a JROTC instructor.

He will serve as the JROTC Army instructor for the Connellsville program.

Carte said that both candidates are certified by the state Department of Education to teach the course and military science.

The district was notified in September of its acceptance into the program.

Dr. Tammy Stern, acting superintendent, said that the JROTC program is strictly voluntary and incurs no military obligations or is it intended to apply pressure for later enlistment.

The elective course will offer instruction in character and leadership development, leadership theory and application, wellness, fitness, First Aid, geography, earth science, foundations for success, citizenship and American history, air rifle safety and marksmanship, public speaking/job interview techniques, current events and drill and ceremony curriculum. Participants will receive one-half credit for the successful completion of the course each semester.

Carte, meanwhile, said that after being notified the district would be a part of the JROTC program, Karen Marko, human services director, contacted eligible candidates that had been recommended by the U.S. Army.

“We had several excellent candidates for the positions,” said Carte. “Through the interview process, (Winn and Cordier) rose to the top.”

Winn will join the staff in January to complete program requirements and recruit students for the project with Cordier to begin his duties at the end of his contract with Crisfield.

“Our students will benefit from Col. Winn’s and Chief Cordier’s experience,” said Carte. “They are committed to making Connellsville’s program one of the best in the country.”