For more information: CWO4 Robert Ramirez, USN, Ret. 760-409-5357
Left to right, John and Celeste Schleimer, La Quinta Councilmember Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Cadet Andrew Ho, Mayor Linda Evans and Councilmember Deborah McGarrey
The Palm Springs Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America held its annual scholarship and leadership awards program at the Vue restaurant at the Indian Wells Golf Resort on April 18. The ceremony recognizes the top high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets in the Coachella Valley.
Three $2,500 college scholarships were awarded to the cadets who have demonstrated academic and leadership achievement in their respective JROTC units during the past year.
The first scholarship, in honor of Cpl. Hunter Lopez who was killed in the Afghanistan airport bombing in 2021, was contributed by Celeste and John Schleimer of Indian Wells, CA, and presented to Cadet Andrew Ho of the Air Force JROTC program at La Quinta High School.
Left to right, John and Celeste Schleimer, Cadet Yulissa Lopez and her mother
The top female cadet, Yulissa Lopez of the Marine Corps JROTC at Desert Hot Springs High School, was presented the Celeste and John Schleimer Scholarship. The CWO4 Robert Ramirez, USN, Ret. Scholarship was presented to Cadet Benjamin Ho of the Air Force JROTC program also of La Quinta High School. Andrew and Benjamin are the first twin brothers to win these scholarships.
COL Duke Frey, 1st Vice President of the chapter presented the JROTC Leadership medals were given to Cadet Leilla Trejo of Desert Hot Springs High School and Cadet Christopher Rios of La Quinta High School.
CPT John Schleimer, president of the chapter, introduced Mayor Pro Tem Glen Miller of Indio, who is Congressman Ken Calvert’s (R-41) Coachella Valley field representative, to present all the honorees congressional proclamations.
Felipe Ortiz, who is the field representative for Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-47) also presented the honorees proclamations from the California State Assembly.
Also in attendance at the luncheon were Mayor Linda Evans and councilmembers Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Deborah McGarey of the city of La Quinta.
Besides presenting scholarships and leadership recognition to cadets in the Coachella Valley, the Palm Springs Chapter also promoted the aims of the national MOAA; further the legislation and services in support of retired and veteran military officers; and encourage camaraderie among active, retired and former officers.
The chapter meets every third Thursday of the month from October through May. For more information about the organization or membership, contact LTC Jim LaBaugh at 949-212-1900.
Left to right, Martha and Robert Ramirez, Cadet Benjamin Ho and John Schleimer