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Cadets take over Newcomb Ranch! By C/2nd Lt. Reneah DeWinne Cadet on high rope course.

On Tuesday October 2, 2007 68 cadets of the Tx-20009th AFJROTC unit from Medina Valley High School headed for John Newcomb Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels. Upon arrival cadets were instructed that they would have a chance to overcome their fears on a high and low rope course. The high rope courses consisted the Screamer (a 50 ft. pole with a 35ft. free fall the swing), the Zip line (a slid across airline cable 50 ft. in the air.), the Pamper Pole (a 36 ft. pole you jump off to reach a trapeze.), and the Commitment Bridge (a 30 ft. pole you climb and walk across steel airline cables with a friend.) All the cadets were very anxious to overcome the obstacles that stood before them. One cadet Cadet Airman Michelle Jacobs stated “I was deathly afraid of heights but, after walking across the Commitment Bridge with a friend I realized it’s not so bad!” The day was not only a fear-conquering day but our Aerospace Science Instructor Master Sergeant(retired) John Bean’s Birthday as well so as kind of a birthday celebration he jumped off the Screamer. He later told his cadets that it felt great but, his legs would be a little sore tomorrow.

After everyone was given the chance to complete at least one high rope activity they were taken to the woods to do some “Team Building” activities on the low ropes. One of the cadets favorite low rope activity was the Never-Ending maze, an activity in which you’re blindfolded, led into the maze, and told to find the hidden exit. “It was tricky at first but, once you got to a certain point the exit was simple to find.” said Cadet Staff Sergeant Saul Ramirez. After the cadets completed the high and low rope courses they had the chance to enjoy each other’s company over a chili-dog lunch. “It was a lot of fun to hang out with al of your friends and laugh over how each of us conquered our fears that day,” stated Cadet Airman Cody Koenig. After lunch the cadets loaded back on the bus and headed home. All in all the cadets on the Tx-20009th AFJROTC unit had a blast and did things many of them thought they could never do before. We all hope to start the tradition of attending John Newcomb Tennis Ranch for years to come so we can continue to become a bigger and closer family.