US Air Force CMSgt. (ret.) Robert Spears – A once in a lifetime opportunity

June 6, 1944 is the day in World War II (WWII) on which allied forces invaded northern France on the beaches of Normandy, “D-Day.” It was a day when some 156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the coast of France’s Normandy region to which by late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring, the allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. United States Air Force CMSgt. (retired) and Perry High JROTC (junior reserve officer training corps) instructor, Robert Spears said, the anniversary celebration in Normandy will commemorate WWII and 75 years of liberation, while saluting America’s war veterans and active military men and women and their families. These officially recognized events will also feature America’s outstanding performing ensembles and JROTC units from around the country in an unforgettable and historic tribute, to which Perry High School’s JROTC has been invited.

“These cadets were chosen for their professionalism and dedication to our veterans,” Spears said. “The cadets, outside of the parade, will perform official ceremonial duties at both the Normandy American Cemetery and The St. James American Cemetery. They will also serve in the combined ceremony to memorialize those laid to rest on the beaches of Normandy.”

Perry High JROTC was invited in October 2018. Spears said it is an eight-day trip and the total cost per cadet is $3,200. The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 658 is assisting in sponsoring the unit, but Spears said they are still raising funds.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these cadets,” Spears said. “It’s a chance to pay it forward. It’s often said that generation that fought in WWII is the greatest generation, and I don’t want them to be forgotten. So we have about 24 going on the trip. It is rather costly at $3,200 per person. The price includes airfare, breakfast and dinner, lodging, transportation, and security, and admission to museums. I am certain that together with the community we can sponsor and get all of our cadets to Normandy to live out this once in a lifetime experience and serve their country and our veterans.”

“And I believe this is already making an impact on the cadets,” Spears went on to say. “One of the cadets had an uncle who died in Normandy in a tank battle, and they have his flag. They plan to take it with them to march in the parade with it. We’ve also visited all of our local veteran organizations that have shared with the cadets about their family members who served in WWII. Any donations will help tremendously and we are and will be ever grateful.”

Spears is also seeking a full sponsorship for another cadet to go. He said this cadet is, “not needy, but is deserving.”

“This cadet is a senior and after graduation will go into the United States Marine Corp to become an officer,” Spears said. “They are very deserving, and I believe they will pay it forward.”

The trip has to be fully paid for by May 5. Spears asks if anyone is interested in making a donation to contact him via email at vfwfrancefundraiser@gmail.com.