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Tri-tip dinner Saturday helps Ripon JROTC
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RIPON – It’s one of the premier JROTC programs in the nation.

And it needs your help in order to make sure that distinction doesn’t go away.

On Saturday, March 13, the Ripon High JROTC will be turning to the community for support as they host their annual tri-tip dinner at the American Legion Hall from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The $15 tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at Bank of Stockton.

The funds raised at the annual dinner primarily cover the transportation and travel costs associated with taking cadets to different competitions throughout California – as well as the occasional need to replace a sabre or a rifle when something falls into disrepair.

Ironically, it was a program that almost was handed a death sentence while the school board worked to figure out a way to alleviate the massive funding shortfalls the district is experiencing.

“It’s just such an amazing program that has so much to offer the kids who are involved,” said Hobbs. “And to think that it was on the district’s cut list of the programs that would cease to exist. Once the board realized how valuable it was, they realized it was something that they needed to keep.”

Spearheaded by Retired Army Col. Patrick Dunn and Sgt. Butch Perry, the Ripon High JROTC has emerged as a community staple in recent years with their success at competitions and the caliber of cadets that they recruit to be a part of the elite organization.
By scoring in the top two-percent of all JROTC programs in the nation, Ripon High earned “Unit with Distinction” recognition and is regarded as having the highest inspection scores of any JROTC program in the State of California.

Cadets will be on hand to serve those who attend the dinner.

For those who can’t make the dinner, take-out will also be available during the allotted time frame. For additional information or to inquire about purchasing tickets, contact Hobbs at 599-6861, or JROTC Parents Association president Linda Izaguirre at 345-2380. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Bank of Stockton.