North Chicago-based Sea Cadets celebrates 54 years
Saturday, Sept. 10, marked the 54th anniversary of the start of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
The group got its start locally in North Chicago at the Naval Station Great Lakes. The Sea Cadets became a national organization by an act of Congress on Sept. 10, 1962. The organization has grown into hundreds of units around the country.
Several years before Congress gave the organization its federal charter, the first Sea Cadets division was formed at the Naval Station Great Lakes. The 9-1-1 Division started with 48 cadets. Since then, hundreds have learned valuable life skills that have been a part of their adult lives.
The Great Lakes division currently has about 40 members from Lake County and parts of McHenry County and southeast Wisconsin.
Nationally, the Sea Cadet organization has grown to more than 300 units with over 13,000 members. Some divisions are hosted at military bases across the country.
However, most are in areas without a nearby military base host. The Sea Cadet program is sponsored nationally by the Navy League along with both the United States Navy and United State Coast Guard. The goal of the organization is to teach young men and women valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline and military courtesy.
Cadets also learn naval history and first aid skills. Additionally, the Sea Cadet program emphasizes the importance of self-esteem and life skills.
Locally, the 9-1-1 Sea Cadet Division at the Naval Station Great Lakes meets one weekend per month. The division spent their anniversary weekend working a detail at the Waukegan Air Show and training at the Navy Base.
Sea Cadet Regional Director Brett Blomberg said that most cadets who participate in the program don't go onto military careers, however, they do learn skills that help them throughout the rest of their lives.
"We teach them life lessons. No matter where they go, they're just better citizens," said Blomberg, who is also a former mayor of Lincolnshire. He goes on to emphasize, besides learning valuable skills, "It's also a lot of fun."
Sea Cadets is open to young adults ages 10-17. Locally, meetings are held at the Naval Station Great Lakes. Perspective cadets are invited to join along for a drill weekend to learn firsthand what is involved to be a part of the organization.
Anyone who may be interested in learning more can visit the Sea Cadet Division 9-1-1's website at www.seacadets911.org.
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