AUTHORIZATION OF BEDICHEK JUNIOR MARINES

In spring of 2006, the Bedichek Junior Marines Corps was created. As per the direction of the Bedichek Middle School Principal, Gail Belcher, former Marine Staff Sergeant and current Bedichek teacher, Darrick A. Norton was assigned to become the first Bedichek Junior Marine Corps Commander.

Staff Sergeant Norton’s first mission was to start researching possible curriculum that would align the program to those curriculums’ of Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Technology, and Physical Fitness. After countless hours of cross-referencing the material to that of the districts requirements, the Corps curriculum was created. The focus will continue on increasing the program status and visibility within the community.

After the completion of the Curriculum, SSgt Norton started the recruiting process. Using leaflets and posters around the Bedichek campus, SSgt Norton was able to recruit:

2006-2007  44 Cadets

2007-2008  75 Cadets

2008-2009  125 Cadets

2009-2010  189 Cadets (enrolled)

September 2006, BJMC’s Color Guard marched in the AISD 125^th anniversary parade. The six man color guard was spot ligthed in the Austin American Statesmen

On October 1^st, 2007 BJMC promoted the first Officers. Diamondnique McCullough, Giovanny Tapia, James Hinojosa, and Nikko Howard were among the first to become Commissioned Officers and the first Platoon Commanders.

Alpha Platoon Co- Cadet Capt Diamondnique McCullough

Bravo Platoon Co-Cadet Capt Giovanny Tapia

Charlie Platoon Co-2lt Nikko Howard

On February 1^st, 2008 Cadet LtCol Diamondnique McCullough was appointed Cadet Corps Commander and Cadet SgtMaj Angel Arana was appointed to Cadet Corps Sergeant Major. Cadet 1lt Kaitlyn Rencher had been commissioned in only her third six weeks.

May 31^st, 2008 - Cadet LtCol Diamondnique McCullough and Cadet SgtMaj Angel Arana were awarded the Distinguished Service Achievement Medals.  Cadet LtCol McCullough is the most decorated Junior Marine in history with 24 personal awards

June 1^st, 2008 - AISD approves and provides materials for a Confidence Course and paint for the repainting of the Junior Marines Corps Portable.

June 30^th, 2008 – Founding principal Gail Belcher retires after 32 years of service to AISD.

July 10^th- July 24^th – BJMC portable is painted with new “Tiger Stripe” cammie

July 25^th, 2008 – Construction Planning begins on new 10 Element-Confidence Course

July 27^th, 2008 – New Bedichek Junior Marine Textbook is created for use in the 2008-2009 school year

July 30^th, 2008 – New curriculum is adopted for use in the 2008-2009 school year

September 1st, 2008-Cadet Maj Adam Burnett was selected to be the Second Cadet Corps Commander 

September 20^th, 2008 – Akins hump (Hike from Akins to Bedichek)

September 25^th, 2008 – First Ever Corps Field Trip tobCamp Swift

October 15^th, 2008 – Creation of new Silent Drill Team (Thundering Teufulhundens) and Color Guard

November 1^st, 2008 – First Color Guard performance at Bedichek Middle school Girls Basketball Game

November 10^th, 2008 – Color Guard performs for the Crocket High School Girls Basketball Game

December 18^th, 2008 - Drill team’s first public performance at Bedichek Middle School

January 1st, 2009- Cadet Maj Jose Rueda becomes the 3rd Cadet Corps Commander

January 15^th, 2009 – Corps Mud run

May 8^th, 2009 – Drill Team and Color Guard perform at the Texas State Capital South Steps and is honored by the Texas House of Representatives. H.R. 1147

June 1^st, 2009 – Cadet Col’s Nikko Howard, Jose Rueda, Adam Burnett, Juan Carlos Lemus were awarded the Distinguished Service Achievement Medals for three years of outstanding service to the corps and to Bedichek middle school.

August 1st, 2009 - BJMC moves to a new portable to handle the increased size of the Corps.

August 24th, 2009 - "ADVERSUS EXITUS OPTIO NON EST" is adopted as the Corps Offical Motto 

August 24th, 2009 - The creation of a new platoon, Fox Platoon. The Corps now has 6 platoon (classes)

August 24th, 2009 - The creation of two new companies. 1st Company, which contains Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Platoons. 2nd Commpany which contains Delta, Echo, and Fox Platoons.

September 1st, 2009- Cadet Maj Cheston Dorman was selected to become the 4th Cadet Corps Commander

September 15th, 2009 - BJMC receives its first Corps Flag.

October 1st, 2009 - The Silent Drill Team and Color Guard add a Music Corps to the performance team 

January 5th, 2010 - Cadet Maj Blaise Corona selected to become the 5th Cadet Corps Commander