Fayette-Ware NJROTC Cadets Honored with Top Award for Life-Saving Actions

Two cadets from Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School’s Navy JROTC, Cadet Petty Officer First Class Fernanda Ordonez and Cadet Ensign Ariana Gwynn, were awarded the prestigious Cadet Meritorious Achievement Ribbon-the highest honor in NJROTC-for their life-saving actions during the Arkansas Cadet Leadership Course (ARCLC) on June 18, 2024. Late at night during the ARCLC, Cadet Ordonez and Cadet Gwynn were awakened by frantic calls for help. Initially told that a fellow cadet was bleeding, they quickly discovered the cadet was suffering from short, shallow breaths. Their NJROTC first aid training proved vital as they immediately assessed the situation and took action. Cadet Ordonez helped cool the cadet down with wet towels while helping her regulate her breathing. Si-multaneously, Cadet Gwynn organized cadets to run for help and sprinted barefoot to notify the Charge of Quarters Instructor to call 911, ensuring emergency responders could arrive promptly. MSgt Barron Hall, Fayette-Ware NJROTC instructor, praised the cadets for their swift actions, stating, “When training kicks in, acts of bravery are instinctive.” Both cadets credited their Navy JROTC training in first aid and emergency response for preparing them to handle the high-pressure situation.