No one knows local government officials what sacrifices need to be made on a daily basis.   

MCJROTC Color Guard Sun Valley HS

The continuity of leadership requires an investment by all of us. The investment that we make in future generations is the most important investment we will ever make. If the next generation of leaders is not smarter and stronger, and in every way better than the present generation, then we have all failed. To that end, there is a bright light among those managing those ‘investments’ in the future. At Sun Valley leadership is taught in the classroom, and on the football field. But behind the scenes, and not so often in the spot light, is one group that we profile this month.   

At the direction of Chief Warrant Officer “Gunner” Bahr, the Junior ROTC at Sun Valley is among the few and the proud Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs nationwide. The Junior ROTC program at Sun Valley is the oldest and largest existing Marine Corps Junior ROTC program in the country.  The program is not just a recruitment tool, but rather a program for creating self- esteem and leadership. From the first moment that a student becomes a cadet, that cadet is taught to serve and to lead.  The community services that the Junior ROTC cadets provide are too numerous to mention, but if you’ve seen a color guard at any local ceremony then you’ve seen them proudly wearing their "dress blues."  Behind the scenes, they

Provide community services from serving people in need of care by the "Adopt a Family" program  - to collecting toys for the Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" program. These student-cadets are "doers."  By their example to all of us, they are "leaders." 

This year, as in many past, there are over 100 cadets in the program, each with a record of community involvement. There are 21 seniors among the cadets that have reached the pinnacle of the program including one young lady who is a candidate for the US Naval Academy.  This year Cadet Major Jelise McClarin will hopefully become the first Sun Valley Marine Corps Junior ROTC Cadet to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis. She is a shining example of the leadership and self-confidence taught in Gunner Bahr’s program. We wish her all of the best in her future, and we support her deserved appointment to the Naval Academy. 

As a rule some cadets will go on to enter the USMC after graduation, and some will continue ROTC programs in college, but none will forget what they have learned as cadets. We applaud all of the cadets for their service, commitment and leadership. 

In the midst of  war, bickering in Washington, and negative attitudes everywhere over policies and practices, there is a bright light in Aston where commitment to God and Country and leadership for the future will prevail for all of our benefits – Thanks to Gunner Bahr and Marine Corps Junior ROTC Cadets of Sun Valley.

Please continue to view our government access channel 10 for new information and updates on monthly township events.

    Also listed on our website is contact information on the board of commissioners. Just click on the commissioner's name of your choice and send a message. It's the quickest way of contacting your elected officials.

Submissions for our township’s monthly newsletter, Township Times, and government access channel 10 may be sent to the attention of:

Dick Lehr, Township Manager Aston Township Municipal Building 5021 Pennell Road, Aston, PA  19014..

Submissions received prior to the 24^th of each month will appear in the next month’s newsletter. 

Township Times is available on the 1^st of each month at the following locations:

Aston Community Center
Aston Township Municipal Building
Calvary Episcopal Church
Eckerd Pharmacy
First Keystone Bank
Giant Food Store
Dr. Mark Hastie D.C.
Hennessy's Restaurant
Iron Workers Bank
PJs Sports Grille  
Victory Cleaners
Village Green Mobile Home Community
Wawa  

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