63 Marine Corps Junior ROTC students from Eisenhower High School spent their spring break conquering beams and leaping over walls at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside in San Diego County. The week at Pendleton was intended to be a confidence builder according to Sgt. Major Sam Walls, a Marine instructor for the program. Walls watched as his students climbed to the top of a 65-foot tower and rappel down, said such activities teach the student that they can do anything if they really concentrate.
During the week, students faced 5 a.m. wake up calls, slept in barracks, wore flak jackets and combat boots. They ate what was given to them, shined their boots when told and folded their sheets so that the corners touched and centers were creased. Still, the students had a good time. "This is a great vacation," said David Spittler. "A lot of the people at home, are going to the beach, doing the same old thing."
San Bernardino County Sun
April 8, 2000