WHARTON NJROTC

  • ABOUT THE PROGRAM

    The Wharton Wildcat Company, established in 2001, has been a longstanding epicenter of our schools pride and honor. Since its establishment, our program has developed a wide range of respect ranging anywhere from cadets involved, to even the area manager who overlooks all of Area 7’s JROTC programs. As our program commits a great deal of time and effort into further improvement, we are proud to have strong involvement in various JROTC teams such as Marksmanship, Drill, Orienteering, Color Guard and Academics. The Wildcat Company is operated by an effective Cadet Staff, assisted by three instructors, whom all are former military personnel.

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      UNIT CHAIN OF COMMAND

     

    Commanding Officer: Cadet Commander Andi Bocknevitz

    Executive Officer: Cadet Lieutenant Commander Kylie Lewis 

    Command Master Chief: Cadet Command Senior Chief Gretchen Miller

    Operations Officer: Cadet Ensign Kalina Dell

    Training Officer: Cadet Ensign Eva Ditinno

    Administrations Officer: Cadet Ensign AJ Hollifield 

    Public Affairs Officer: Cadet Chief Petty Officer David Walcak

    Armory Officer: Cadet Chief Petty Officer Cameron Miner

INSTRUCTORS

  • MAJOR MICHAEL BEALE (USMC)

         Michael K. Beale was born in Miami Beach, Florida and grew up moving around the East Coast in an FBI Agent's family. Upon graduation from Tampa Catholic High School in 1976, he attended the University of South Florida for two years until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in April 1979. He then graduated in June and was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECEP) in May 1981. He attended the University of Florida from 81-83 and graduated with a BA in Political Science. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Dec 83 and attended The Basic School and Infantry Officer's Course prior to his Assignment as an Infantry Platoon Commander in Hawaii. Prior to retirement in 2001, Major Beale completed his Masters of Education at Troy University. His assignments include: Weapons Platoon Commander and Company XO 1st~ BN, 3rd Marines, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Series Commander and Depot Operations Officer, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA; he attended Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, VA; Company Commander, Headquarters Company and then C Company 1st BN, 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, CA (30 months of command time); Military Training Officer, 20th Naval Construction Regiment, Gulfport, MS; and his last assignment as Branch Head, Officer Candidate/Midshipman Admin, CNET Pensacola FL ending July 2001. One day after Major Beale retired; he took charge of opening the new NJROTC Unit at Wharton HS in Tampa, FL. The program is now in its twentieth year. Major Beale's personal awards include the Meritorious Service, Marine Corps Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement, Good Conduct and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals. Major Beale is married to the former Christine Graham of Clearwater, FL. They have a son, Chase and two daughters, Michaela Rose and Gabrielle Marie all graduates of WHS, FSU and USF.

     

    SENIOR CHIEF DAVID INGALLS (NAVY)

         David L. Ingalls was born in Sanford, Florida and attended Gaither High School, graduating in 1989. Following, he went to Valdosta State University and graduated with an Associates degree in June of 1999. From 1995 to 1999, Senior Chief Ingalls was an Instructor at Trident Training Facility. His military experience was mainly based in the Submarine Force. He spent a totoal of 20 years 11 months and 20 days in service.

     

    CHIEF WAYNE BOKNEVITZ (NAVY)

         Wayne L. Boknevitz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from Walbeno High School in 1981. Immediately after, Chief Boknevitz enlisted into the United States Navy. During his enlistment he was a Training Specialist and taught Minor-Caliber Arms, Anti-Terrorism courses and participated in Counter Drug Boardings. He has been on 6 different ships and retired in 2004. Following his service he attended New York State College for 5 years and created the Marksmanship team at Wharton High School.