Brother Martin Cadet Jeffrey Mechlin earned the top award available for the NJROTC program, the Meritorious Achievement Award, for his courage under duress during an unexpected storm while attempting to return to shore in a small boat. Jeffrey Mechlin’s uncle, Raymond Miller, ‘87, contacted Commander Bruce Nolan, ‘90 (Senior Naval Science Instructor, Brother Martin NJROTC) about Jeffrey’s performance which prevented significant damage or loss to the boat and occupants.
Jeffrey and his family enjoyed a summer day aboard his uncle’s boat when a large summer storm unexpectedly formed. As they returned to shore, the storm overtook them and prevented them from being able to secure to the pier. According to Mr. Miller, “Locals who had braved hurricanes in their lake houses stated that this was the worst storm they have ever experienced that was not connected to a hurricane.” Due to 3-4 foot seas and 50 mph winds, Mr. Miller had to physically hold the boat to the pier instead of being able to tie up properly. He put himself in a hazardous situation on the bow of the boat being tossed around. He attempted to put himself between the boat and the pier to allow the occupants to get to the pier. Jeffrey quickly searched the boat while being tossed around and devised a system from cargo straps to reduce the danger. Jeffrey moved to the unstable bow and, working around his uncle, tied the boat directly to the pylons. Finally reducing the motion of the bow, they were able to secure the stern to the pier and safely exit the boat. Mr. Miller said that “courage is not the absence of fear, but the control of fear and he definitely controlled his fear that day.”
The Meritorious Achievement award is the top award that can be given to an NJROTC Cadet. Retired Chief Petty Officer Terry Necaise, Naval Science Instructor at Brother Martin, said that in his 20 years, he only awarded one other Cadet this award. The award is presented to a NJROTC cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act. Acts such as length of participation in the NJROTC unit or sustained superior performance in a leadership position are excluded from the award. It is awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager who supervises 49 schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and part of Florida.
Click to read article on Nola.com.
Click for copy of the award