Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Clermont Battalion Commanding Officer Gary M. Schindele was a guest speaker at July’s South Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast.
The Clermont Battalion, affiliated with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, is a federally chartered non-profit youth organization offering two youth programs. The Senior Program, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is for young people from 13 through 18 years old. Their Navy League Cadet Corps is a Junior Program for young people, ages 10 through 13. The Sea Cadets meet one weekend each month during the school year at the Clermont Police Headquarters where they participate in a variety of hands-on, outdoor training events as well as community service activities
The Clermont Battalion was officially started in October 2016. With support from the Clermont Mayor and City Council as well as with the strongest support and encouragement from Clermont Police Chief Broadway and the Clermont Police Department.
Gary Schindele, originally from Stamford, Connecticut, has been the strength and vision behind the Clermont Battalion from the start. He leads the two units of the Clermont Battalion with the Training Ship Titan Program and the Clermont Battalion Sea Cadet Program for youth participating up until their high school graduations. He holds the honorary titles of Lieutenant and Commanding Officer for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Schindele notes, “I am proud that my son Kurt has risen through the ranks to become our Chief Petty Officer, which is the highest rank a cadet can achieve in the program. He started as a League Cadet in the Centurion Battalion in Winter Park when he was 10 years old, then transferred to Clermont when we started up. He is a senior in Montverde Academy High School.” Schindele adds, “This truly is a uniquely run program. My role works through the normal chain of command, while working with senior leaders, community relations and outreach. I really do have a great team backing me up with our youth-run programs. I am always most inspired by the outcomes of our graduates!”
Clermont Battalion is an all-volunteer hands-on program to help youth grow and learn from many diverse interactive educationally-based activities. The Clermont Battalion is sponsored by the U.S. Navy League and supported by both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Locally, the Clermont Battalion is sponsored by the City of Clermont Police Department. During summer and winter school vacations, cadets and adult instructors participate in one and two-week training programs at U.S. military installations around the country where they learn lifelong skills and how to become leaders in their units, schools and communities.
The Clermont Battalion participates in exciting hands-on training aboard U.S. Navy Coast Guard ships and shore stations making this a unique youth program. Cadets have regular opportunities to train with Active Duty and Reserve military personnel. Even though their team is not really in the military, the Clermont Battalion follows all military procedures and guidelines. They currently have 12 Training Ship Titan Cadets and 26 Clermont Sea Cadets with 18 participating adults inclusive of their dedicated chaplain and valuable auxiliary volunteers.
The Clermont Battalion has a Color Guard group within the Sea Cadet Program. This group is regularly called upon to help honor fallen veterans and other community events. They march and fly the American colors to perform at Veteran’s Day and Wreaths Across America ceremonies. The Battalion supports the National Night Out program event held each Fall in Clermont and creates a special obstacle course for everyone to enjoy. They support the 911 services with their Color guard. They honorably participate in Shop With A Cop at Christmas, the big Sanford Air Show, the Navy Ball and many other community-oriented events.
While the Clermont Battalion is not a military recruiting program, the benefits of the program to America’s youth are undeniable. All Clermont Battalion Sea Cadet graduates are able to start in the Navy with a two-rank advantage with advanced pay upgrades.
Ryan Whichard joined the Navy and was assigned to Bahrain for 18 months as a Petty Officer. Another graduate successfully joined the Marines and is now a Lance Corporal. A recent graduate joined the Army National Guard after graduation, serving in Washington, DC; another received a full-ride engineering scholarship from the Marine Corps at the University of North Florida.
The USNSCC promotes the value of an alcohol-free, drug-free and gang-free lifestyle. Through exposure to a unique team-centric, objective-based environment, cadets learn to demand the best from themselves and others. Cadets and alumni often cite the feelings of pride, camaraderie, respect and honor associated with their experience in this program. Numerous scholarship funds are awarded annually to exceptional cadets who wish to pursue a college education.
Parents and youth should explore the many benefits, opportunities and unique advantages of the Sea Cadet Program. Prospective new Clermont Battalion candidates merely need to fit the age requirements, do an interview and commit to a minimum one-year agreement of service. Schindele adds, “My inspiration is to give our youth a tremendous life-changing opportunity. It really is a terrific program, even though it is not for every kid. They must agree to follow all Navy regulations and protocols, inclusive of a military-style haircut. There are some basic costs involved for US Navy uniforms, event participation and travel.”
Donations and Sponsorships are welcome! There is always a need for community support with funding, food and volunteer services. Clermont Battalion is 100% self-funded. There are three levels of sponsorships available – including their special Lieutenant, Captain and Commander Programs. Training scholarships are available starting at only $150 to help offset some of the cadets’ uniform, field trip, operations and transportation costs. They are supported by the U.S. Navy League who partially offsets some of their costs for each cadet. In 2020, Lake County Commissioner approved a grant supporting non-profit organizations through the Covid lockdown which helped a lot as they were not able to get into the community.
Schindele shares, “We are the best-kept secret in the youth activity category. We share life skills, so our youth will know what to embody and strive for as they become successful adults. We work hard to instill pride and self-confidence. They do learn how to shine shoes, be well-groomed, disciplined, respectful, have self-confidence, integrity, honor, courage and commitment.”
For more information, contact the Battalion Personnel Officer, Angel Walter. Her Email is: PO@Clermontbattalion.com and visit: www.ClermontBattalion.com.
