They get scuba certified. They fly airplanes. They shoot guns. They get a taste of SEAL training. And they’re just kids, aged 10 to 18.
The Florida Keys Sea Cadets are a division of the national Sea Cadets, a maritime-based youth program that’s sponsored by the U.S. Navy and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“Cadets train on naval bases and other military installations in a variety of military disciplines, always choosing adventure, seeking challenges and stepping outside of their comfort zones to prove to the world that “greatness has no age.”
The organization serves 9,000 cadets annually in 47 states with community partnerships and sponsorships that make participation possible for kids regardless of their family’s financial status.
The Florida Keys Cadets celebrated their promotions and awards at a March 27 ceremony at Key West military memorial in Bayview Park. The Key West Military Affairs Committee enthusiastically supports the local Sea Cadets, and at the ceremony presented the group with a $25,000 check, the second installment of a $100,000 grant that funds the local group and keeps expenses affordable for all families.
“What a cool organization; I wish I’d known about this when I was a kid,” was the consensus among parents at the recent ceremony.
