The Heritage High School Marine JROTC Drill Team won the American Legion “All Service” Western Region Drill Team Championship in December at Halifax County High School. This earns the Pioneers the opportunity to compete for a state championship title for a 14th consecutive year. Seven teams competed in four events: Regulation Armed Platoon Drill, Exhibition Armed Platoon Drill, Armed Color Guard and Regulation Unarmed Personnel Inspection. Heritage won all events except Unarmed Inspection, where the Pioneers placed second. Heritage earned the overall championship based on total points awarded for all events. Chatham, Buckingham, Dan River, Gretna, Tunstall and Bedford were the remaining competitors. More than 60 other teams statewide are eligible to compete in these championships, with three teams, one representing each region, earning the opportunity to compete head to head in the state championship in March. These teams represent both public and private schools of any size (AAA, AA, A) that have Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Junior ROTC programs, as well as cadet military academies.
The Department of Virginia American Legion sponsors the event.