80th Training Command
“Jardas” Raider Invitational at Cypress Lake High School
Brig. Gen. Steven D. Hayden, the Deputy Commanding General of the 80th Training Command (TASS) took part in the “Jardas” Raider Invitational at Cypress Lake High School in his hometown of Fort Myers, Florida on Oct. 7, 2023, cheering on contestants, motivating the students and handing out awards to winners and participants of the "tough mudder" style competition.
High School students enrolled in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs from across southwest Florida competed in the annual event which consisted of 5 events: a 5K team run; an obstacle course; a tire flip; one-rope river (simulated) crossing; and a cross country rescue litter/ruck carry around the track. Over 350 students participated along with their school administrators and families. U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Reserve and National Guard, Air Force, and Navy Career Counselors and leaders were on hand to assist with judging and to setup info tables.
The invitational was named for Marine Corporal Thomas "Tommy" Jardas, a 2011 graduate of Cypress Lake High School who died in a training mission off the coast of Hawaii aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion on January 14, 2016. The event honors his memory. His mother, Ms. Beth Hailey, and other Gold Star Mothers from the community were also present at Saturday's event.
“Jardas” Raider Invitational at Cypress Lake High School
Brig. Gen. Steven D. Hayden, the Deputy Commanding General of the 80th Training Command (TASS) took part in the “Jardas” Raider Invitational at Cypress Lake High School in his hometown of Fort Myers, Florida on Oct. 7, 2023, cheering on contestants, motivating the students and handing out awards to winners and participants of the "tough mudder" style competition.
High School students enrolled in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs from across southwest Florida competed in the annual event which consisted of 5 events: a 5K team run; an obstacle course; a tire flip; one-rope river (simulated) crossing; and a cross country rescue litter/ruck carry around the track. Over 350 students participated along with their school administrators and families. U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Reserve and National Guard, Air Force, and Navy Career Counselors and leaders were on hand to assist with judging and to setup info tables.
The invitational was named for Marine Corporal Thomas "Tommy" Jardas, a 2011 graduate of Cypress Lake High School who died in a training mission off the coast of Hawaii aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion on January 14, 2016. The event honors his memory. His mother, Ms. Beth Hailey, and other Gold Star Mothers from the community were also present at Saturday's event.