Local Sea Cadet joins Marine Corps, assigned to president's helo squadron

Schwender joined the Marine Corps in January 2007 after graduating from high school. After completing boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., he attended infantry training at Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, N.C. and Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. graduating in August.

Schwender, now a private first class, was one of five military policemen selected for orders to HMX-1 out of 40 applicants. His job will consist of guarding the aircraft used to transport the president, vice president and other cabinet members.

As a member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Schwender began his military training at the age of 12 through the Navy League Cadets where he learned about military life, teamwork and leadership. He was later promoted to the U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps where he became an ensign and instructor with the F.D. Roosevelt Squadron.

Schwender is the son of George and Kelly Schwender of Orange Park.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is for American youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs.

For more information, go to www.seacadets.org.