Marching Orders: Inspire the Next Generation

by 1st Lt. Zak Lara
California Cadet Corps Public Affairs 

May 1, 2025 

CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Across the state, California Cadet Corps (CACC) Commandants are making a meaningful difference in classrooms, guiding students not only through academic lessons but through life, leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. This year, three of those Commandants were named Teachers of the Year by their schools—recognition that highlights the important role they play in shaping students’ lives and building school culture.

These educators bring a unique blend of structure, empathy, and purpose into their classrooms. They create safe, inclusive spaces where students learn to lead, take responsibility, and work toward shared goals. Their nominations by school leadership reflect a deep respect for how they elevate students—and how they support the broader mission of education across the state.

While their careers started in service to the country, they now serve their communities by helping students grow into confident, capable leaders. They’ve carried forward the values of commitment and care into their roles as educators—demonstrating that strong teaching isn’t just about content; it’s about connection.

In Northern California, Captain Elizabeth Platt, Commandant for the 434th Battalion at Clarksville Charter School, was recently named Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year by Post 6604 in Folsom, California. A U.S. Army veteran with service both stateside and overseas, she later joined the California Army National Guard as a Chemical Operations Specialist. After completing her military service, she earned her master’s degree in teaching and multiple credentials, bringing her leadership skills into the classroom to empower the next generation.

Her efforts include not only leading the 434th Battalion, where she teaches cadets leadership, discipline, and life skills, but also serving as the Brigade Advisor for the Northern California region of the CACC program. In this role, she supports other Commandants, helps coordinate programs across multiple campuses, and oversees the development of hundreds of cadets. Her work has earned statewide recognition for helping students grow not only as leaders, but as citizens.

“They’re the inspiration to me,” Platt said. “You’ve got to step back and watch the cadets fail, succeed, learn, and grow.” Her approach centers on encouragement and accountability, creating a learning environment where cadets are challenged, supported, and ultimately prepared for life beyond the classroom.

In central California, another outstanding educator is making a profound impact through discipline, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student growth. Sgt. Juan Ocampo, a History teacher and California Cadet Corps Commandant for the 426th Battalion, Greenfield Middle School, was named Teacher of the Year by his peers—a recognition that celebrates his leadership both in the classroom and in uniform.

Ocampo served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was trained to lead in high-pressure environments. That commitment to leadership continued through a career in law enforcement, and now shapes his role as a Commandant, where he guides young men and women in developing structure, responsibility, and character. His work has left a lasting impression, with former cadets returning to thank him for teaching the values that helped them succeed beyond middle school.

“I enjoy working with kids and teaching them the value of hard work, determination, never giving up, and being a leader by setting an example for others,” Ocampo said. “This program is important because it helps to motivate our youth through the positive example and hard work shown by our commandants.” His recent recognition not only affirms his dedication, but also motivates him to continue inspiring cadets to reach for personal and academic success.

In Southern California, 2nd Lt. Joe Schmid was the third educator earning praise for building the California Cadet Corps 249th Battalion from the ground up at Woodland Park Middle School in the San Marcos Unified School District. 2nd Lt. Schmid was named Teacher of the Year for his efforts to bring structure, community, and leadership training to students through the CACC.

A veteran educator with 22 years in the classroom, Schmid’s journey began with a deep family tradition of service. After completing Officer Candidates School with the U.S. Marine Corps and later enlisting in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer, he eventually found his calling in education. When the opportunity arose to launch a new Cadet Corps program in the summer of 2024, Schmid led the effort—navigating district approval, attending summer Commandant training, and engaging with students for a new model of learning based on leadership and personal growth.

Schmid now leads the 249th Battalion, the first Cadet Corps unit in his district, where cadets wear their uniforms with pride and participate in school and community events. “Simply put, being selected as the Teacher of the Year is an honor,” Schmid said. “However, I did not earn the award. It was the Cadets who afforded me this honor. It is more theirs than mine.” His leadership has not only impacted cadets but has helped shape a positive, inclusive culture on campus—one where students recognize the values of teamwork, service, and achievement. “Joe cultivates a positive and safe classroom environment where students feel valued and supported,” wrote Principal Katie Buffum. “His ability to connect with kids, bring learning to life, and champion a culture of respect and resilience is unparalleled.”