ROA President Capt. Robert H. Carmack, USCGR (Retired) awards Joseph P. Hettich, 12 of Antioch, Illinois the $1,000 prize for winning the Centennial Children’s Writing Contest. Photos are courtesy of the Hettich family, taken during the ROA National Convention on October 1, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
Joseph P. Hettich, age 12, of Antioch, Illinois was awarded a certificate and check for $1,000 on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.
The award and check were presented to Joseph by U.S. Coast Guard Captain Robert H. Carmack, U.S. Coast Guard Retired, the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) National President.
ROA conducted its 96th Annual National Convention from Sept. 29 until Oct. 2, 2022 celebrating 100 years, a century of service, to America for a strong national defense. ROA supports all ranks of all reserve services.
The ROA Family Readiness Committee (FRC) proposed a children’s writing contest in honor of the significant milestone. Entrants were asked to share a personal story from their perspective as a child of a member of the Reserve Components.
The winning entries were, “He Walked through the Door” by Isabella and Olivia Fishman and “My Story as a Military Child” by Joseph P. Hettich.
Joseph was able to attend the convention to read his submission at the banquet to an audience of approximately 250 members, guests, families, dignitaries, military members, and Veterans to include several General Officers and Flag Officers.
A highlight of his evening was to meet and sit at the head table with the oldest member of the ROA, a 102-year-old U.S. Army Major General.
Joseph attends Saint Bede School in Ingleside, Illinois and is active in the school cooking club and track. He is a tenderfoot scout and scribe with Antioch, Illinois Boy Scout Troop 92 and he is a Den Chief with Antioch, Illinois Cub Scout Pack 111.
Joseph is a Youth Ambassador and member of the Chain of Lakes Pheasants Forever and is also a member of the Chain of Lakes Ducks Unlimited.
He assists with planning Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies with Antioch American Legion Post 748 and Antioch VFW Post 4551.