The Missouri House of Representatives passed a resolution to encourage schools throughout Missouri to take steps to institute Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) courses.State Rep. Bryan Spencer introduced the resolution, HCR 18. He wants more Missouri students to have access to the life and leadership skills taught by JROTC. Spencer said the issue is that many schools, especially those in rural areas, do not offer the courses that help teach life skills such as punctuality, responsibility, personal hygiene, physical fitness and respect.“We know that the JROTC courses have been a huge benefit to young people all around the country, and have helped better, stronger students here in Missouri. We know the programs give students greater confidence and self-esteem, and that participants in the program have higher grade point averages and higher graduation rates. The benefits are countless and the need for access to these programs is great,” said Spencer, R-Wentzville. “For the good of our young people in all parts of Missouri, it’s imperative that our schools implement these JROTC courses that have an incredible track record of success.”Spencer noted that his former intern Ben Hooker from Culver-Stockton College helped write the resolution to bring awareness to the need for more JROTC courses throughout the state.Spencer’s legislation was approved by the House by a vote of 153-2.For more questions, call Rep. Bryan Spencer’s office at 573-751-1460.Missouri State Capitol