Cardozo’s cadets welcome the newest NJROTC instructor, Senior Chief Chau.
Senior Chief Chau has already started making a difference to students in the program. With 27 new staff members joining Cardozo this year, Chief is the third Naval Science instructor hired since 2022. Although the new school year only began a month ago, he started off strong with over 70 new cadets.
Senior Chief Chau plays a vital role in the NJROTC program as he instructs NS2’s, or second year cadets. Although his time at Cardozo has only just begun, his career started several years ago in the Navy. His experience, personality, and judgement all stems from his practices.
His professionalism comes from working with college-level cadets. He has several years of experience within the military, as well, and has now been able to pass down his knowledge to growing students who could have the opportunity to grow and be shaped into his footsteps.
“I was a logistics and navy recruiter. I worked for the army as a civilian for the senior ROTC programs,” Senior Chief Chau said.
Coming to Cardozo had everything to do with another NJROTC instructor, Chief Chen. “He was trying to recruit me to come teach NJROTC for four years,” Senior Chief Chau explained. “I got tired of saying no, so I finally said yes.”
Chief Chen and Senior Chief Chau both served in the United States Navy together. Their bond started a long time ago and now they can continue it by working together in the same building for the growing group of cadets they instruct.
Working for the Navy requires constant diligence which he’s carried over to Cardozo. His strong will to teach cadets how to be their best makes him a noticeable and charismatic leader. When his cadets are in PT, of physical fitness, during the school day, you can always find him alongside them helping them.
For Senior Chief Chau, he believes that the key to success is to carry confidence. His overall experience with education and military programs makes him stand out as an instructor. Although new to our school and NJROTC program, he has already made a name for himself among his cadets.
Every day, Senior Chief Chau greets his cadets and models respect. One cadet shared, “His bright personality and his optimism and determination lift the cadet’s morale.”
“He supports you no matter what, and he’s always determined to make the program stronger,” the cadet added.
Being a new staff member also means that he hasn’t had the chance to truly get to know his students just yet. However, everyone in the program still cares and respects him and each other as if they’re family. Working with high school students can be difficult yet he always strives to make the program grow stronger and larger. Current cadets have faced more opportunities along with challenges but with Senior Chief Chau, the unit will continue to strive to improve.
