MID-ATLANTIC TRAINING GROUP DIRECTOR

Her involvement with the US Naval Sea Cadets, particularly as part of the Nashville LPD-13 Division, showcases her commitment to service and leadership. Completing her first COTC at Latimer in July 2023 and being recognized as Officer of the Year for Region 089 in February 2024 are remarkable achievements. Her recent role as the TSCG03-TN/AL Training Group Director since January 2024 is a testament to her leadership skills and expertise. It's truly inspiring to see individuals making significant contributions both in their professional careers and in service organizations.

OIC: Basic & Advanced Scuba

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Rhonda Wiederholt attended Northwest Missouri State University/NWMSU and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Government with a Criminal Justice minor in 1997.  In her professional life, Ens. Wiederholt has held positions within the State of Missouri since 1997 as an intern in the substance abuse treatment arena, Department of Corrections, as well as both Institutional and Field Probation and Parole.  

Throughout her career, Ens. Wiederholt has trained in a variety of correctional areas, as well as outcomes and measures, victim advocacy, working with treatment courts, safety, mental health, substance abuse,  report writing, leadership, customer service, and time management.   Ens. Wiederholt has collaborated with members of the Missouri Department of Corrections, Court System, and Law Enforcement to serve the State of Missouri.   In her personal life, Ens. Wiederholt has participated in many team sports over the years, served on multiple committees, served many youth organizations/local school systems as a volunteer and participated in many service organizations within the communities she has lived in. 

Ens. Wiederholt has been a staff member for the Naval Sea Cadet program with the Thomas Jefferson Division in Jefferson, Missouri from May 2023 to the present, currently serving as the Training Officer.  Ens. Wiederholt had the privilege and honor to assist as a volunteer staff member in four evolutions as an EO: culinary training in Kansas in July 2024, POLA in Tennessee in December 2024, Seabees in TN in June 2025, and NLO in Louisiana in June 2025.  Ens. Wiederholt has staffed and participated in many of the community service opportunities afforded to the cadets. Ens Wiederholt enjoys her time volunteering with the sea cadets and looks forward to seeing you all at training in Winter 2025!     

OIC: Basic Security & Advanced MAA

LTJG Smith has been a police officer at a major metropolitan police department for over ten years. He has served as a patrol officer, FLEX officer, Crime Suppression Unit Detective, Field Intelligence Team Detective, and Violent Crimes Operations Detective. He also served as a Master-at-Arms in the US Navy.

XO: Basic Security & Advanced MAA

Instructor Moses has been a police officer at a major metropolitan police department for almost fifteen years. He has served as a patrol officer, FLEX officer, Crime Suppression Unit Detective, Field Intelligence Team Detective, and Violent Crimes Operations Detective.

OIC: NLCC Culinary

Born in Cadiz, Spain, and raised in the Panhandle of Florida, I have built a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and service. My professional journey began in finance with Payne Weber and evolved into land development with Blu Properties and Southern Dirt Land and Development. This diverse background laid the foundation for my transition into the oil and gas industry, where I’ve spent over 13 years managing complex projects and leading teams with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Beyond my professional work, I am deeply committed to volunteerism and youth development. As an active volunteer with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC), I have dedicated countless hours to mentoring and training young cadets, preparing them for future challenges, and instilling core values of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. My experience also extends to working with children in various capacities, fostering a passion for helping the next generation grow, learn, and achieve their goals.

Core Competencies:

• Youth Mentorship and Leadership Training

• Volunteer Coordination and Program Development

• Safety Compliance and Risk Mitigation

• Construction and Project Management

• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Through my work with the USNSCC and other youth programs, I have seen the transformative power of guidance and structure in young lives. By combining my professional expertise in planning and management with a passion for volunteerism, I strive to lead by example, inspire others, and create opportunities for growth and success. My focus remains on fostering the next generation of leaders while maintaining a commitment to community and service.

OIC: Recruit Training

Instructor Ford began his service in 2014 as an enlisted military police officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard. After completing military police OSUT Instructor Ford transferred to the Alabama Army National Guard where he served in many critical operations such as public order operations in Birmingham Alabama, Kenosha Wisconsin, and hurricane disaster relief and policing/security operations in Houma Louisiana.
Instructor Ford served a total of 9 years in the Army National Guard, ending his service as a team leader with the 128th MP Company.

Instructor Ford then took a conditional release to the Navy Reserve as a Master at Arms Second Class where he serves today. He has served in the Navy for close to 2 years.

Instructor Ford was a Cadet from ages 13-17, ending his time as a Cadet when he enlisted. He immediately volunteered to work with Cadets to pay it forward. Instructor Ford said “The professional volunteers that serve in the military style youth programs that I was involved with changed my life for the better. They gave me purpose, connection with others, mentoring, and pride in myself and in my team. It is because of these selfless volunteers that I am who, and where, I am today.”

Instructor Ford has been with Sea Cadets for one year and brings a total of 15 years of Cadetting experience with him both as a staff member and as a Cadet.