It's a historic site that's long been forgotten. The Black Gainer Cemetery lies off State Road 20 near Econfina Creek, but the Bay High Air Force Junior ROTC program is setting out to change that by revamping and beautifying the grounds.

“It makes me feel really, really sad that the community would forget about so many graves and just leave them completely unattended, that there wouldn't be at least one person doing some maintenance here at least once, twice a year to check up on it. It makes me feel really sad and depressed," said Cody Sallas, Bay High JROTC Cadet.

It's the only black cemetery in Bay County to pre-date the Civil War. The oldest grave marker dates back to 1911, but there are other graves that may have been there much longer. Once the cadets finish clearing the land, an archaeologist is going to date the site.

What the students do know is that among those who lie here are two war veterans.

"The fact that we found a WWI and WWII veteran buried here with trees down over the graves, and it looked like the place hadn't been paid attention to in many years, so we had a little ceremony on Memorial Day and put flags up on those two gravesites," said CmSgt. Paul Fournier with the Bay High JROTC.

It's not an easy task in the hot Florida sun, but it's well worth it to these cadets. Community service is one of the core goals of the JROTC program.

"Every single cadet, person out here gets a good feeling of accomplishment," said Chris Harter, Bay High JROTC Cadet.

"It's already looking 100 percent better with just the little bit that we've done today," said Leslie Thompson, Bay High JROTC Cadet.

The students are in need of some supply and monetary donations. To find out how to donate, call CmSgt. Fournier at (850) 896-2748. The cadets would also love to have your help if you'd like to volunteer time at the site.

The cadets want to thank all the sponsors who have helped out.