May 2016 AFJROTC Newsletter

Transcription

May 2016 AFJROTC Newsletter
AFJROTC
News & Notes
May 2016
CHECK us out on AFJROTC.COM!
H Q A F J u n i or R O T C
From the Director...
Hello again! I know each of you have been busy and that for many, the Academic
year will start winding down shortly. Congrats on a very successful year and for
all that you have done to positively impact your units, schools, community, and
our great nation! As we draw near to the end of the school year, it is a time to
start reflecting on all that has been accomplished. I have had the opportunity
to visit a number of schools this year and I have seen first-hand all the great
things that our instructors and cadets have accomplished this year. Well done!
I encourage each of you to take some time with your cadets and review all
they have accomplished this year … and all that remains to be accomplished
Colonel Woods
in your programs to strengthen your units and your Corps. I would also like to
AFJROTC Director
congratulate all the AFJROTC units who competed in this year’s National Drill
Championship in Daytona Beach, FL! The level of competition was truly amazing and the Holm Center CC,
Brig Gen Paul Guemmer was the guest speaker for the Challenge Level Awards Ceremony. Thank you Gen
Guemmer for your great support of the AFJROTC program and your strong advocacy! We will certainly miss
Gen Guemmer as he heads to the Pentagon for his next tour. “Thank you” also to Col Pat Hoffman (HC/CV),
Chief William Harrington (HC/CEM), and SMSgt Nicholas Taylor (HC 1st Sergeant) for attending as well.
Have you ever wondered, “What are those folks up at HQ really doing for us?” I think that this is a GREAT
question! With this in mind, we have created our first ever Headquarters AFJROTC “2-Year Progress
Report” to fully answer that question for you. I want each of you to know that your HQ staff is working
hard for you and in my opinion “punching well above our weight” to
advocate for you and our program in order to strengthen it and make
our incredibly impactful program even better. Please take a look at all
that has been done over the past 2-years, with our staff of only 29 that From the Director.........................1
supports almost 2,000 instructors, 121,000 cadets, at about 900 high From the Deputy Director............5
schools all across the US and overseas. What has been accomplished
is truly remarkable. However, we know there is still more for us to do. Instructor Management Corner...6
I want you to be aware of all the initiatives that are underway so you Operations Update ......................6
are fully informed on our progress…for you. Thank you for what you
do for our program, your schools, and communities! You are doing an Curriculum Update.......................8
incredible job and it’s important that you know that your dedication and
News & Noteworthy......................9
work will make life-long positive impacts! I hope each of you have a
great summer.
Unit News....................................18
In This Issue...
Respectfully,
Col Woods
Cadet Success Profiles..............29
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
From the Director...
HQ AFJROTC - TWO YEAR PROGRESS REPORT
FY
Problem (THEN)
FY
Corrective Action (NOW)
HQ requested pre-sequestration levels of funding
in POM18 to highest leadership levels
Huge negative impacts of sequestration fully
felt by units and HQ
14
Mandatory max 10 month instructor contracts
implemented
16
HQ requested approval on initiative to return to
greater than 10-month instructor contracts!
12
JICC canceled/Unit Evals (EU) canceled/ $0 to
units
14/15
Largest Jr Instructor Certification Courses ever-600+ instructors trained!
13
$0 in O & M funds to units for use
16
HQ fought for/received $26 per cadet (O & M) to
units!
15
HQ fought for /received $7 per cadet in O & M
to units
16
$100 per cadet to units in EMALL, $20 per cadet
in MILPER!
Summer CLC funding stripped from program
15
Some CLC funding restored...FY16--More CLC
funding restored!
13/14
13
Curriculum cuts (lost DVDs, videos, Honor
Guard School (HGS))
15/16
HQ fought for “unfunded” priorities! Curriculum
current and resupplied HGS!
14
JR below OSD mandated 870 unit floor--yearly
report required
15/16
HQ meets and exceeds OSD 870 unit requirement
for 1st time in years....878 units/14 NDCCs!
13
Many Unit Evals (UEs) Canceled due to $0 travel
budget
14/16
HQ does 330 UEs per year - 990+ UEs completed-critical UE program back on track!
14
Units had very little say in how funds are
executed
16
Instructors/units given broad flexibility in how
they utilize their funding!
14
No ABUs in AFJROTC decreed
16
Cadets allowed to wear ABU uniform utilizing
EMALL funds!
14
No Unit
Program
15
Cadet rec leads to “Silver Star Comm Serv with
Excellence Award” (top 5% units)
14
GPC process broken (2+ month backlog) with 1
GPC tech
16
GPC process fixed (2 week average backlog) with
4 trained GPC techs!
14
GPC process is a paper process - labor intensive,
inefficient
15
New
electronic
GPC
records
processes
implemented--1920 annual man hours saved!
14
HQ Finance Guide out of date
15
HQ Finance Guide for Instructors fully revised and
online accessible!
14
All JR contracts
sequestration)
15
All contracts 100% re-accomplished! (Replica
Rifles, CPS, Academy Bowl, etc.)
13
No Civil Air Patrol (CAP) incentive flights due to
budget
15
HQ executed $37K in incentive CAP flights, FY16
allocated $50K!
13
No academic Bowls due to budget
15
New 3 year contract implemented offering
Academic Bowl participation to all units!
14
HQ UE Letter Process broken, 1-2 months to get
HQ letter
15
UE Letter Process fixed - (2.5 week average
turnaround)... FY16 - down to 1 week average!
14
New Unit opening process and guidance
outdated / inaccurate
15
New Unit Guide and process revamped and
overhauled--clear guidance and recs given!
14
HQ web pages and information out of date
15
HQ updated all web page info to fully advertise our
great program successes!
14
AFJROTC only on “.mil” web site with limited
use
15/16
AFJROTC.COM web page active and current open to ALL!
14
Program message unclear and “hidden”
15/16
The new “AFJROTC Message” and positive
impacts are clear and out!
14
No AFJROTC mission or information briefing
available
15
AFJROTC “Intro and Info” brief published (and
updated regularly) online!
afjrotc.com
Community
Service
expired
Recognition
(partly
due
to
2
From the Director...
HQ AFJROTC - TWO YEAR PROGRESS REPORT
FY
Problem (THEN)
FY
Corrective Action (NOW)
14
Lack of High Level Advocacy for AFJROTC
program
15/16
High level engagement continues to promote our
great program benefit/impact!
14
No direct outreach attempts toward parents
16
Parental Outreach letters (in English and Spanish)
online at AFJROTC.com!
14
No HQ master battle rhythm in use or available
15
HQ developed and implemented new “HQ Master
Battle Rhythm”--ops synced!
14
Program accreditation 4 years old
16
AFJROTC program and all curriculum fully
accredited by AdvancED through 2021!
14
HQ newsletters had disappeared - very low HQ
info flow
15
HQ newsletter revived and now being used to
pass critical info to 900 units!
15
Need for dedicated WINGS programmers IDd
16
HQ contracted to get 2 full time JR dedicated
contractors for “Cadet Access”!
14
WINGS “Cadet Access” logistics promised for
5 years
16
WINGS “Cadet Access” Logistics Module for
units/cadets delivered very soon!
14
WINGS info and guidance hard to find in WINGS
15
WINGS info and guidance for instructors/units
reorganized and centralized!
14
JR AFIs need clarification and full re-write
15/16
All JR AFIs overhauled and updated with most
current guidance!
14
HQ customer service ratings were at all time low
16
HQ JR customer service “new customer focus
and dramatic improvements” recognized!
14
Lack of “Director” continuity! Position is a
revolving door
16
Director in place for 2 years and anticipating a full
3 years for next Director also!
14
No new modern STEM extra-curricular activities
for years
15
Exciting new “Multicopter” STEM co-curricular
activity option given to units!
14
HQ manning and HQ org issues preventing
proper customer service
16
HQ manning initiatives working (plan for 10
Regional Directors) and restructure!
14
No new cadet ribbons for years -- stagnant
recognition program
16
4 new cadet ribbons/medals added--Cadet
Recognition Program strengthened!
13
AFJROTC and NDCC policies “different” and
not standardized
15
NDCC policy and requirements standardized with
all other AFJROTC units!
14
Cadet Waiver Process slow, unpredictable, not
standardized
15
Monthly waiver boards with CR, RDs, Deputy, JRI,
and Director instituted--standardized!
Things HQ will continue to diligently work: championing the “positive message” of life changing and life saving impacts of
AFJROTC! The reimbursement process, 12-month instructor contracts, high level program advocacy & support, programmatic
funding, WINGS initiatives that help units and cadets, providing quality HQ support and friendly customer service, optimize HQ
manning and org structure, recruit / train / retain quality instructors, and maintain a world class accredited curriculum!
AFJROTC STRATEGIC PLAN AND VISION TO REALITY
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop citizens of character - accomplish our mission!
Seek to restore stable, required, and fundamental programmatic funding
Optimize HQ manning and organizational structure
Recruit, train, and retain a quality instructor corps
Develop a full spectrum instructor recruiting plan
Maintain a quality, current, focused curriculum, and Program Accreditation
Provide quality, timely, and customer focused HQ support and guidance
Develop a program marketing, communications, and outreach plan
Leverage technology solutions (WINGS)
Strengthen program in constrained resource environment
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https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
From the Director...
HQ JROTC REORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL CHANGES...
As most of you are aware, we have been working hard to improve the overall efficiency and customer
service focus of our headquarters. In the past several months we have made great strides towards realizing
an organization capable of supporting 890+ units and 1,950+ instructors in a high quality, efficient manner.
HQ AFJROTC will be broken out into three Divisions: Operations, Instructor Management, and Support. At
some point in the near future we will send out an updated organization chart accompanied by a detailed
explanation of the responsibilities of each Division.
Several individuals will be moving into new leadership positions within the headquarters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Scotty Lewis (Acting Deputy Director/Acting Chief Operations Division, scott.lewis.16@us.af.mil )
Dave Richerson (Acting Chief Instructor Management Division, david.richerson.1@us.af.mil )
Paul Keeping (Acting Deputy Chief Support Division, paul.keeping@us.af.mil )
Doug Williams (Acting Deputy Chief Operations Division, clifford.williams.6@us.af.mil )
Pete Gray (Acting RD-4, peter.gray.1@us.af.mil)
These moves are effective as of today so please address all further associated correspondence, etc. to the
appropriate individuals identified above which the vast majority of the time should be your Regional Director.
In addition, this is the new lineup of Region Directors:
Region 1 - Doug Williams
Region 2 - Ben Young
Region 3 - Don Bailey
Region 4 - Pete Gray
Region 5 - Betty Maldonado
Region 6 - Wayne Barron
The RD moves are effective 15 May 2016. I would ask in advance for patience on your part as we undergo
this reorganization.
We will also be saying “Farewell and Thank you” to Col (Ret) Wolf Gesch for all his years of service to
AFJROTC! Col Gesch was first the Commander of AFROTC, then a SASI, followed by an Area Administrator,
and finally a Region Director for Region 3. He will certainly be missed as he and his family move on to
the next chapter of their life! His positive impact and dedication to the instructors, cadets, and mission of
AFJROTC have truly been incredible. Thank you, Sir!
Respectfully,
Col Woods
JROTC Leadership and
Academic Bowl Championship
7,671 AFJROTC cadets participated
in Level I. We went from 208 teams
in 2014 to 255 teams in 2015!
Good trend! Registration closed 15
November.
http://www.cofcontests.com
JICC In Residence
Training
JICC 16 is scheduled for
11-23 July 16.
Upcoming Competition Dates
June 24 - 28, 2016 Level III JROTC Leadership & Academic
Championship
afjrotc.com
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From the Deputy Director...
Instructors,
With the school year rapidly coming to a close, I just wanted to thank all of our
instructors and cadets for their dedication and hard work in helping ensure another
successful year for AFJROTC! We conducted a May Headquarter’s hot wash to
look at lessons learned from this year that can be used to improve our support to
the field for next year and recommend the units do the same in trying to improve
their units. The most important item in helping ensure a successful Unit Evaluation
this year has been a thorough self-inspection since that is the same checklist used
by headquarter’s evaluators!
I also wanted to send out another reminder of the new closeout procedures:
Mr. Pete Gray
AFJROTC Deputy
1) There is NO YESP (Year End Spend Plan) required this year.
2) All financial requests (credit card or reimbursement) for unit funds that you
have now (O&M, MILPER) must be in submitted status with invoices/paid receipts
attached (not just “proposed”) NLT 1 June.
3) Any EMALL must also be spent NLT 1 June.
4) Any funds (EMALL, O&M, MILPER) not accounted for within a properly submitted financial request or
EMALL order by 1 June will be pulled back to HQ.
5) Funds allocated specifically for CLCs are handled differently and are not part of the 1 June deadline.
Each unit with CLC funds has specific CLC lines of accounting, which they can see on their budget screen.
6) As always, double check your work in WINGS—confirm the reimbursement request is saved properly in
WINGS.
Important dates, please plan accordingly if instructors are on 10 months contracts:
1 June 16 - units need to have SUBMITTED requests (with paid receipts) for their initial distribution of O&M,
EMALL, and MILPER funds since the funds will be pulled at this time.
1 July 16 - final distribution of EMALL and MILPER funds will be loaded (the remaining 15%). No O&M
funds will be available as the funds were lost due to other HHQ priorities.
15 Aug 16 - unit’s credit card cutoff date, all reimbursement requests from 1 Jun - 15 Aug need to be
SUBMITTED for payment, and all planned expenditures from 15 Aug-30 Sep need to be in “proposed”
status in WINGS
16 Sep 16 - EMALL cutoff date
31 Oct 16 - all FY16 reimbursement requests SUBMITTED for payment
Please post these dates on your walls/desks since we lose control of the money at the cutoff dates as the
Holm Center, Air University, and AETC work their end of year closeout and we can’t get the money back.
Thanks again for all your hard work in making this program a success. I have enjoyed my time as the
AFJROTC Deputy and I ask that you welcome Col (Ret) Scotty Lewis as the new Deputy.
Pete
Pete Gray
AFJROTC Deputy
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https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
Instructor Management
Corner
Written by Mr. David Richerson, Chief, Instructor Management
Greetings everyone! I am your new Chief of Instructor Management.
Every day, our Instructor
Management team exerts an
incredible amount of effort
to screen new candidates,
facilitate transfers, and keep
up with all sorts of information
and changes. As you can
imagine,
handling
nearly
2,000 instructor authorizations
is no easy task. As I move
from the Director of Region 2,
I look forward to leading our
great Instructor Management
team and will do my best to
ensure top-notch service to
our customers continues.
Operations
Update..
Written by Capt Miguel Gaytan, JRO
Instructors,
We are working hard to improve
our reimbursements but we need
your help to ensure that the
packages being submitted are
correct the first time. As of Oct
2015 the return rate was 50%,
meaning that half of all packages
being submitted were returned
due to errors. That percentage is
down to 30% as of Jan 2016 but
we need you all to get that number
down.
I am both humbled and
excited about the opportunity
Mr. David Richerson
Col Woods has entrusted to
Chief, Instructor Management
me. My sole objective is to
ensure that our cadets have
instructors who possess the utmost professionalism in all regards,
have unquestionable personal integrity, and demonstrate a clear
desire to make their cadets better citizens. Our cadets deserve
nothing less.
Coming up fast is the JROTC Instructor Certification Course
(JICC). We look forward to meeting all of you! This year, will host
roughly 200 student instructors and another 40 instructors serving
as Seminar Leaders. Without the expert help of the Seminar
Leaders, the JICC would simply not be possible. For those of you
attending, please watch your AFJROTC.com email for any updates
that may require action on your part. As a reminder, the dates of
JICC are as follows: Seminar Leaders travel to Maxwell on 10
July. Student Instructors travel to Maxwell on 11 July. Seminar
Leader training is 11 July and the first day of JICC proper is 12
July. Lastly, please remember that all return travel is Saturday,
23 July.
Our New AFJROTCI 36-2001 will be published soon. This new
version incorporates the current AFJROTCI 36-2002, Instructor
Management. I ask that all instructors review this document in its
entirety.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
My email is: david.richerson.1@us.af.mil
My telephone is 334-953-7742.
afjrotc.com
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WINGS USER GUIDE
INFORMATION
Please utilize the WINGS USER
GUIDE it has step by step
instructions with screen shots
on not only how to submit a
reimbursement but also how to
do every other WINGS related
action that you need to know as
an instructor. The Wings users
guide can be found on WINGS
under published files then under
the folder called “Wings User
Guides & Videos”. The guide is
called “JROTC Guide with TOC”.
Operations Update...
FINANCE GUIDE INFORMATION
Aside from the WINGS USER GUIDE, we also have the Finance Guide which is Chapter 8 of the operational
supplement which also has both rules and examples of both reimbursements and HQ credit card purchases.
“REIMBURSEMENTS” & “HQ CREDIT CARD PURCHASES”
There are two options for you all to get paid for goods and services by us. If you purchase (meaning you
paid them) the goods/services from the vendor directly then you must file a reimbursement by selecting
the payment option as “check/eft”. If you want us to purchase the goods/services from the vendor directly
you need to file a “HQ Credit Card” request and all we need for that is the invoice which is just an itemize
estimate of the charges. We use the invoice to ensure that what you are buying is allowed.
We have seen a lot of “reimbursements” being created with “invoices”. Invoices are not paid in full receipts,
they are estimates which means that you have not paid the vendor and therefore you should be filing a
credit card request instead. The Reimbursement is only used when you have already paid the vendor and
have a paid in full receipt from the vendor.
If possible, I recommend that you all use the HQ credit card option because we are much faster at processing
them (we average 2 weeks to pay the vendor).
CIVIL AIR PATROL PROGRAM
Allocations have been given for this program. If you have got an allocation please use the money now
because on 15 June all unused funds will be pulled.
INFO ON NEWSLETTER & CADET PICTURES
Please remember to get parent permission for all cadet pictures. We can’t use a picture if you don’t provide
me with the parent picture release. The parent picture releases are found in Published files, under the
AFJROTC policy letters folder. 2.9.2.1.
V/R,
Capt Gaytan
Calling all advocates....
In the September 2015 newsletter, an article titled “AFJROTC Operations Corner: The Power
of Grass Roots”, invited participation from you regarding messages you have given to school
newsletters, local papers, anyone who notices your efforts ... or even to someone who simply
wants to know more about AFJROTC. Please continue sending your “bumper sticker”
advocacy that you have used to show the program off in your communities! What can we
use to advocate AFJROTC to the world? Please send your best bumper sticker slogans to
HQ-DirOps@AFJROTC.COM
7
Curriculum Update...
Written by Mr. Mike Wetzel, Academic Credit Liasion
In an effort to reduce the confusion of how to use LE 500: Drill and Ceremonies and Drill Curriculum
(Cumulative). We are going to remove LE 500 from the list of course offerings for WINGS / Unit Management
/ Unit Defined Courses. As we review defined courses we continue to find that many instructors are not
sure how to enter “LE-500: Drill and Ceremonies or Drill Curriculum (Cumulative)”. As you may know Drill
and Ceremonies is offered as LE content, but is not to exceed 50% of the total Leadership Education
component. Drill and Ceremonies is required for all year groups of your cadet corps, to properly cover all
aspects of drill instructors continuously rely on the Drill and Ceremonies Manual. So, in an effort to reduce
confusion and restrictions on when to use the manual, beginning the upcoming school year you will only
need to click on Drill Curriculum (Cumulative) when creating your Unit Defined Courses.
EXAMPLE:
Important Things to Remember: Drill
• When creating a curriculum plan, you are required to maintain a 40 AS / 40 LE / 20 Wellness
curriculum model unless a waiver has been approved by HQ – Curriculum.
• Curriculum model percentages do not have to be exact; you are allowed +/- 4% high or low.
• Drill Curriculum: Contact time counts as 50% of the leadership education component.
• Drill Curriculum must not exceed more than 50% of the LE component. (Unless a waiver has
been approved)
If you have further questions concerning creating curriculum plans or any other curriculum issues please feel free to contact me at: michael.wetzel.5@us.af.mil or call me at: 334-953-7236.
.
afjrotc.com
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News & Noteworthy...
2016 OUTSTANDING
INSTRUCTORS OF THE YEAR
I am very pleased to announce the selection of the 2016 AFJROTC Outstanding Instructors of the
Year. They are Lt Col Brian Buck (LA-061) and MSgt James Greene (GA-20051). Their selection is a
culmination of a board review of the Regional Outstanding Instructors and reflects recognition of their
exemplary contributions and impact on their cadets, school, and community.
In addition, I am pleased to also announce the Regional Outstanding Instructors selected from award
nominees from across the six regions and representing the top instructors in their respective regions.
The Regional Outstanding Instructors are:
Region 1: Lt Col Robert Marasco (FL-20083) and MSgt Russell Garthwaite (FL-042)
Region 2: Lt Col Robin Sites (NC-20064) and CMSgt Bryan Hilley (NJ-20131)
Region 3: Col Michael Dillard (KS-061) and SMSgt Jeffrey Willie (TX-031)
Region 4: Maj Jeffrey Baumgart (NV-941) and CMSgt Dennis Nodine (CA-20131)
Region 5: Lt Col James Wilson (GA-20021) and MSgt James Greene (GA 20051)
Region 6: Lt Col Brian Buck (LA-061) and MSgt Paul Brown (SC-20082)
The Outstanding Instructor Award winners were selected from all of the received nominations and
nominations made by the Regional Directors. These winners represent the very best of our AFJROTC
instructors! The complete list of Outstanding Instructor Award winners follows on the next page.
Please accept my sincere appreciation to all of you for the dedication, hard work, and investment
you have put into the AFJROTC program and into our cadets. You have my deepest appreciation for
setting the highest example of Air Force Core Values which are crucial to the success of the AFJROTC
mission. Please join me in congratulating all of the 2016 AFJROTC Outstanding Instructors of the Year!
Well done!
Sincerely,
Col Woods
ALL STARS!
9
2016 AFJROTC OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR AWARDS
Alfaro, Jose CMSgt GA-20021
Collins Marian Maj CA-20011
Gracia Ralph Lt Col NY-961
Ament, Steven Lt Col IA-951
Cotto Kathy MSgt MN-891
Graham Eric Maj NC-045
Anglim, Douglas MSgt TX-20022
Coulter Keith MSgt AK-20041
Greene James MSgt GA-20051
Anible, Floyd Lt Col OH-021
Cox Craig CMSgt OH-20052
Greenwell Cindy MSgt IN-20051
Antolini, Susan MSgt MA-771
Creamer William Lt Col SC-942
Hadden David Lt Col LA-071
Ardo, Gary Lt Col JA-20101
Curl Colleen CMSgt TX-781
Hager Morgan SMSgt UT-20061
Armstrong, George Col CA-20068
D’Amico Peter Lt Col MA-771
Hardy William SMSgt TX-953
Arrington, William Lt Col CO-20101
Dansizen Richard MSgt IL-981
Hedger David Lt Col VA-20021
Ashcraft David MSgt TX-962
Del Rio Jesus MSgt TX-9410
Hernandez Milburgo MSgt TX-949
Atkins Robert Maj GA-945
Deos Ronald MSgt TX-794
Hill Paul Capt TX-20063
Atkinson Michael CMSgt JA-931
Dierlam Mark Col VA-821
Hillary Johnny MSgt CA-092
Avery David Lt Col CA-032
Dillard Michael Col KS-061
Hilley Bryan CMSgt NJ-20131
Barber Terry SMSgt CA-954
Dominguez Robert Col CA-863
Hingle Anthony Lt Col FL-956
Barrett Thomas Lt Col SC-061
Doughty Gordon Capt NV-20011
Hoggs Sean Maj NJ-20101
Batson Brian Maj SC-951
Draper Douglas MSgt NC-20065
Hollis Johnny CMSgt MD-901
Baumgart Jeffrey Maj NV-941
Dufrain Ryan MSgt FL-954
Holwick Herbert Maj GA-20053
Beck John Maj LA-951
Durnford John Lt Col CO-062
Hood Michael MSgt OH-022
Bedner David MSgt CT-941
Easley Jerry SMSgt CO-20021
Huber Robert Col CO-20021
Bell Thomas Col NC-805
Edgar Paul Col KY-071
Huvar Hollis MSgt CA-20011
Bender Vivian SMSgt NJ-781
Ennis David Lt Col AK-20061
Jackson Judy Lt Col GA-932
Benning Robert Col IN-061
Fedor Edward Lt Col CA-841
Johnson Andrew CMSgt FL-956
Bianchi Paul Lt Col OK-921
Fernandez Michael Col CA-954
Johnson Joseph CMSgt TX-20064
Bishop Nicole MSgt SC-872
Fish Richard Lt Col FL-035
Johnson Mark SMSgt NC-031
Blitz Timothy Lt Col TX-20015
Fitzgerald John CMSgt FL-031
Jordan Timothy CMSgt NV-941
Brooks John MSgt NJ-20101
Fleek George Lt Col NV-20012
Keaney Kevin Capt TX-20022
Brown Leroy CMSgt LA-801
Fleming Anthony SMSgt MS-932
Kellogg Bobby Maj LA-943
Brown Paul MSgt SC-20082
Ford Lonnie Lt Col SC-031
King Robert MSgt FL-953
Brunz Fred CMSgt TX-20063
Fowler David MSgt NC-20064
Kitt Antonio CMSgt KS-061
Buck Brian Lt Col LA-061
Fraizer Edward MSgt CA-032
Kline Gregg Col FL-955
Bustle Edward Maj TX-949
Fraizer George Col FL-935
Kniseley Richard Col FL-20082
Byars Randall CMSgt SC-041
Fuller Fred MSgt SC-20023
Kocke Erick MSgt TN-20024
Cardin-Hoffdahl Susan Col CA-20052
Futral John MSgt GA-952
Kramm Anna Maj TX-781
Carey Diana MSgt MS-952
Gaffney Jimmy MSgt SC-935
Lacuesta-Siroin Maria CMSgt CA-863
Carney Christopher Maj TX-936
Gaither Henry Col NC-961
Carney Jeremy SMSgt CA-946
Galifaro Michael CMSgt TX-20016
Lamarr-Atmaram Dorothy MSgt MS081
Carpenter Kevin MSgt NV-941
Galvez Anthony SMSgt NV-20011
Carr Eddie MSgt NY-961
Garcia Edward MSgt TX-20015
Carter Anthony MSgt NC-961
Garcia Rudolph MSgt CA-20017
Casilli Kevin MSgt MA-771
Garthwaite Russell MSgt FL-042
Chin Arthur Col NV-20121
Gonzales Kathleen SMSgt UK-20021
Claiborn Michael SMSgt TX-20057
Goodlin Douglas Lt Col FL-935
Clark Willis Maj SC-20081
Goolsby Michael Lt Col TN-20024
afjrotc.com
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Landfair David Lt Col FL-932
Lane Jeffrey MSgt IA-951
Lane Mary MSgt TX-931
Lanning Randall Col IL-20083
Latimer Charles SMSgt
Laverdure Edward Lt Col OK-941
Lee David Col TX-093
2016 AFJROTC OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR AWARDS (CONT)
Lewis Jeffrey SMSgt FL-802
Pinkard Keith CMSgt TX-957
Sparkman Glenn SMSgt SC-932
Lightfoot Craig Col GA-066
Powell Angela MSgt SC-20081
Spiezio Edward CMSgt FL-955
Linster Thomas Col CA-20017
Pryor Charles Lt Col TX-20016
Spilinek Bradley CMSgt AK-941
Littrell Wallace CMSgt TN-20051
Quesenberry David CMSgt NV-20012
St. Jean Paul SMSgt SC-952
Livingston David MSgt SC-942
Ramirez Joseph MSgt NJ-20003
Stadler James CMSgt TX-20064
Lorenz James MSgt NV-20012
Rauenhorst Michael Col AK-941
Steele George Lt Col NE-021
Love Leslie SMSgt GA-052
Rawlins Terry MSgt SC-934
Steen Dale MSgt IL-20081
Lucchese Donna Col KY-20003
Reed Mark MSgt NJ-20003
Stewart Wayne SMSgt NV-20011
Ludwig Stephen CMSgt FL-035
Rice Harvey Maj MS-932
Sullivan Doris CMSgt PA-20062
Macagnone Michael Maj NJ-782
Ricker Douglas MSgt LA-071
Summerville Limmy SMSgt NC-045
Mangiafico James MSgt TX-20083
Rickert Gale SMSgt SC-031
Taylor Bernard Lt Col SC-952
Manley Douglas SMSgt OH-021
Robinson Kevin SMSgt UT-20061
Taylor Bruce CMSgt FL-20053
Marasco Robert Lt Col FL-20083
Robinson William MSgt FL-20083
Thiergart Michael MSgt OH-081
Marks Paul Lt Col TX-20061
Robles Nephtali MSgt NY-20151
Thomas Gerald SMSgt UT-20061
Martin Torrance SMSgt MS-081
Rock Charles Maj NJ-20003
Thomas Scott Capt TX-20057
Maxey Stacy Lt Col MS-952
Rogers David Maj NC-031
Thorp Robert Lt Col FL-031
McCoy Carl MSgt SC-031
Rogers David Lt Col SC-20023
Thrash Keith MSgt GA-957
McGuirk Charles Col FL-20053
Rose Douglas Lt Col NJ-20131
Tomme Richard MSgt TX-957
McNew William CMSgt AK-20061
Rozier Arthur Lt Col GA-956
Turner Philip MSgt GA-932
McPeters Kelly Lt Col CA-092
Rumph Mark Lt Col SC-953
Van Der Kaap Maxine MSgt NC-045
Mendoza David MSgt FL-935
Runchey Richard Lt Col OH-081
Verastiqui Robert SMSgt TX-781
Miglioranzi Michael Maj FL-042
Rush Anthony MSgt CO-20021
Vetter Carl MSgt NV-20121
Miller Gerald MSgt DE-20051
Salvucci Christopher Lt Col OH-20052
Walker Gregory Lt Col TX-957
Miller Morris MSgt FL-20053
Sanborn Phillip CMSgt CA-841
Walker Scott SMSgt AK-20121
Miller Morris Lt Col SC-041
Sanders Hope MSgt FL-20082
Warren Daniel SMSgt TX-093
Milner David MSgt LA-951
Schmidt Matthew MSgt PA-941
Washington Michael Lt Col GA-957
Mims Robert Col MS-081
Schuster Frederick Col JA-931
Watson Waitus MSgt TX-963
Minchew Kenny TSgt LA-943
Schwartz Allen Lt Col NJ-781
Wayne John Lt Col FL-9313
Montgomery Jon Maj KY-051
Schwichtenberg Rustan Lt Col OK-942
West Robert Col SC-935
Moriarity Clifford Lt Col TX-961
Shaffer Martha Lt Col TN-933
Whicker Glenn Col UT-20061
Morris Craig MSgt FL-041
Shinkle Steven Col TX-794
Whitlow Melvin Maj OH-022
Neal Johnny CMSgt SC-061
Siau Michelle CMSgt AZ-061
Whittle Ronald Lt Col GA-952
Nodine Dennis CMSgt CA-20131
Singleton Lewis CMSgt FL-9313
Williams David SMSgt GA-956
O’Brien Robert MSgt LA-071
Sinnaeve Timothy MSgt IL-091
Willie Jeffrey SMSgt TX-031
Orme Bevan Lt Col AK-20041
Sites Robin Lt Col NC-20064
Wilson James Lt Col GA-20021
Pailes William Col TX-959
Slaton Clay SMSgt GA-956
Wolbert Gary Lt Col PA-941
Parkhurst Charles Maj TN-20051
Smith Billie SMSgt CA-882
Woodham Clarence SMSgt SC-951
Parsont Todd Maj TX-9410
Smith David TSgt MA-771
Yeager Eric MSgt KS-961
Perry Gregory Maj SC-064
Smith Franklin CMSgt KY-071
Young Kevin MSgt VA-20021
Petzold Thomas Maj MN-891
Smith Nicholas MSgt GA-20021
Zucco Anthony Col LA-801
Pfost James SMSgt KY-20003
Smith Stewart SMSgt SC-953
11
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
News & Noteworthy...
2016 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DRILL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
MAY 1-2, 2016
http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc.htm
Congratulations to all the Air Force JROTC drill teams that participated in the 2016 National High School Drill
Team Championships, held in Daytona Beach, Florida from 29 April to 2 May 2016. Twenty-six AFJROTC
units from as far away as Alaska participated. All teams worked extremely hard and Brig General Paul
Guemmer, Commander, Holm Center was on hand to personally witness the difference drill and AFJROTC
is making in the lives of our cadets. Brig Gen Guemmer was very impressed with your hard work, dedication
and commitment to excellence.
AFJROTC units took home four of the six overall national championship trophies.
• John Jay High School, Silver Eagles - Overall Demilitarized National Champion
• Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor - Overall Unarmed National Champion
• John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs - Overall Armed Challenge level National Champion
• West Anchorage High School, Eagles, Open Class Color Guard National Champion
RESULTS - 2016 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DRILL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Armed Exhibition
1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs
CHALLENGE LEVEL - ARMED
Armed Overall Championship
1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs
CHALLENGE LEVEL - UNARMED
Armed Inspection
1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs
3rd Place - William J. Brennan High School, The Phoenix
Unarmed Inspection
3rd Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers
Unarmed Regulation
1st Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers
Armed Regulation
3rd Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs
Unarmed Commander Trophy
2nd Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers Cadet Thompson
Armed Color Guard
5th Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs
afjrotc.com
12
Unarmed Color Guard
5th Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers
MASTER LEVEL - UNARMED
Unarmed Overall Championship
1st Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
2nd Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
Open Color Guard
1st Place - West Anchorage High School, Eagles
2nd Place - North Side High School, Blue Thunder
3rd Place - Brandeis High School, Lady Aces
Unarmed Inspection
2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
3rd Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
MASTERS LEVEL - DEMILITARIZED
Unarmed Regulation
1st Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
3rd Place - East Paulding High School, White Falcons
Demilitarized Overall Championship
1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles
Demilitarized Inspection
1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles
5th Place - Brandeis High School, Nighthawks
Unarmed Commander Trophy
1st Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor, Cadet
Camacho
2nd Place - East Paulding High School, White Falcons,
Cadet Southall
3rd Place - - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces, Cadet
Seminario
Demilitarized Regulation
5th Place - Brandeis High School, Nighthawks
Demilitarized Commander Trophy
3rd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Centurion Guard,
Cadet Garcia
4th Place - Brandeis High School, Nighthawks, Cadet
Peralez
Unarmed Color Guard
1st Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
3rd Place - East Paulding High School, White Falcons
Demilitarized Color Guard
3rd Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles
4th Place - Brandeis High School, Nighthawks
Unarmed Exhibition - Squad
3rd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
4th Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
Demilitarized Exhibition - Squad
1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles
Unarmed Exhibition - Flight
2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor
4th Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces
5th Place - East Paulding High School, Blackhawks
Demilitarized Exhibition - Platoon
3rd Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles
5th Place - East Paulding High School, Blackhawks
13
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
News & Noteworthy...
AFJROTC MARKSMANSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS
HQ AFJROTC congratulates all of our cadet and units who participate
in Marksmanship competitions through the year. Marksmanship is a
very popular AFJROTC Co-curricular activity that teaches valuable life
lessons like Discipline, Practice, Team-work, and Focus! The level of
competition is incredible and we are very proud of the units and individual
cadets who placed in the 2016 Air Force JROTC Service Championship
and who competed at the 2016 National JROTC Championships.
Results for the 2016 AFJROTC Service Championship (Sporter):
1
VA-20011, Franklin County High School
2
MS-081, South Panola High School
3
NM-20081, Volcano Vista High School
4
FL-20083, Walter L. Sickles High School
Results for the 2016 AFJROTC Service Championship (Precision):
1
GA-956, Monroe Area High School
2
NM-20081, Volcano Vista High School
3
WA-952, Battle Ground High School
4
VA-20011, Franklin County High School
2016
National
JROTC
Championships (Sporter), the #1
AFJROTC Team:
VA-20011, Franklin County
High School, in 17th place
out of 27 teams
2016
National
JROTC
Championships (Precision), the
#1 AFJROTC Team:
GA-956, Monroe Area High
School, in 7th place out of 17
teams
The complete Results Bulletin
can be accessed at the
following web link:
http://thecmp.org/wp-content/
uploads/16JROTCBULLETIN_
Final_w.pdf
Well done cadets! Keep up the great work.
You have made us very proud!
afjrotc.com
14
AFJROTC “SILVER
STAR” COMMUNITY
SERVICE WITH
EXCELLENCE AWARD
UNITS FOR,
AY 2015/2016
AK-941
MS-20005
AL-936
NC-032
AR-20011
NJ-20004
AZ-20064
NM-051
BE-931
NM-20011
CA-20068
NY-093
CA-841
NY-961
CA-891
OH-20061
CA-933
OR-931
CA-936
PA-20062
CA-942
PA-20141
FL-032
SC-041
FL-951
SC-071
FL-955
SC-942
FL-20082
SD-061
GA-052
TX-782
GR-821
TX-793
IL-20051
TX-936
IL-20071
TX-952
KS-20061
TX-956
LA-063
TX-962
MA-841
TX-20017
MN-941
TX-948
MO-20021
UK-20021
MS-932
WA-20051
News & Noteworthy...
JROTC 100TH ANNIVERSARY 5K FUN RUN - HUGE SUCCESS!
On 23 Apr 2016, the JROTC 100th Anniversary 5K
Fun Run was held! The JROTC 100th Anniversary
Fun Run was a world-wide event commemorating
the 100th anniversary of JROTC. There were 931
host locations from around the world that started
their Fun Run simultaneously at 11:00am EST.
Over 40,000 registered participants came out to
celebrate. Participants were able to watch the
official start at Ft. Myer, VA through Live-stream via
YouTube. They were also able to connect through
social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
using #JROTCis100 and #ROTCis100. There was
some very positive media coverage on this world
wide event with pictures/videos, and social media
as well promoted the incredible JROTC
program!
Through social media and local media
coverage, JROTC reached over 8.3 million
people telling the story of 100 years of
Citizenship, Leadership and Community
Service.
Although the Guinness World Record was
not broken, here were a few very impressive
facts that were achieved:
• The Army 10 Miler, the militarys largest run, draws 27,000 Runners - this run crushed that!
• It started simultaneously in 48 States, 931 Run Sites, 9 Countries/Territories, 155 colleges, 6
military bases...no one has EVER done that.
• Again, with local media, TV, Print and Social Media...JROTC notified over 8.3 million people
that we are 100 years old and founded in Citizenship, Leadership and Service!
Well done to all the AFJROTC units and cadets who participated! Also a special “thank you” to College
Options Foundation for planning and executing a great event!!
15
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
News & Noteworthy...
AFROTC DETACHMENT 847 CHARGES THROUGH THE STORM
Written by Lt Col Partin, Commander, AFROTC Det 847
Angelo State University
Early morning sprinkles, followed by late morning
showers soon turned into a thunderstorm with
horizontal rain. The unpredictable April weather in
West Texas did not stop the cadets of Detachment
847 from putting on their largest drill meet competition,
ever! More than 600 Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (JROTC) cadets from 17 high schools across
the great state of Texas made their annual pilgrimage
to Angelo State University (ASU). They arrived by
charter bus, SUV, minivan, and of course by truck for
the opportunity to display their precision marching,
impeccable sabre and rifle skills, and warrior strength
just for the chance to take home bragging rights from
one of the nine specialized drill categories. Following
in the steps of their predecessors, Detachment
847 cadets teamed up with Headquarters JROTC,
ASU, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and
50 of the sharpest Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and
Marines from Goodfellow Air Force Base to provide
an unforgettable drill meet competition. When the
JROTC cadets were not flaunting their choreographed
creativity and synchronized movements in front of
the seasoned military volunteer judges, they were
exploring the tidy and relaxed ASU campus that
lives down the road from the historic Fort Concho
landmark. Throughout the day, high school cadets
chatted with professors and listened to military
technical instructors at the academic fair. They even
had the rare opportunity to a hangout with members
of the premier Air Force Band of the West as they
rocked out under the quad pavilion. Rain did cancel
some events, but that did not stop team San Angelo
or JROTC cadets from smiling.
GO RAMS!
GO RAMS!
The members of Detachment 847 recently received
recognition as the best medium sized detachment in
the country when they received the “Right of Line”
award last fall. “Working together to make the best
better” is the Detachment motto this year. The cadets
and their cadre learned that coordinating an event
this size requires flexibility to overcome unpredictable
changes and challenges head-on. They look forward
to making next year’s drill meet competition another
success. Lastly, congratulations to Cooper High
School from Abilene, Texas, for winning first place
overall in the drill meet-they earned it!
afjrotc.com
GO RAMS!
16
News & Noteworthy...
CADET BROWN HONORED FOR SAVING LIVES
Posted on May 9, 2016 by altustimes
By Mary O. Esparza - mesparza@civitasmedia.com
Saving a life is the most honorable act one
human being can do for another.
On June 8, 2015, Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corps Cadet Captain Dayna K.
Brown, while working as a lifeguard at the
Altus Air Force Base pool, noticed two young
swimmers in the deep end of the pool in panic
and distress.
From left are Air Force Col. Todd Hohn, 97th Air Mobility Wing
commander; JROTC Cadet Dayna K. Brown and Altus High School
JROTC instructor retired Air Force Lt. Col. Edward W. Laverdue.
The two boys were attempting to stay above
water, but in their panic state were pulling
on one another, causing them to sink to the
bottom. Brown immediately dove into the
pool and swam to the bottom, separated the
two boys and returned to the surface deck.
She then applied her lifeguard saving training
skills and post-accident training, saving the
lives of the two young men.
Brown was awarded the Air Force JROTC
Silver Medal of Valor at a special recognition ceremony at the AAFB movie theatre Wednesday.
”We are proud of Cadet Brown and her lifesaving actions,” said Colonel Todd Hahn,
97th Air Mobility Wing commander. “Because
of her, two young boys are still alive. Her
bravery and selflessness exemplify the core
values ingrained in both JROTC cadets and
active duty airmen alike.”
Altus Mayor Jack Smiley also proclaimed
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 as Dayna K.
Brown Day.
Smiley congratulated Brown for her heroic
actions that saved two lives and for the
way in which she has distinguished herself
as an example for her peers, the military
community and the private sector.
Brown is a student at Altus High School in
the Junior ROTC program supervised by
instructor retired Air Force Lt. Col. Edward
W. Laverdure.
City of Altus council member Dwayne Martin presented the
official City of Altus “Dayna K. Brown Day” proclamation to
Brown on Wednesday at a special recognition ceremony.
17
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
UNIT EVALUATION “EXCEEDS STANDARDS”
AL-791 Foley High School
AL-931 Baldwin County High School
AR-20012 Beebe High School
CA-20131 Clovis East High School
CO-062 Westminster High School
CO-20021 Air Academy High School
CO-20101 Academy at Skyview Campus
CT-941 Naugatuck High School
FL-031 Eau Gallie High School
FL-035 Satellite High School
FL-042 Mainland High School
FL-082 Citrus High School
FL-20023 Dunnellon High School
FL-20053 Celebration High School
FL-20083 Walter L Sickles Senior High School
FL-802 West Orange High School
FL-821 Buchholz High School
FL-872 Seminole High School
FL-9313 Bloomingdale High School
FL-935 Sebring High School
FL-942 Atlantic High School
FL-955 West Nassau High School
FL-956 Durant Senior High School
GA-20021 Marietta High School
GA-20051 East Paulding High School
GA-20131 Collins Hill High School
GA-932 Houston County High School
GA-945 Morgan County High School
GA-952 Sequoyah High School
GA-956 Monroe Area High School
HI-821 Kailua High School
HI-931 Aiea High School
HI-932 Kaiser High School
MD-20021 Chopticon High School
MN-871 Park High School
MN-891 Woodbury Senior High School
NC-20061 Currituck High School
afjrotc.com
NJ-20003 Williamstown High School
NJ-20101 Seneca High School
NJ-20131 Atlantic County Institute of Technology
NJ-781 Cherry Hill High School West
NJ-782 Jackson Memorial High School
OH-012 Rutherford B. Hayes High School
OH-081 Springboro High School
OH-20052 Knox County Career Center
OH-881 Tecumseh High School
OK-942 Booker T. Washington High School
OR-931 Henley High School
PA-022 North Allegheny Intermediate High School
PA-941 Marion Center High School
PA-942 Ligonier Valley Senior High
SC-031 R. B. Stall High School
SC-041 Gaffney High School
SC-20081 Ashley Ridge High School
SC-934 Beaufort High School
SC-951 Clover High School
SC-953 Chapman High School
TN-20024 Lexington High School
TN-20051 Liberty Technology Magnet High School
TX-031 J.C. Ferguson Education Center
TX-20009 Medina Valley High School
TX-20016 Cypress Springs High School
TX-20051 John Paul Stevens High School
TX-20057 Cy-Fair High School
TX-20061 Langham Creek High School
TX-781 Oliver Wendell Holmes High School
TX-882 William Howard Taft High School
TX-931 Alice High School
TX-957 Cedar Hill High School
UT-20061 Dixie High School
VA-20021 Nansemond River High School
WA-083 Washington High School
WA-931 Clover Park High School
18
Unit News...AL-935
DAPHNE HIGH SCHOOL’S ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT & BANQUET
Written by Douglas Goodlin, Lt Col, USAF, Retired
SASI, Daphne High School, Unit AL-935
On 26 April 2016, AL-935 (Daphne High School) in Daphne, Alabama, held their Annual Awards Night &
Banquet. The Director of AFJROTC, Col Bobby C. Woods, Jr., joined the cadets, parents, and staff on
this important night of recognition and spoke candidly to the cadets on Leadership and the importance of
Character and Integrity as a leader. He said that “...being a leader is not about you, it is about your team and
those who you are working to develop, teach, train, mentor, & guide and the mission all of you are working
to achieve!” Not only were many of the cadets recognized for their achievements from a large number of
community support organizations, they also held their cadet change of command ceremony. It was an
incredible evening of fun, recognition, and great food that was prepared by the Daphne High Culinary Arts
department. Well done AL-935! Keep up the great work!
Photo (L to R): Cadet Sean Kearney (Senior), Cadet Isaiah Farnell (Junior), Col Woods, Cadet Samantha Klipsch
(Sophomore), Cadet Lauren Nebe (Freshman)
19
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
Unit News... AL-936
CADET MASON RECEIVED PILOT’S WINGS FROM AFJROTC DIRECTOR
Written by John A. Brown, Major, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC, Bessemer City High School, Unit AL-936
Colonel Bobby C. Woods, Jr., Director of Air Force
JROTC from Maxwell AFB Headquarters, pinned
solo flying wings on Cadet Major Shamya Mason of
Wilcox Central High School. Cadet Mason’s family
was in attendance for the moving and historically
significant ceremony held in the Wilcox Central High
School Gymnasium on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
Colonel Woods was joined in the ceremony by
guests Lt Colonel (Ret) John Hicks, President of the
Black Pilots of America (BPA), who drove to Camden
through bad weather from Tuskegee, Alabama; and
pilots who flew in from New Orleans, Louisiana,
Lt Colonel (Ret) Floyd Miles, current National
Communications Chair/Newsletter Editor of BPA, Mr.
Cedric Grimes - current President of the New Orleans
Golden Eagles – the Louisiana Chapter of the BPA,
and Mr. James Perry - New Orleans Golden Eagles
Newsletter Editor. They all braved the elements of
storm and wind to personally witness, congratulate,
and celebrate the accomplishments of Cadet Mason
along with Superintendent Andre Saulsberry, school
staff, teachers, and student body.
The historical accomplishments of Cadet Mason were
mirrored in the recognition of Ms. Bessie Coleman,
the first Black American female pilot to become
licensed. She had to overcome two obstacles to
become a pilot – her race and her gender. She was
not allowed to be licensed in America and received
her pilot credentials in France in 1921. Cadet Mason
is the first cadet and youngest female pilot in the
area, at 16 years of age, to earn her pilot’s wings.
She completed the two week program at the Summer
Flight Academy in Houston, Texas, sponsored
by the Black Pilots of America. Cadet Mason
finished the program as the number 1 student out
of 12 candidates. She is currently seeking hours to
complete her private pilot’s license. The outstanding
efforts of Cadet Mason reflect great credit upon
herself, family, school, and the community.
afjrotc.com
20
Unit News... FL-20022
BELLEVIEW HS MARCHIN’ RATTLERS DOMINATE THE DRILL PAD!
Written by Terry L. Dickensheet, Lt Col, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC, Belleview High School, Unit FL-20022
The Belleview HS Marchin’ Rattlers from the small town of Belleview, Florida dominated the drill pad this
season winning four consecutive drill tournament championships. For the first time in school history, the
Marchin’ Rattlers are undefeated going into the Florida State Drill Championship at the University of South
Florida on 27 February. Of note, the recently formed all Sophomore Color Guard led by Cadet Austin
Fessenden took 1st place at a 13 Feb drill meet in Orlando.
21
https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf
Unit News... OK-946
GA-946 AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC CADETS DEMONSTRATE
EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS!
Written by Gil Harbach, MSgt, USAF, Retired
ASI AFJROTC, Mitchell County High School, Unit GA-946
Cadet Honesty Fencher
Cadet De’nericka Brown
Cadet Jy’Kyrriaunna Clayton
Three cadets of GA-946 Air Force Junior ROTC at Mitchell County High School have demonstrated the
three Air Force’s values of “Integrity First,” “Service before Self,” and “Excellence in All We Do,” to the
ultimate degree. When Cadets De’nericka Brown, Jy’Kyrriaunna Clayton and Honesty Fencher, all from
Delta Flight, realized that their (GA-946 Corps of Cadets) unit goal of seven hundred canned food items
had not been met, they decided to do something about it. Taking into consideration the GA-946 AFJROTC
motto of, “No Excuses, Make a Way,” these three cadets organized and conducted a food drive of their
own! Knowing that many citizens of Mitchell County rely on the food bank, and coupled with the fact of a
less than acceptable food drive in the Fall of 2015 by their unit, the cadets embarked on a journey to collect
additional canned food items. They made signs, gathered boxes, requested permission from the store
manager (Harvey’s of Camilla), put on their Air Force uniforms and went to work on Saturday, March 26 and
Monday, April 4, collecting donations from the patrons of Harvey’s! In the end, more than six hundred cans
of food were collected and donated to the Mitchell County Food Bank! What is exceptionally noteworthy is
the fact that these three cadets are Aerospace Science first-year (AS1) cadets, or Freshmen (9th graders)!
Their leadership traits are rare for first year cadets and they are to be commended for their initiative and
leadership in this vital GA-946 AFJROTC Community Service goal. In total, GA-946 AFJROTC at Mitchell
County High School has donated over 1,000 canned food items to the Mitchell County Food Bank!
EXCELLENT WORK CADETS!
afjrotc.com
22
Unit News... OK-941
ALTUS JROTC CADET CAPTAIN DAYNA BROWN TO ATTEND THE
JOINT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
Written by Edward W. Laverdure, Lt Col, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC, Altus High School, Unit OK-941
Lt Col Ed Laverdure and Senior Master Sergeant
Charles Parnell are pleased to announce that Cadet
Captain Dayna Brown has been selected to attend
the high school residential program at the Joint
Science and Technology Institute at the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency in Maryland, from July 23rd
to August 5th. Dayna will be a member of the student
cadre examining synthetic biology
applications. Dayna was selected for
the group of 60 students from a field
of 950 applicants for this all expenses
paid internship.
Students will be in residence in Aberdeen, Maryland
and work with scientists from the Defense Threat
Reduction Agency, the Naval Research Laboratory
and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
In addition, Cadet Captain Brown also received
the Silver Valor Award for the simultaneous rescue
of 2 children at the Altus AFB Pool last June. Her
decoration was presented by the
Commander of the 97th Air Mobility
Wing at the Unit Wing Promotions
Ceremony.
Dayna is the only student selected from
the State of Oklahoma for the student
research program and will proudly
represent the OK-941st AFJROTC
Group, Altus High School, the District,
and the State of Oklahoma. We
congratulate her on her selection for
the internship with Oak Ridge National
Laboratories.
The Joint Science and Technology
Institute for Students is a two-week
residential program intended to
expose students to scientific research
through hands-on projects, to enable
them to work with real-world scientists
and increase students’ awareness of
career opportunities in related fields.
TAVEN BIRDOW BOUND FOR US AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Written by Edward W. Laverdure, Lt Col, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC, Altus High School, Unit OK-941
Running Back, Corey Taven Birdow, has accepted
an Appointment to the United States Air Force
Academy! Taven is an exceptional young leader
both on and off the field. He is ranked 9th in his class
and will graduate with a 4.1 grade point average.
He broke all 10 Altus High School rushing records
in leading the Altus Bulldogs
to the 2015 Oklahoma State
5-A Championship. Taven has
been winning national and state
championships in wrestling
since he was 6 years old. He
was a starting player on both
the football and baseball teams
beginning in his freshman year.
He was also invited the Army AllAmerican Combine freshman,
sophomore and junior years.
His academic awards are equally impressive! National
Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, District
Superintendent’s Honor Roll and AHS Principal’s
Honor Roll. Aced AP/Honors English, Biology, World
History, Chemistry, Statistics and Government! He
also excelled as a student leader, holding the class
presidency at Altus High
School both his freshman
and sophomore years,
class president his junior
year at IMG High School
in Florida, and student
council for the senior class
upon returning to Altus.
The Air Force Core Values
define Taven’s life. Raised
by a single mom who is a
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Unit News... OK-941 (cont)
financial analyst for the 97th Air Mobility Wing, he chose to pursue excellence. He mom said “Whenever he
sees someone achieve something great, he asks himself how he can do that.” Taven is pictured with his
mother, Jamie Rodrigues, his grandmother, Vicki Avant and his little brother Maddox Rodrigues – a future
OK-941st cadet. Though he could have chosen another school for gifted athletes, he chose USAFA because
he wants to be an Air Force Officer. He wants to fly and then later work on a Master’s Degree in Petroleum
Engineering. He never misses an objective he sets…and his next one is winning the Commander’s Trophy.
Army and Navy, Check 6 – our Bulldog is in the next class of Falcons!
Unit News... SC-064
Written by Gregory Perry, Major, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC Spring Valley High School, Unit SC-064
The Spring Valley AFJROTC Detachment captured the 2016
Air Force Association Outstanding AFJROTC Unit Award,
the Sword of Excellence which recognizes the outstanding
AFJROTC unit in
the state of South
Carolina. SC-064
is touching lives
within and without
Spring Valley and
encouraging young
and old throughout the Columbia Northeast region. From training
with the Army National Guard in Warrior Fit circuit training to
creating the first annual Spring Valley JROTC Scholarship for
graduating seniors, the cadets are focused on helping students
with their career decisions after high school. Cadets are investing
in tomorrow by weekly mentoring primary students at their adopted
elementary school, while leading by example as they contributed
a $1000 to the School’s Academy for Civic Engagement project to
improve the lives of those displaced by the Great Columbia Flood
in October 2015. Committed to not just reciting the AF core values,
but living them aloud weekly, the Corps of Cadets has engaged
in 29 community service projects and served over 1270 hours
toward making a mark in our region that can’t be erased. SC-064
leaders not
only excel at drill and ceremonies, but are leaders
throughout Spring Valley as: marching band drum
major, student council members, lead actors in school
production, captain of dance team, president of the
Ambassador Society, first place winners of College
Level Math Competition, and first place winners at
Winter Guard. After adding two new co-curriculars to
engage the cadets, and planning for a third new one
in the Fall, Spring Valley AFJROTC is pushing the
envelope on what it means to be a great AFJROTC
unit.
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Unit News... SC-951
7 CLOVER HIGH AFJROTC CADETS EARN FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
A record seven senior cadets in Clover High School’s
Air Force JROTC program have received full ROTC
college scholarships worth an estimated $1.1 million.
“The depth of talent in this class is extremely special.
In my 10 years of teaching JROTC, I’ve never
encountered anything like it,” said Senior Master Sgt.
Clarence Woodham, also an instructor. “It’s really a
testament to the outstanding education the cadets
receive in Clover schools.”
“That’s nearly one-third of my senior class,” said
Major (Ret) Brian Batson, Senior Aerospace Science
Instructor at Clover High. “You could tell this class
was special when they started with us four years
ago. They were outstanding students from the very
beginning.” Those cadets are Ray Beebe, John
Dickey, Sam Gordon, Sahara Ivey, Ariel Lopez,
Kirsten Morrison and Emily Stefurak.
Past cadets have been appointed to national premier
service academies such as the United States Military
Academy at West Point, United States Air Force
Academy and United States Naval Academy. Four
cadets in the past two years received full ROTC
scholarships.
In addition to the seven ROTC scholarships, five
senior cadets qualified to receive the South Carolina
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship awarded to the most
academically talented high school seniors across
the state, and can be as much as $10,000 per year
for math and science majors.
Cadet Ray Beebe
Cadet Ariel Lopez
Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/
local/community/lake-wylie-pilot/article74692467.
html#storylink=cpy
Cadet Sahara Ivey
Cadet Emily Stefurak
Cadet Sam Gordon
Cadet John Dickey
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Cadet Kristen Morrison
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Unit News... TN-792
THE “HELPING HANDS” PROGRAM
Written by David Clontz, Major, USAF, Retired
SASI AFJROTC Coffee County Central High School, Unit TN-792
CCCHS
AFJROTC-TN
792 has a community
service program they call
Helping Hands led by C/
SSgt Zane Montgomery.
This is a program founded
by Corps Commander
Cadet Maj Dawson Carlton
along with the instructors
MSgt James Loveland
and Maj David Clontz.
This program has helped
many teachers at the High
School. The Culinary Arts
teacher, Becki Louden
says “This has been an
incredible blessing to
have these diligent hard
working students to help
in our classroom, dining
room and kitchen! These
AFJROTC students work together and get many projects done that I could never imagine being done. They
have cleaned everything in our kitchen, taken out our grease and cleaned heavy equipment, swept, mopped,
vacuumed, organized, used strong power to remove heavy stains and many other jobs. Our kitchen has
never looked as shiny as when this AFJROTC group comes each week to help. They will do any job and
they do it well! I appreciate them
very very much. What a team!!!”
The Helping Hands program
has helped in other Career and
Technical (CTE) classes such
as Cosmetology, Manufacturing,
Agriculture, and STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Math)
areas. AFJROTC is making a
difference at CCCHS leading by
example with Great Citizenship,
Patriotism and Serving with
AFJROTC Core Values.
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Unit News... TX-936
BATAAN DEATH MARCH MEMORIAL HIKE
IN THE DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
Written by Cadet/Captain Nicholas Reyna
AFJROTC Central High School, TX-936
TX-936 cadets from Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, took a trip to Fort Davis, Texas, March 4th5th, 2016. We wanted to complete the 14-mile hike for the Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon in
a memorable location. Our trip was full of encouragement, bonding and teamwork for the 27 adventurous
cadets.
We began our hike on a trail behind Indian Lodge (our hotel). The sights in Davis Mountains State Park
astonished us as we ventured higher up. The path wasn’t always sturdy as we soon discovered; people
slipped on the loose rocks. As the trail got rougher we kept each other’s spirits up. Our advisor to the SASI,
Cadet/Colonel Samantha Garcia, said it best, “Overall I think we did great! We spoke to one another and
gave a “heads up” when we were going to come across a rough patch.”
Our generation loves social media; however, we discovered there was minimal cell coverage which meant
we had to revert to actual oral conversation. According to Cadet Monica Baggett, “I didn’t know most of the
other cadets very well, but we spent a lot of time together and we talked a lot which brought us all closer
together.” As the hiking went on we conversed frequently. We reminisced on old times and made new
friends.
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Unit News... TX-936 (cont)
Towards the end of our first day of hiking we were all eager to be done. Completing 10.5 miles was quite
an accomplishment for the majority of us. It would quickly dawn on us the distance we had traveled. As
Cadet Robert Wendt proudly stated, “It took me a second to realize how far we had come from the morning
and it felt pretty awesome to say I had hiked that.” We congratulated one another for the outstanding effort
by everyone.
The taste of victory would soon come in the form of a good meal. While enjoying our dinner in downtown
Fort Davis, Chief Prince was complimented on our behavior. The workers thanked us for displaying good
manners and said we were the best group to visit their restaurant. They went on to tell her of how uncommon
it was for them to see this type of behavior. Chief Prince along with announcing it also thanked and
congratulated us on this worthy compliment.
Eventually it was time for us to visit the McDonald Observatory. We were relieved to hear that it would be
driving instead of hiking. Once there we checked in and visited the gift shop. Astonished by the merchandise
we were eager to buy a memento of our visit. We viewed a short program outside and then went inside to
view a demonstration of the constellations or to walk around and see the stars through powerful telescopes.
Later we were shown several constellations in the night sky from the Amphitheater. “The observatory was
an amazing experience; you have a great view of the stars in the mountains” as Cadet Omar Moreno would
put it.
The next day rolled around and we were all ecstatic to get going. Only a few more miles to go and we could
say we earned the ribbon. First on our list was visiting Fort Davis. Fort Davis played a major role in history
from 1854 to 1891. To commemorate our time here, we went to the central flag pole and captured a group
photo.
To finish up the remainder of our hike we decided to visit The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and
Botanical Gardens. This trail was better maintained than the mountain trails; yet we still felt the possibility of
falling. Halfway through the hike we began to feel the effect of more than 10 miles through the mountains.
Words of encouragement rang as we came up to the top. Once there we took a break and really took in the
sights. I have only seen such beauty a couple of other times in my life. After a short rest we headed back
down. Relived for it to be almost over a surge of power arose in all of us to complete what we had worked
so hard for. Satisfied yet wanting more we got back to the bus already discussing next year’s hike.
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Cadet Success Profile 1
CADET SIMON MWAPE
Cadet Simon Mwape, from Cherry Hill High School in NJ (NJ-781) will be going on a full ride scholarship
to Penn University! We wish him the very best in his future! Here is the essay he wrote for his college
entrance application citing AFJROTC for the opportunities and leadership knowledge he gained through the
program:
Written by Cadet Mwape
As a young and naïve thirteen year old, the military was the last thing on my mind. At the time, I equated
the enlisting in the military to voluntarily giving up the freedom of a regular civilian life, while also risking
your life on a daily basis. For that reason, when I sat in my 8th grade classroom, and a group of high school
kids came in to talk about Air Force Junior ROTC, my immediate reaction was to pass, however, after they
discussed the benefits of the program, I decided to take a chance and sign up. Four years later, I realize that
signing up for ROTC was the best decision of my high school career.
In my freshman year of high school, I quickly fell in love with AFJROTC. We learned about drill & ceremonies
in class, but also leadership education and aerospace science; we learned military history, and I found my
passion for learning about war; and most interesting to me was the fact that JROTC was a program which
was entirely ran by other students. We were told that after our freshman year, we would have the opportunity
to acquire a staff job, and I realized beyond the confines of the classroom, JROTC was an organization,
complete with a hierarchy of positions, and enough co-curriculars that being bored with the program was
impossible.
During my sophomore year, my first staff job was Noncommissioned Officer in-charge of Training, where
I created tests to assess the knowledge of the rest of the cadet staff. This job was completely behind-thescenes, which was perfect for someone who lacked confidence, like me. However, my efforts did not go
unnoticed, and that spring, I won a national award from the Air Commando Association commending me on
my essay on Operation Urgent Fury, an Air Force special operations mission.
The following summer, I attended Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) (summer co-curriculum) a weeklong camp in Fort Dix which was meant to simulate Basic Training. It was here that I underwent a true
transformation – the objective of the camp was to be broken down and pushed to your physical and mental
limits, and then built back up into a stronger individual capable to lead, and I did exactly that. The experience
was life-changing, and I cite the CLC for making me a more confident person.
During my junior year, I took on the job of Flight Commander, which entailed leading a flight of 45 students
by teaching drill, conducting weekly uniform inspections, and other similar tasks; I volunteered in my school
and community, massing over 25 hours of community service; and I handled the finances of the annual
Military Ball, creating the budget for the event which cost almost $5000. At the end of the year, my hard work
was recognized as I received a national award from the American Legion for General Military Excellence.
Now, in my final year, I hold one of the “top four” positions. My job as Support Squadron Commander
entails overseeing all of the behind-the-scenes functions of the unit – Logistics, Supply, Personnel, History,
Systems & Computers, Public Affairs, and Color Guard & Drill Team – through supervising each department
officer, and their subordinate assistants. While the job is very stressful at times, I enjoy keeping busy,
making it a good fit for me. My primary goal, and accomplishment for the year was to revolutionize the
Logistics department by converting our old paper-based inventory system to an electronic and automated
format, which required handling Air Force property worth multiple thousands of dollars.
Overall, Air Force Junior ROTC has been the greatest experience of my high school career. Though the idea
of quitting crossed my mind multiple times, I am glad I persevered and stayed with the program. Despite
having no post-graduation military plans, I cannot thank the Air Force enough for the opportunities and
leadership knowledge I have gained through this experience.
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Cadet Success Profile 2
“AN AIR FORCE ACADEMY CADET’S PERSPECTIVE ON AFJROTC”
Written by Darnell A. Jones, Cadet Second Class
United States Air Force Academy
Over the course of my cadet career, my friends and I
encountered many obstacles. However, because of
my time in AFJROTC, I have been able to manage
my time more effectively and I came into the United
States Air Force Academy with prior knowledge of
things such as marching and Air Force customs and
courtesies. Something as simple as marching gave
me a huge advantage over my peers in basic training
who had not had the same exposure because I was
able to focus my attention on areas where I needed
improvement. However, the value I received from
AFJROTC exceeds beyond the Air Force specific
knowledge. My time in AFJROTC allowed me to
learn and practice different leadership styles and
develop my own, tailored specifically to my personal
strengths. Furthermore, my time in the 931st (DE931) taught me about respect, discipline, loyalty, and
service. Believe me, someone who can demonstrate
genuine respect and loyalty will go much further than
an arrogant book worm. These may just seem like
buzz words, however only when you experience
true adversity and you are forced to rely on the
people next to you, can you give full appreciation
to the value of these terms. The appreciation for
these words has carried me through countless 20
hour days, weeks with aeronautical engineering,
chemistry, and military knowledge tests, three
hour boxing practices and summer training where
I was sitting in the woods for days, cold, wet and
hungry. This is where a person must develop mental
toughness and draw strength from their specific
reason for serving. That is not to say that these traits
are only favorable in a military career. These traits
are invaluable in any job and any career field. I am
not the smartest or fittest person at the academy, or
even in my squadron for that matter, but because of
my work ethic, respect towards others, discipline,
and well-roundness, I have been able to experience
some of the best programs USAFA has to offer
such as attending jump school and being selected
for the Service Academy Exchange Program last
semester. Furthermore, I am currently working on
my application to attend ALO selection this fall and
hopefully join the special operations community
following graduation. Remember that the way you
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treat people is the most important thing as you rise
through the ranks. Please let me know if there are
any questions about the Academy life or selection
process.
Cadet Second Class Darnell A. Jones
CS 22 “Raptors”
United States Air Force Academy
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Cadet Success Profile 3
“A FORMER CADET’S PERSPECTIVE ON AFJROTC”
Written by Jonathan M. Hesterman
As the son of an Air Force officer it was apparent
to me that I wanted a high school experience
centered around discipline and purpose. AFJROTC
at POLYTECH High School afforded me the
opportunity to develop my leadership skills, earn
a Private Pilot’s license, and become a disciplined
scholar. The challenge of intensive flight study on
top of regular course work has properly prepared me
for my collegiate career.
After declaring the major of Government and
Politics, I was fortunate enough to be awarded an
Army ROTC scholarship to attend the University
of Maryland. The positive atmosphere while in
AFJROTC motivated me to include ROTC in my
college schedule. As an AFJROTC cadet I felt fully
prepared to call myself an Army cadet in the Terrapin
Battalion. The core values of integrity first, service
before self, and excellence in all I do have benefited
me greatly.
The value of service was so ingrained in POLYTECH
cadets that it inspired me personally to pursue a
White House internship upon starting my freshmen
year at the University of Maryland. The value of my
resume was truly seen in my accomplishment of a
Private Pilot’s license while in AFJROTC. I feel that
my dedication to service, leadership capacity, and
private pilot’s license, afforded me the opportunity to
intern at the White House.
Mr. Jonathan M. Hesterman in
the halls of the White House
While my White House internship comes to a close
and I set my sights on returning to the world of
academia, I look forward to commissioning into the
Army National Guard and eventually attending law
school. These lofty goals and accomplishments
have been fueled by the foundation built back in high
school AFJROTC. AFJROTC at POLYTECH High
School builds the leaders of tomorrow and equips
young people with a passion to succeed.
Very Respectfully,
Jonathan M. Hesterman
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GUIDELINES FOR
SUBMISSIONS
We require your help in developing a quality
AFJROTC newsletter product.
ARTICLES - Please submit on Word
document.
AUTHOR(S) - Please clearly identify the
author(s) of the articles. (and titles too)
PICTURES - Cell phone pictures require
much lengthier editing techniques to appear
as quality photos ... and sometimes it is not possible to correct them. Please try to not submit cell phone
pictures. Hi-resolution photos are needed.
PICTURE RELEASES - Ensure each picture has a parental signed release form.
PICTURE CAPTIONS - We absolutely would love to be able to identify the action in the photos with the
identities of those involved. However, many pictures are not always clearly identified with this information.
The mission of AFJROTC is to "Develop citizens of character
dedicated to serving their nation and community."
The objectives
of JROTC are to educate and train high
school cadets in citizenship, promote community service,
instill ideals of responsibility, character, and self-discipline,
and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.
The AFJROTC program is grounded in the Air Force core
values of “integrity first, service before self, and excellence
in all we do.”
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