May 2016 AFJROTC Newsletter

https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf

AFJROTC News & NOTes

May 2016

HQ AF JuNiOR ROTCCHeCK us OuT ON AFJROTC.COM!

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 in your programs to strengthen your units and your Corps. I would also like to 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 supports almost 2,000 instructors, 121,000 cadets, at about 900 high 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. I want you to be aware of all the initiatives that are underway so you 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 incredible job and it’s important that you know that your dedication and work will make life-long positive impacts! I hope each of you have a great summer.

Respectfully,Col Woods

In This Issue...From the Director.........................1

From the Deputy Director ...........5

Instructor Management Corner ..6

Operations Update .....................6

Curriculum Update ......................8

News & Noteworthy .....................9

Unit News ...................................18

Cadet Success Profiles .............29

Colonel Woods AFJROTC Director

From the Director...

http://afjrotc.com/index.php?menu=JROTC

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HQ AFJROTC - TWO YEAR PROGRESS REPORTFY Problem (THEN) FY Corrective Action (NOW)

Huge negative impacts of sequestration fully felt by units and HQ

HQ requested pre-sequestration levels of funding in POM18 to highest leadership levels

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!

13/14 Summer CLC funding stripped from program 15 Some CLC funding restored...FY16--More CLC funding restored!

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 Community Service Recognition 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 expired (partly due to 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!


https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/May2016AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf3

HQ AFJROTC - TWO YEAR PROGRESS REPORTFY 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!

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

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!


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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. Scotty Lewis (Acting Deputy Director/Acting Chief Operations Division, [email protected] )2. Dave Richerson (Acting Chief Instructor Management Division, [email protected] )3. Paul Keeping (Acting Deputy Chief Support Division, [email protected] )4. Doug Williams (Acting Deputy Chief Operations Division, [email protected] ) 5. Pete Gray (Acting RD-4, [email protected])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 WilliamsRegion 2 - Ben YoungRegion 3 - Don BaileyRegion 4 - Pete GrayRegion 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 Championship7,671 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

Upcoming Competition Dates June 24 - 28, 2016 Level III -

JROTC Leadership & Academic Championship

JICC In Residence

TrainingJICC 16 is scheduled for

11-23 July 16.

http://www.cofcontests.com


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:

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

Mr. Pete Gray AFJROTC Deputy

From the Deputy Director...

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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.

I am both humbled and excited about the opportunity Col Woods has entrusted to 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: [email protected] My telephone is 334-953-7742.

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.

WINGS USER GUIDE INFORMATIONPlease 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”.

Instructor Management Corner

Mr. David RichersonChief, Instructor Management

Operations Update..

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 [email protected]

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FINANCE GUIDE INFORMATIONAside 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 PROGRAMAllocations 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 PICTURESPlease 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

Operations Update...

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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 con-tact me at: [email protected] or call me at: 334-953-7236.

.

Curriculum Update...

mailto:[email protected]

News & Noteworthy...

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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!

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Alfaro, Jose CMSgt GA-20021 Ament, Steven Lt Col IA-951 Anglim, Douglas MSgt TX-20022 Anible, Floyd Lt Col OH-021 Antolini, Susan MSgt MA-771 Ardo, Gary Lt Col JA-20101 Armstrong, George Col CA-20068 Arrington, William Lt Col CO-20101 Ashcraft David MSgt TX-962 Atkins Robert Maj GA-945 Atkinson Michael CMSgt JA-931 Avery David Lt Col CA-032 Barber Terry SMSgt CA-954 Barrett Thomas Lt Col SC-061 Batson Brian Maj SC-951 Baumgart Jeffrey Maj NV-941 Beck John Maj LA-951 Bedner David MSgt CT-941 Bell Thomas Col NC-805 Bender Vivian SMSgt NJ-781 Benning Robert Col IN-061 Bianchi Paul Lt Col OK-921 Bishop Nicole MSgt SC-872 Blitz Timothy Lt Col TX-20015 Brooks John MSgt NJ-20101 Brown Leroy CMSgt LA-801 Brown Paul MSgt SC-20082 Brunz Fred CMSgt TX-20063 Buck Brian Lt Col LA-061 Bustle Edward Maj TX-949 Byars Randall CMSgt SC-041 Cardin-Hoffdahl Susan Col CA-20052 Carey Diana MSgt MS-952 Carney Christopher Maj TX-936 Carney Jeremy SMSgt CA-946 Carpenter Kevin MSgt NV-941 Carr Eddie MSgt NY-961 Carter Anthony MSgt NC-961 Casilli Kevin MSgt MA-771 Chin Arthur Col NV-20121 Claiborn Michael SMSgt TX-20057 Clark Willis Maj SC-20081

Collins Marian Maj CA-20011 Cotto Kathy MSgt MN-891 Coulter Keith MSgt AK-20041 Cox Craig CMSgt OH-20052 Creamer William Lt Col SC-942 Curl Colleen CMSgt TX-781 D’Amico Peter Lt Col MA-771 Dansizen Richard MSgt IL-981 Del Rio Jesus MSgt TX-9410 Deos Ronald MSgt TX-794 Dierlam Mark Col VA-821 Dillard Michael Col KS-061 Dominguez Robert Col CA-863 Doughty Gordon Capt NV-20011 Draper Douglas MSgt NC-20065 Dufrain Ryan MSgt FL-954 Durnford John Lt Col CO-062 Easley Jerry SMSgt CO-20021 Edgar Paul Col KY-071 Ennis David Lt Col AK-20061 Fedor Edward Lt Col CA-841 Fernandez Michael Col CA-954 Fish Richard Lt Col FL-035 Fitzgerald John CMSgt FL-031 Fleek George Lt Col NV-20012 Fleming Anthony SMSgt MS-932 Ford Lonnie Lt Col SC-031 Fowler David MSgt NC-20064 Fraizer Edward MSgt CA-032 Fraizer George Col FL-935 Fuller Fred MSgt SC-20023 Futral John MSgt GA-952 Gaffney Jimmy MSgt SC-935 Gaither Henry Col NC-961 Galifaro Michael CMSgt TX-20016 Galvez Anthony SMSgt NV-20011 Garcia Edward MSgt TX-20015 Garcia Rudolph MSgt CA-20017 Garthwaite Russell MSgt FL-042 Gonzales Kathleen SMSgt UK-20021 Goodlin Douglas Lt Col FL-935 Goolsby Michael Lt Col TN-20024

Gracia Ralph Lt Col NY-961 Graham Eric Maj NC-045Greene James MSgt GA-20051 Greenwell Cindy MSgt IN-20051 Hadden David Lt Col LA-071 Hager Morgan SMSgt UT-20061 Hardy William SMSgt TX-953 Hedger David Lt Col VA-20021 Hernandez Milburgo MSgt TX-949 Hill Paul Capt TX-20063 Hillary Johnny MSgt CA-092 Hilley Bryan CMSgt NJ-20131 Hingle Anthony Lt Col FL-956 Hoggs Sean Maj NJ-20101 Hollis Johnny CMSgt MD-901 Holwick Herbert Maj GA-20053 Hood Michael MSgt OH-022 Huber Robert Col CO-20021 Huvar Hollis MSgt CA-20011 Jackson Judy Lt Col GA-932 Johnson Andrew CMSgt FL-956 Johnson Joseph CMSgt TX-20064 Johnson Mark SMSgt NC-031 Jordan Timothy CMSgt NV-941 Keaney Kevin Capt TX-20022 Kellogg Bobby Maj LA-943 King Robert MSgt FL-953 Kitt Antonio CMSgt KS-061 Kline Gregg Col FL-955 Kniseley Richard Col FL-20082 Kocke Erick MSgt TN-20024 Kramm Anna Maj TX-781 Lacuesta-Siroin Maria CMSgt CA-863 Lamarr-Atmaram Dorothy MSgt MS-081Landfair David Lt Col FL-932 Lane Jeffrey MSgt IA-951 Lane Mary MSgt TX-931 Lanning Randall Col IL-20083 Latimer Charles SMSgtLaverdure Edward Lt Col OK-941 Lee David Col TX-093

2016 AFJROTC OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR AWARDSAlfaro, Jose CMSgt GA-20021 Ament, Steven Lt Col IA-951 Anglim, Douglas MSgt TX-20022 Anible, Floyd Lt Col OH-021 Antolini, Susan MSgt MA-771 Ardo, Gary Lt Col JA-20101 Armstrong, George Col CA-20068 Arrington, William Lt Col CO-20101 Ashcraft David MSgt TX-962 Atkins Robert Maj GA-945 Atkinson Michael CMSgt JA-931 Avery David Lt Col CA-032 Barber Terry SMSgt CA-954 Barrett Thomas Lt Col SC-061 Batson Brian Maj SC-951 Baumgart Jeffrey Maj NV-941 Beck John Maj LA-951 Bedner David MSgt CT-941 Bell Thomas Col NC-805 Bender Vivian SMSgt NJ-781 Benning Robert Col IN-061 Bianchi Paul Lt Col OK-921 Bishop Nicole MSgt SC-872 Blitz Timothy Lt Col TX-20015 Brooks John MSgt NJ-20101 Brown Leroy CMSgt LA-801 Brown Paul MSgt SC-20082 Brunz Fred CMSgt TX-20063 Buck Brian Lt Col LA-061 Bustle Edward Maj TX-949 Byars Randall CMSgt SC-041 Cardin-Hoffdahl Susan Col CA-20052 Carey Diana MSgt MS-952 Carney Christopher Maj TX-936 Carney Jeremy SMSgt CA-946 Carpenter Kevin MSgt NV-941 Carr Eddie MSgt NY-961 Carter Anthony MSgt NC-961 Casilli Kevin MSgt MA-771 Chin Arthur Col NV-20121 Claiborn Michael SMSgt TX-20057 Clark Willis Maj SC-20081

Collins Marian Maj CA-20011 Cotto Kathy MSgt MN-891 Coulter Keith MSgt AK-20041 Cox Craig CMSgt OH-20052 Creamer William Lt Col SC-942 Curl Colleen CMSgt TX-781 D’Amico Peter Lt Col MA-771 Dansizen Richard MSgt IL-981 Del Rio Jesus MSgt TX-9410 Deos Ronald MSgt TX-794 Dierlam Mark Col VA-821 Dillard Michael Col KS-061 Dominguez Robert Col CA-863 Doughty Gordon Capt NV-20011 Draper Douglas MSgt NC-20065 Dufrain Ryan MSgt FL-954 Durnford John Lt Col CO-062 Easley Jerry SMSgt CO-20021 Edgar Paul Col KY-071 Ennis David Lt Col AK-20061 Fedor Edward Lt Col CA-841 Fernandez Michael Col CA-954 Fish Richard Lt Col FL-035 Fitzgerald John CMSgt FL-031 Fleek George Lt Col NV-20012 Fleming Anthony SMSgt MS-932 Ford Lonnie Lt Col SC-031 Fowler David MSgt NC-20064 Fraizer Edward MSgt CA-032 Fraizer George Col FL-935 Fuller Fred MSgt SC-20023 Futral John MSgt GA-952 Gaffney Jimmy MSgt SC-935 Gaither Henry Col NC-961 Galifaro Michael CMSgt TX-20016 Galvez Anthony SMSgt NV-20011 Garcia Edward MSgt TX-20015 Garcia Rudolph MSgt CA-20017 Garthwaite Russell MSgt FL-042 Gonzales Kathleen SMSgt UK-20021 Goodlin Douglas Lt Col FL-935 Goolsby Michael Lt Col TN-20024

Gracia Ralph Lt Col NY-961 Graham Eric Maj NC-045Greene James MSgt GA-20051 Greenwell Cindy MSgt IN-20051 Hadden David Lt Col LA-071 Hager Morgan SMSgt UT-20061 Hardy William SMSgt TX-953 Hedger David Lt Col VA-20021 Hernandez Milburgo MSgt TX-949 Hill Paul Capt TX-20063 Hillary Johnny MSgt CA-092 Hilley Bryan CMSgt NJ-20131 Hingle Anthony Lt Col FL-956 Hoggs Sean Maj NJ-20101 Hollis Johnny CMSgt MD-901 Holwick Herbert Maj GA-20053 Hood Michael MSgt OH-022 Huber Robert Col CO-20021 Huvar Hollis MSgt CA-20011 Jackson Judy Lt Col GA-932 Johnson Andrew CMSgt FL-956 Johnson Joseph CMSgt TX-20064 Johnson Mark SMSgt NC-031 Jordan Timothy CMSgt NV-941 Keaney Kevin Capt TX-20022 Kellogg Bobby Maj LA-943 King Robert MSgt FL-953 Kitt Antonio CMSgt KS-061 Kline Gregg Col FL-955 Kniseley Richard Col FL-20082 Kocke Erick MSgt TN-20024 Kramm Anna Maj TX-781 Lacuesta-Siroin Maria CMSgt CA-863 Lamarr-Atmaram Dorothy MSgt MS-081Landfair David Lt Col FL-932 Lane Jeffrey MSgt IA-951 Lane Mary MSgt TX-931 Lanning Randall Col IL-20083 Latimer Charles SMSgtLaverdure Edward Lt Col OK-941 Lee David Col TX-093


2016 AFJROTC OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR AWARDS (CONT)Lewis Jeffrey SMSgt FL-802 Lightfoot Craig Col GA-066 Linster Thomas Col CA-20017 Littrell Wallace CMSgt TN-20051 Livingston David MSgt SC-942Lorenz James MSgt NV-20012 Love Leslie SMSgt GA-052 Lucchese Donna Col KY-20003 Ludwig Stephen CMSgt FL-035 Macagnone Michael Maj NJ-782 Mangiafico James MSgt TX-20083 Manley Douglas SMSgt OH-021 Marasco Robert Lt Col FL-20083 Marks Paul Lt Col TX-20061 Martin Torrance SMSgt MS-081 Maxey Stacy Lt Col MS-952 McCoy Carl MSgt SC-031 McGuirk Charles Col FL-20053 McNew William CMSgt AK-20061 McPeters Kelly Lt Col CA-092 Mendoza David MSgt FL-935 Miglioranzi Michael Maj FL-042 Miller Gerald MSgt DE-20051 Miller Morris MSgt FL-20053 Miller Morris Lt Col SC-041 Milner David MSgt LA-951 Mims Robert Col MS-081 Minchew Kenny TSgt LA-943 Montgomery Jon Maj KY-051 Moriarity Clifford Lt Col TX-961 Morris Craig MSgt FL-041 Neal Johnny CMSgt SC-061 Nodine Dennis CMSgt CA-20131 O’Brien Robert MSgt LA-071 Orme Bevan Lt Col AK-20041 Pailes William Col TX-959 Parkhurst Charles Maj TN-20051 Parsont Todd Maj TX-9410 Perry Gregory Maj SC-064 Petzold Thomas Maj MN-891 Pfost James SMSgt KY-20003

Pinkard Keith CMSgt TX-957 Powell Angela MSgt SC-20081 Pryor Charles Lt Col TX-20016 Quesenberry David CMSgt NV-20012 Ramirez Joseph MSgt NJ-20003 Rauenhorst Michael Col AK-941 Rawlins Terry MSgt SC-934 Reed Mark MSgt NJ-20003Rice Harvey Maj MS-932 Ricker Douglas MSgt LA-071 Rickert Gale SMSgt SC-031 Robinson Kevin SMSgt UT-20061 Robinson William MSgt FL-20083 Robles Nephtali MSgt NY-20151 Rock Charles Maj NJ-20003 Rogers David Maj NC-031 Rogers David Lt Col SC-20023 Rose Douglas Lt Col NJ-20131 Rozier Arthur Lt Col GA-956 Rumph Mark Lt Col SC-953 Runchey Richard Lt Col OH-081 Rush Anthony MSgt CO-20021 Salvucci Christopher Lt Col OH-20052 Sanborn Phillip CMSgt CA-841 Sanders Hope MSgt FL-20082 Schmidt Matthew MSgt PA-941 Schuster Frederick Col JA-931 Schwartz Allen Lt Col NJ-781 Schwichtenberg Rustan Lt Col OK-942 Shaffer Martha Lt Col TN-933 Shinkle Steven Col TX-794 Siau Michelle CMSgt AZ-061 Singleton Lewis CMSgt FL-9313 Sinnaeve Timothy MSgt IL-091 Sites Robin Lt Col NC-20064 Slaton Clay SMSgt GA-956 Smith Billie SMSgt CA-882 Smith David TSgt MA-771 Smith Franklin CMSgt KY-071 Smith Nicholas MSgt GA-20021 Smith Stewart SMSgt SC-953

Sparkman Glenn SMSgt SC-932 Spiezio Edward CMSgt FL-955 Spilinek Bradley CMSgt AK-941 St. Jean Paul SMSgt SC-952 Stadler James CMSgt TX-20064 Steele George Lt Col NE-021 Steen Dale MSgt IL-20081 Stewart Wayne SMSgt NV-20011 Sullivan Doris CMSgt PA-20062 Summerville Limmy SMSgt NC-045 Taylor Bernard Lt Col SC-952Taylor Bruce CMSgt FL-20053 Thiergart Michael MSgt OH-081 Thomas Gerald SMSgt UT-20061 Thomas Scott Capt TX-20057 Thorp Robert Lt Col FL-031 Thrash Keith MSgt GA-957 Tomme Richard MSgt TX-957 Turner Philip MSgt GA-932 Van Der Kaap Maxine MSgt NC-045 Verastiqui Robert SMSgt TX-781 Vetter Carl MSgt NV-20121 Walker Gregory Lt Col TX-957 Walker Scott SMSgt AK-20121 Warren Daniel SMSgt TX-093 Washington Michael Lt Col GA-957 Watson Waitus MSgt TX-963 Wayne John Lt Col FL-9313 West Robert Col SC-935 Whicker Glenn Col UT-20061 Whitlow Melvin Maj OH-022 Whittle Ronald Lt Col GA-952 Williams David SMSgt GA-956 Willie Jeffrey SMSgt TX-031 Wilson James Lt Col GA-20021 Wolbert Gary Lt Col PA-941 Woodham Clarence SMSgt SC-951 Yeager Eric MSgt KS-961 Young Kevin MSgt VA-20021 Zucco Anthony Col LA-801

Lewis Jeffrey SMSgt FL-802 Lightfoot Craig Col GA-066 Linster Thomas Col CA-20017 Littrell Wallace CMSgt TN-20051 Livingston David MSgt SC-942Lorenz James MSgt NV-20012 Love Leslie SMSgt GA-052 Lucchese Donna Col KY-20003 Ludwig Stephen CMSgt FL-035 Macagnone Michael Maj NJ-782 Mangiafico James MSgt TX-20083 Manley Douglas SMSgt OH-021 Marasco Robert Lt Col FL-20083 Marks Paul Lt Col TX-20061 Martin Torrance SMSgt MS-081 Maxey Stacy Lt Col MS-952 McCoy Carl MSgt SC-031 McGuirk Charles Col FL-20053 McNew William CMSgt AK-20061 McPeters Kelly Lt Col CA-092 Mendoza David MSgt FL-935 Miglioranzi Michael Maj FL-042 Miller Gerald MSgt DE-20051 Miller Morris MSgt FL-20053 Miller Morris Lt Col SC-041 Milner David MSgt LA-951 Mims Robert Col MS-081 Minchew Kenny TSgt LA-943 Montgomery Jon Maj KY-051 Moriarity Clifford Lt Col TX-961 Morris Craig MSgt FL-041 Neal Johnny CMSgt SC-061 Nodine Dennis CMSgt CA-20131 O’Brien Robert MSgt LA-071 Orme Bevan Lt Col AK-20041 Pailes William Col TX-959 Parkhurst Charles Maj TN-20051 Parsont Todd Maj TX-9410 Perry Gregory Maj SC-064 Petzold Thomas Maj MN-891 Pfost James SMSgt KY-20003

Pinkard Keith CMSgt TX-957 Powell Angela MSgt SC-20081 Pryor Charles Lt Col TX-20016 Quesenberry David CMSgt NV-20012 Ramirez Joseph MSgt NJ-20003 Rauenhorst Michael Col AK-941 Rawlins Terry MSgt SC-934 Reed Mark MSgt NJ-20003Rice Harvey Maj MS-932 Ricker Douglas MSgt LA-071 Rickert Gale SMSgt SC-031 Robinson Kevin SMSgt UT-20061 Robinson William MSgt FL-20083 Robles Nephtali MSgt NY-20151 Rock Charles Maj NJ-20003 Rogers David Maj NC-031 Rogers David Lt Col SC-20023 Rose Douglas Lt Col NJ-20131 Rozier Arthur Lt Col GA-956 Rumph Mark Lt Col SC-953 Runchey Richard Lt Col OH-081 Rush Anthony MSgt CO-20021 Salvucci Christopher Lt Col OH-20052 Sanborn Phillip CMSgt CA-841 Sanders Hope MSgt FL-20082 Schmidt Matthew MSgt PA-941 Schuster Frederick Col JA-931 Schwartz Allen Lt Col NJ-781 Schwichtenberg Rustan Lt Col OK-942 Shaffer Martha Lt Col TN-933 Shinkle Steven Col TX-794 Siau Michelle CMSgt AZ-061 Singleton Lewis CMSgt FL-9313 Sinnaeve Timothy MSgt IL-091 Sites Robin Lt Col NC-20064 Slaton Clay SMSgt GA-956 Smith Billie SMSgt CA-882 Smith David TSgt MA-771 Smith Franklin CMSgt KY-071 Smith Nicholas MSgt GA-20021 Smith Stewart SMSgt SC-953

Sparkman Glenn SMSgt SC-932 Spiezio Edward CMSgt FL-955 Spilinek Bradley CMSgt AK-941 St. Jean Paul SMSgt SC-952 Stadler James CMSgt TX-20064 Steele George Lt Col NE-021 Steen Dale MSgt IL-20081 Stewart Wayne SMSgt NV-20011 Sullivan Doris CMSgt PA-20062 Summerville Limmy SMSgt NC-045 Taylor Bernard Lt Col SC-952Taylor Bruce CMSgt FL-20053 Thiergart Michael MSgt OH-081 Thomas Gerald SMSgt UT-20061 Thomas Scott Capt TX-20057 Thorp Robert Lt Col FL-031 Thrash Keith MSgt GA-957 Tomme Richard MSgt TX-957 Turner Philip MSgt GA-932 Van Der Kaap Maxine MSgt NC-045 Verastiqui Robert SMSgt TX-781 Vetter Carl MSgt NV-20121 Walker Gregory Lt Col TX-957 Walker Scott SMSgt AK-20121 Warren Daniel SMSgt TX-093 Washington Michael Lt Col GA-957 Watson Waitus MSgt TX-963 Wayne John Lt Col FL-9313 West Robert Col SC-935 Whicker Glenn Col UT-20061 Whitlow Melvin Maj OH-022 Whittle Ronald Lt Col GA-952 Williams David SMSgt GA-956 Willie Jeffrey SMSgt TX-031 Wilson James Lt Col GA-20021 Wolbert Gary Lt Col PA-941 Woodham Clarence SMSgt SC-951 Yeager Eric MSgt KS-961 Young Kevin MSgt VA-20021 Zucco Anthony Col LA-801


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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 CHAMPIONSHIPSCHALLENGE LEVEL - ARMEDArmed Overall Championship1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching MustangsArmed Inspection1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs3rd Place - William J. Brennan High School, The PhoenixArmed Regulation3rd Place - John Jay High School, Marching MustangsArmed Color Guard5th Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs

Armed Exhibition1st Place - John Jay High School, Marching Mustangs

CHALLENGE LEVEL - UNARMEDUnarmed Inspection3rd Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed PanthersUnarmed Regulation1st Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers

Unarmed Commander Trophy2nd Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed Panthers - Cadet Thompson

http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc.htm


Unarmed Color Guard5th Place - Springboro High School, Unarmed PanthersOpen Color Guard1st Place - West Anchorage High School, Eagles2nd Place - North Side High School, Blue Thunder3rd Place - Brandeis High School, Lady Aces

MASTERS LEVEL - DEMILITARIZEDDemilitarized Overall Championship1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver EaglesDemilitarized Inspection1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles5th Place - Brandeis High School, NighthawksDemilitarized Regulation5th Place - Brandeis High School, NighthawksDemilitarized Commander Trophy3rd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Centurion Guard, Cadet Garcia4th Place - Brandeis High School, Nighthawks, Cadet PeralezDemilitarized Color Guard3rd Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles4th Place - Brandeis High School, NighthawksDemilitarized Exhibition - Squad1st Place - John Jay High School, Silver EaglesDemilitarized Exhibition - Platoon3rd Place - John Jay High School, Silver Eagles5th Place - East Paulding High School, Blackhawks

MASTER LEVEL - UNARMEDUnarmed Overall Championship1st Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor2nd Place - Brandeis High School, Blue AcesUnarmed Inspection2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor 3rd Place - Brandeis High School, Blue AcesUnarmed Regulation1st Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor 3rd Place - East Paulding High School, White FalconsUnarmed Commander Trophy1st Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor, Cadet Camacho2nd Place - East Paulding High School, White Falcons, Cadet Southall3rd Place - - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces, Cadet SeminarioUnarmed Color Guard1st Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor 3rd Place - East Paulding High School, White FalconsUnarmed Exhibition - Squad3rd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor4th Place - Brandeis High School, Blue AcesUnarmed Exhibition - Flight2nd Place - Tom C. Clark High School, Silver Valor4th Place - Brandeis High School, Blue Aces5th Place - East Paulding High School, Blackhawks

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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 “SILVER STAR” COMMUNITY

SERVICE WITH EXCELLENCE AWARD

UNITS FOR, AY 2015/2016

AK-941AL-936AR-20011AZ-20064BE-931CA-20068CA-841CA-891CA-933CA-936 CA-942FL-032FL-951FL-955FL-20082GA-052GR-821IL-20051IL-20071KS-20061LA-063MA-841MN-941 MO-20021MS-932

MS-20005 NC-032NJ-20004NM-051NM-20011NY-093 NY-961OH-20061OR-931 PA-20062PA-20141SC-041SC-071SC-942SD-061TX-782TX-793TX-936TX-952TX-956TX-962TX-20017TX-948UK-20021WA-20051



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!!


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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.

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!

AFROTC DETACHMENT 847 CHARGES THROUGH THE STORM


GO RAMS!

GO RAMS!

GO RAMS!


CADET BROWN HONORED FOR SAVING LIVESPosted on May 9, 2016 by altustimes By Mary O. Esparza - [email protected]

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.

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 life-saving 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.

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.

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.


UNIT EVALUATION “EXCEEDS STANDARDS”

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AL-791 Foley High SchoolAL-931 Baldwin County High SchoolAR-20012 Beebe High SchoolCA-20131 Clovis East High SchoolCO-062 Westminster High SchoolCO-20021 Air Academy High SchoolCO-20101 Academy at Skyview CampusCT-941 Naugatuck High SchoolFL-031 Eau Gallie High SchoolFL-035 Satellite High SchoolFL-042 Mainland High SchoolFL-082 Citrus High SchoolFL-20023 Dunnellon High SchoolFL-20053 Celebration High SchoolFL-20083 Walter L Sickles Senior High SchoolFL-802 West Orange High SchoolFL-821 Buchholz High SchoolFL-872 Seminole High SchoolFL-9313 Bloomingdale High SchoolFL-935 Sebring High SchoolFL-942 Atlantic High SchoolFL-955 West Nassau High SchoolFL-956 Durant Senior High SchoolGA-20021 Marietta High SchoolGA-20051 East Paulding High SchoolGA-20131 Collins Hill High SchoolGA-932 Houston County High SchoolGA-945 Morgan County High SchoolGA-952 Sequoyah High SchoolGA-956 Monroe Area High SchoolHI-821 Kailua High SchoolHI-931 Aiea High SchoolHI-932 Kaiser High SchoolMD-20021 Chopticon High SchoolMN-871 Park High SchoolMN-891 Woodbury Senior High SchoolNC-20061 Currituck High School

NJ-20003 Williamstown High SchoolNJ-20101 Seneca High SchoolNJ-20131 Atlantic County Institute of TechnologyNJ-781 Cherry Hill High School WestNJ-782 Jackson Memorial High SchoolOH-012 Rutherford B. Hayes High SchoolOH-081 Springboro High SchoolOH-20052 Knox County Career CenterOH-881 Tecumseh High SchoolOK-942 Booker T. Washington High SchoolOR-931 Henley High SchoolPA-022 North Allegheny Intermediate High SchoolPA-941 Marion Center High SchoolPA-942 Ligonier Valley Senior HighSC-031 R. B. Stall High SchoolSC-041 Gaffney High SchoolSC-20081 Ashley Ridge High SchoolSC-934 Beaufort High SchoolSC-951 Clover High SchoolSC-953 Chapman High SchoolTN-20024 Lexington High SchoolTN-20051 Liberty Technology Magnet High SchoolTX-031 J.C. Ferguson Education CenterTX-20009 Medina Valley High SchoolTX-20016 Cypress Springs High SchoolTX-20051 John Paul Stevens High SchoolTX-20057 Cy-Fair High SchoolTX-20061 Langham Creek High SchoolTX-781 Oliver Wendell Holmes High SchoolTX-882 William Howard Taft High SchoolTX-931 Alice High SchoolTX-957 Cedar Hill High SchoolUT-20061 Dixie High SchoolVA-20021 Nansemond River High SchoolWA-083 Washington High SchoolWA-931 Clover Park High School

AL-791 Foley High SchoolAL-931 Baldwin County High SchoolAR-20012 Beebe High SchoolCA-20131 Clovis East High SchoolCO-062 Westminster High SchoolCO-20021 Air Academy High SchoolCO-20101 Academy at Skyview CampusCT-941 Naugatuck High SchoolFL-031 Eau Gallie High SchoolFL-035 Satellite High SchoolFL-042 Mainland High SchoolFL-082 Citrus High SchoolFL-20023 Dunnellon High SchoolFL-20053 Celebration High SchoolFL-20083 Walter L Sickles Senior High SchoolFL-802 West Orange High SchoolFL-821 Buchholz High SchoolFL-872 Seminole High SchoolFL-9313 Bloomingdale High SchoolFL-935 Sebring High SchoolFL-942 Atlantic High SchoolFL-955 West Nassau High SchoolFL-956 Durant Senior High SchoolGA-20021 Marietta High SchoolGA-20051 East Paulding High SchoolGA-20131 Collins Hill High SchoolGA-932 Houston County High SchoolGA-945 Morgan County High SchoolGA-952 Sequoyah High SchoolGA-956 Monroe Area High SchoolHI-821 Kailua High SchoolHI-931 Aiea High SchoolHI-932 Kaiser High SchoolMD-20021 Chopticon High SchoolMN-871 Park High SchoolMN-891 Woodbury Senior High SchoolNC-20061 Currituck High School

NJ-20003 Williamstown High SchoolNJ-20101 Seneca High SchoolNJ-20131 Atlantic County Institute of TechnologyNJ-781 Cherry Hill High School WestNJ-782 Jackson Memorial High SchoolOH-012 Rutherford B. Hayes High SchoolOH-081 Springboro High SchoolOH-20052 Knox County Career CenterOH-881 Tecumseh High SchoolOK-942 Booker T. Washington High SchoolOR-931 Henley High SchoolPA-022 North Allegheny Intermediate High SchoolPA-941 Marion Center High SchoolPA-942 Ligonier Valley Senior HighSC-031 R. B. Stall High SchoolSC-041 Gaffney High SchoolSC-20081 Ashley Ridge High SchoolSC-934 Beaufort High SchoolSC-951 Clover High SchoolSC-953 Chapman High SchoolTN-20024 Lexington High SchoolTN-20051 Liberty Technology Magnet High SchoolTX-031 J.C. Ferguson Education CenterTX-20009 Medina Valley High SchoolTX-20016 Cypress Springs High SchoolTX-20051 John Paul Stevens High SchoolTX-20057 Cy-Fair High SchoolTX-20061 Langham Creek High SchoolTX-781 Oliver Wendell Holmes High SchoolTX-882 William Howard Taft High SchoolTX-931 Alice High SchoolTX-957 Cedar Hill High SchoolUT-20061 Dixie High SchoolVA-20021 Nansemond River High SchoolWA-083 Washington High SchoolWA-931 Clover Park High School


DAPHNE HIGH SCHOOL’S ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT & BANQUETWritten 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)

Unit News...AL-935

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CADET MASON RECEIVED PILOT’S WINGS FROM AFJROTC DIRECTORWritten 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.

Unit News... AL-936


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.

Unit News... FL-20022

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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!

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

Unit News... OK-946


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.

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.

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.

TAVEN BIRDOW BOUND FOR US AIR FORCE ACADEMYWritten 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 All-American 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

Unit News... OK-941

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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!

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.

Unit News... OK-941 (cont)

Unit News... SC-064


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.

“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.

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.

“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.”

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.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/community/lake-wylie-pilot/article74692467.html#storylink=cpy

7 CLOVER HIGH AFJROTC CADETS EARN FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

Cadet Ray Beebe Cadet Sahara Ivey Cadet Sam Gordon

Cadet Ariel Lopez Cadet Emily Stefurak Cadet John Dickey Cadet Kristen Morrison

Unit News... SC-951

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/community/lake-wylie-pilot/article74692467.html#storylink=cpy



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THE “HELPING HANDS” PROGRAMWritten 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.

Unit News... TN-792


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 4th-5th, 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.

Unit News... TX-936

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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.

Unit News... TX-936 (cont)


CADET SIMON MWAPECadet 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-the-scenes, 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 week-long 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.

Cadet Success Profile 1

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“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 (DE-931) 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

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. JonesCS 22 “Raptors”

United States Air Force Academy



“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.

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

Mr. Jonathan M. Hesterman in the halls of the White House


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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.”

Documents

May 2016 AFJROTC Newsletter