AFJROTC - Air · PDF fileCommunity Service with Excellence Award Winners last year. ......

https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/Sep2015AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf

AFJROTC News & NOTes

January 2016

HQ AF JuNiOR ROTCCHeCK us OuT ON AFJROTC.COM!

From the Director...Let me start by wishing each of you and your families a very Happy New Year! As we reflect on all that was accomplished this past year and all that is still to be accomplished in the new year, I wanted to also pass on a heartfelt “thank you” to each of our instructors and our cadets of AFJROTC! We are privileged to be part of this incredible program that truly changes and “saves lives,” in the words of Gen Robin Rand. This program is great because of you! Your work and dedication as instructors and cadets is positively impacting our nation, communities, schools, and units all over the world.

We are making some good progress on many fronts, Col (ret) Pete Gray captures many of these in his article that follows so I won’t go into great detail here. I do want to encourage and remind all units to fully track their community service in WINGS. Our goal this year is 1.7 Million community service hours! Last year our cadets and instructors did over 1.6 million hours of community service and

that is important because it represents “positive impact” in our schools, communities, and nation! It’s not just about “hours” …it’s about the tangible positive impact that the hours represent. Thank you for working so hard and doing this great work! Congrats again to the 47 units who earned the distinction as “Silver Star” Community Service with Excellence Award Winners last year. Our service is a big part of what sets us apart.

In December 2015, AFJROTC received the AdvancED program accreditation following an outstanding inspection result that fully accredits the AFJROTC program and curriculum for a 5-year period through 2021. A special thanks to AL-2002, AL-935, AL-941, AL-961, AZ-20021, AZ-862, & LA-932 for their preparation and help in hosting the inspectors during the unit visit portion of the evaluation. This independent evaluation confirmed that the AFJROTC program is absolutely accomplishing it’s mission to “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community!” AdvancED is the world leader in providing improvement and accreditation services to education providers of all types in their pursuit of excellence in serving students. AdvancED serves as a trusted partner to more than 32,000 public and private schools and school systems – enrolling more than 20 million students - across the United States and 70 countries. Well Done!!

HQ is making good progress with our programmatic funding and has raised our issues to the highest levels in AETC. AU has fully funded our entire unfunded request for FY16! This means that your units

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

From the Deputy Director ...........3

Instructor Management Corner ..6

Logistics Update .........................6

Curriculum Update ......................7

AFJROTC Ops Support ....................... 7

News & Noteworthy .....................8

Unit News ...................................13

Cadet Success Profiles .............31

Colonel Woods AFJROTC Director

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should be receiving additional funding this year than last year. Please utilize these funds! I understand it takes time to “re-learn” how to spend after many lean years, but you can expect a bit more than in previous years and some associated spending timelines as well to ensure the funds are fully utilized. Please know that your HQ is working hard to give you what you need to better enable you to do the job we have asked you to do!

Reimbursements: I understand that the Reimbursement process has frustrated many. Know that we are continuing to work with our Support Directorate teammates to make the needed adjustments and provide clear guidance to you so your request can be completed quickly and accurately the first time. So the bottom line is… we will continue to work it and make it a more responsive process.

Unit Evaluation Trends: I am seeing a direct correlation between outstanding (thorough and properly completed) unit self-assessments (unit self-inspection checklists) and those units earning “Exceeds Standards” UEs! I have instructed the RDs to keep each of you up to date on trends so you can hopefully learn from others. Their e-mails and updates are important and will help you if you take the time to read them and digest all the things they are seeing. Our UEs are open book tests and we want every unit to earn an “Exceeds” rating.

Again, Happy New Year and Thank You for all you do to make this AFJROTC program a high impact and incredible program. If you have any feedback for us, please route that up through your RD!

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 15. http://www.cofcontests.com

Upcoming Competition Dates

February 1 - 15, 2016 Level II

June 24 - 28, 2016 Level III - JROTC Leadership & Academic Championship

JICC In Residence Training

JICC 16 is scheduled for 11-23 July 16.

2016 Air Force National JROTC Drill

Championship Series (Regionals)

February - March 2016 (more information on pg 8)

2016 Air Force National JROTC Drill Championship

Challenge Level: Saturday, 30 April, 2016 Masters Level: Sunday & Monday, 1-2 May, 2016

http://www.cofcontests.com

http://www.cofcontests.com

https://www.holmcenter.com/media/jrotc/Sep2015AFJROTCNewsletter.pdf3

From the Deputy Director...Instructors,

First, I want to thank you for all the hard work and dedication it takes to operate a successful AFJROTC program!

I apologize upfront for this long article but there are a number of updates that are important to get out to the field:

1. We have good news on WINGS cadet access! Our dedicated wings programmers are on track to beta test cadet access for the logistics module starting late Jan and estimate deployment to the field in Feb. Instructors will be able to designate what cadets they want to have access and what areas of wings they can access. The cadets will sign into the Holm Center portal and be able to work in an application that looks just like wings. The cadets will then submit their inputs for instructor review to either accept, decline or change the inputs before they are accepted into wings. The

other cadet access modules will be much faster since the cadet access piece has been solved. Additionally, we are also working on wings “activity” guides for key processes,

such as the PSR, where wings will walk instructors through the steps to complete the PSR, ensure each step is done correctly, and provide clear feedback to the instructors that all actions/suspense’s are complete/correct. We are trying to make wings more user friendly.

2. Multi-copters: I want to pass on information to you concerning some new FAA regulations concerning unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that begin on 21 December. All unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds and more than 0.55 pounds on takeoff must be registered with the FAA. For those AFJROTC units who operate drones/multi-copters/RC aircraft, etc, it is incumbent on the unit and school to properly register and operate them within the FAA guidelines (visit this website for more information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/ ) The $5 fee will be refunded if you register before mid-Jan 2016. We cannot use Air Force funds to pay for this fee, any multi-copter repairs/accessories, or for units to purchase more multi-copters in addition to those provided by HQ. We are working with legal on new multi-copter policy and principal letters that designate the multi-copters as school versus Air Force assets. I will send out more information when it becomes available.

3. Bayonets on drill rifles: We do not allow any bayonets on drill rifles! Apparently there is a deeply concerning trend on numerous social media message boards where high school age cadets are discussing obtaining bayonets from the internet and affixing them to their rifles to spin. Please talk to your cadets about how dangerous this practice is and hopefully we can stop this bad idea before anyone gets hurt.

4. There has been some confusion on what co-curricular activities are and how to properly log them in the wings events module. Co-Curricular Events are team activities that meet on a regular basis with members of the team planning, organizing and executing a co-curricular program. Examples of Co-Curricular Activities (not all inclusive) are: Drill Team, Color Guard Team, Raiders Team, Marksmanship Team, Social Planning Committee, Rocketry Club, Morale Recreation Team, Recruiting Team, Awareness Presentation Team, Kitty Hawk Team, Orienteering Team. Cadets are encouraged to work and develop many Co-Curricular activities so all cadets are given the opportunity to enhance their participation in JROTC program. If your Co-Curricular activity includes Community Service hours, when clicking on the Co-Curricular box, the Default Hours box will appear with the following statement: “Enter only CS hours provided, not the event duration”. For example: If you hold a Color Guard Team activity, and did not perform a color guard you would leave the Default Hours box blank. If however, you had a Color Guard Team activity practice (30 min.) and then right after the practice you performed a color guard for the school (1 hour) you would be authorized to load in the default box 1hr. Then go to the Event Roster Tab, and load the cadets into that activity. Check the completed box and Save.

5. We have coordinated with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and are once again offering all units the opportunity to take cadets on CAP Orientation Flights. All units that are interested in offering their cadets an orientation flight are invited to start a relationship with a local Civil Air Patrol organization located close to their units (see attached

Mr. Pete Gray AFJROTC Deputy

https://mail.afjrotc.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=51b60187ec714a7294c5b50d34694339&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.faa.gov%2fuas%2fregistration%2f

https://mail.afjrotc.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=51b60187ec714a7294c5b50d34694339&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.faa.gov%2fuas%2fregistration%2f

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list of CAP units). This is a great opportunity to reward cadets with an opportunity to fly who may have never flown before. Please refer to the Published Files | Directory | JROTC | AFJROTC Co-Curricular FY2015 CAP AFJROTC MOA.pdf, this will give you a step by step process on how to plan and coordinate with CAP to get your cadets in the air. All cadets that are flying must have their parents/guardian fill out the attached safety waiver granting permission for their son/daughter to fly. Once you contact your local CAP unit and are ready to start flying, send [email protected] an email requesting funds be loaded to your units flight account within CAP. Each unit that sends HQ Ops Support an email will be granted $400.00 to use for CAP Orientation Flights. Units will have until 31 Jan 2016 to request funds be loaded to their CAP account. All flights must be scheduled and completed no later than June 15th 2016. Any remaining funds in your CAP account after that date, will be removed. Please do not miss out on this great opportunity for your cadets. If you have any questions about the CAP program please contact Capt Gaytan at [email protected]

6. All units must accomplish their annual ADPE Inventory Verification no later than 10 February 2016. All steps must be completed NLT 10 February to meet the suspense. Please note this task is AF-level, not AFJROTC. AFJROTC’s suspense is 10 February, regardless of what any other organization is doing.

The basic steps for accomplishing this is as follows:

• Navigate to WINGS/Main Menu/IT Refresh/Account Information.

• Verify the Primary EC and Alternate EC names displayed on the screen are correct.

• Click the link to the Training Slides. Both the Primary and Alternate EC must print their own separate certificate, sign it, scan and upload their own separate certificate in the “Current Year Documents” section. These both must be dated 1 January 2016 or later to be accepted. Must be a .pdf file.

• Click the “Generate EC Letter” link. Accomplish the letter as required, scan and upload it in the “Current Year Documents” section. The EC Letter must be dated 1 January 2016 or later to be accepted. Must be a .pdf file.

• Monitor the IT account Information module for those uploaded documents to be marked “Approved” or “Rejected” by your ECO (Seth, Shannon or Amy). Any rejects must be corrected quickly.

• Once you see the EC Letter and Training Certificates are marked approved by your ECO, you should be able to access your latest inventory by clicking the “Print ADPE Inventory” link. NOTE: Double check the date of the inventory when you pull it up to be sure it is dated 1 January 2016 or later.

• Run your inventory. Physically touch each and every item on that list. Verify each and every serial number to be sure they all match

From the Deputy Director (cont)...

The 2016 AF Regional Drill Comptetitions will crown the “Best in the Region” drill teams. For more information go to http://www.thenationals.n e t / a f - n a t i o n a l s . h t m Registration opens 1 Sept 2015.

South Eastern Championship

Saturday: 5 March 2016 Macon CENTREPLEX Ballroom Macon, Georgia

North Eastern Championship

Saturday: 19 March 2016 Nutter Center Arena Daytona, Ohio

South Central Championship

Saturday: 12 March 2016 Freeman Coliseum San Antonio, Texas

North Central Championship

Saturday - 12 March 2016 Bellevue West High School Bellevue, Nebraska

Far West Championship

Southern California Invitational Drill Meet (SCIDM) Saturday: 27 February 2016 NORTHRUP GRUMMAN Los Angeles, California

http://www.thenationals.net/af-nationals.htm

http://www.thenationals.net/af-nationals.htm


100%. If you are missing an item, an ROS must be done immediately.

• Once your inventory is verified, you must print, sign, scan and upload the signed inventory into the IT module. Must be a .pdf file. Again, monitor that module for the signed inventory to be marked “Approved” or “Rejected.”

All of this must be completed NLT 10 February 2016. It is best to accomplish this early in case you run into any difficulties or have missing items. Please direct all questions related to this to your ECO (found on the Training Slides).

7. Units are able to request transfer funds between the EMALL and MILPER accounts (through HQ Logistics) but plan these transfers carefully since you will only get two transfers--one during the initial funding distribution (Oct - 1 Jun) and one during the second funding distribution (1 Jul - 30 Sep).

The initial funding allotment of $26 in MILPER, $85 in EMALL, and $20 in MILPER (per cadet) needs to be spent before 1 June 16 (all requests must be in submit status with receipts attached) since any remaining funds will be pulled after the 1 June date. The reason for the two funding allotments is to encourage units to spend their funds during the school year and get ahead of the military’s end of year closeout that begins in June so we have time to identify/reallocate/spend any unused funds.

The second funding allotment will be on 1 July and consist of $4 in O&M, $15 in EMALL

and $3 in MILPER per cadet. These funds will need to be in at least proposed status by 15 Aug to comply with finance end of year closeout restrictions. I recommend units on 10 month contracts enter proposed expenses before leaving for summer break to ensure they meet the 15 Aug date.

We will have both O&M funds (partial) and MILPER funds available for summer CLCs. CLC spending guidelines/suspense’s will be sent out separately.

We have lifted many of the spending restrictions (mass dry cleaning, ordering ABU’s, using MILPER to purchase ABU boots, etc.) but the bottom line is units will need to closely manage their limited funds to ensure their cadets have the proper blue uniforms before spending money on secondary items.

Key finance suspense’s that must be met:

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 O&M, EMALL, and MILPER funds will be loaded (the remaining 15%)

15 Aug 16 - unit’s credit card cutoff date, all reimbursement requests from 1 Jun - 15 Aug need to be SUBMITTED (with receipts) for payment, all planned expenditures from 15 Aug-30 Sep need to be in “proposed” status in WINGS, and any “returned” reimbursement requests from the 1 Jun submit date need to be fixed/resubmitted.

16 Sep 16 - EMALL cutoff date

2016 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

DRILL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPShttp://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc.htm

Ocean Center Arena & Exhibit Hall

Sunny Daytona Beach, Florida

Challenge Level: 30 April, 2016

Guest Speaker: Holm Center CC, BG Guemmer

Masters Level: 1-2 May, 2016

Registration will open for the 2016 Nationals beginning on 15 September 2015. All schools have a fantastic Summer!

31 Oct 16 - all FY16 reimbursement requests SUBMITTED for payment

Welcome back from your well-deserved Holiday Breaks but as you can see, the operations tempo is going to get even busier the second semester.

Pete Gray AFJROTC Deputy

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

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All, Hello from your Instructor Management team! We have worked hard to ensure your JRI team is fair, consistent, courteous, and timely when responding to you. I greatly appreciate the positive feedback you have sent our way when a member of the staff goes above and beyond. I also appreciate feedback which provides opportunities for improvement and serve to strengthen the organization. Thank you in advance for any feedback you can send my way. We believe it is important to keep every member of the instructor corps informed to the maximum extent possible—sunshine laws to the fullest. With that in mind, we have scheduled JICC well in advance to ensure all attendees have maximum time to plan their summers. JICC 16 is scheduled for 11-23 July 16. We look forward to another world-class, professional certification course. This summer we anticipate 200+ attendees. We currently have 235 instructors on probation the majority of which fall in three categories: failed suspenses, DNMS Unit Evaluations, or below viability requirements. Probation has proven to be over 95% successful so from a headquarters perspective probation is definitely viewed as a positive tool. It brings the spotlight to a problem which, if not resolved, could lead to unit closures or instructor decertifications…both of which we prefer to be the last possible alternative.We are looking for innovative ways to improve the way we support each of you. We are currently digitizing the entire instructor vacancy process. We are looking into CAC cards (Common Access Cards) for all of our instructors which would allow access to .mil email accounts & DTS, to name a couple of the benefits. We continue to push for a return to extended contracts for all of instructors.Finally, thank you for what you do each and every day. The significance of what you do for the youth of our country and your local communities cannot be overstated. My entire team is proud to support you in that endeavor. Scotty Lewis Instructor Management

Logistics Update...We understand there is a delay with DLA shipping ABU boots. If your unit currently has boots on order through EMALL, please do not cancel the order because the money will NOT be refunded back to your unit. In addition to EMALL, units can order boots using the HQs credit card or reimbursement processes. If units use the reimbursement process then they can use a vendor of their choice but units using the HQs credit card MUST use either Ability One or Air Force Advantage. Remember

Silver Valor Award, AY 2015/2016

FL-931 Cadet Reese Lewis

Community Service with Excellence Award,

AY 2015/2016DE-931 Cadet Eric Siverson

AFJROTC “Silver Star” Community Service

with Excellence Award, AY 2014/2015

AK-941AL-011AL-936AL-951AR-20011AR-20012AZ-911AZ-20064BE-931CA-20067CA-20068CA-891CA-901CA-933FL-802FL-951FL-20053FL-20081GA-20068HI-932IL-20051IL-20071JA-20101KS-20061KY-071MA-841MD-942MO-20021

NC-959NJ-20004NY-20051OH-012OH-771OH-871OH-881OH-20052OH-20091SC-041SC-942SD-061TN-20061TX-081TX-793TX-924TX-935TX-936TX-20014TX-20016TX-20018TX-20051TX-20061TX-20093TX-200011WA-953WA-20051WI-951

Instructor Management Corner

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the cost of the boots cannot exceed what they cost in EMALL. If you want to check the status of your boots, instructions can be found by going to WINGS | Published files | Directory | JROTC | Logistics. Please do not call or e-mail Logistics for status as we don’t have access to that information. Units are also able to transfer funds between the EMALL and MILPER accounts (through HQ Logistics) but plan these transfers carefully since you will only get two transfers - one during the initial funding distribution (Oct - 1 Jun), and one during the second funding distribution (1 Jul - 30 Sept).Thanks, Ms. Robin CottenLogistics Support Assistant

Curriculum Update...Revision of Aerospace Science 100: Milestones of Aviation History has begun, we hosted a meeting with the primary contractor and subcontractors in November 2015 and now the work of revision will soon begin. We are currently working out details of a content map that creates a “road map” of how the new textbook will flow and material that will be covered. The revised textbook will embrace previous content and add new material that will enrich the experience of learning about significant events of the past, current aviation events, aviation technology being developed for the future. A grateful appreciation goes out to all those instructors who took the time to respond to our request for inputs for the AS100 revision. You’ll see new vibrant color schemes used in all previously revised curriculum and combines the 21st century lesson plan format used in recently released curriculum with the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and WIDS® model. However, please keep in mind that since many of our historical aviation events took place during a time when the quality of photography was less than desirable compared to today’s capabilities, some historical photos will have poor quality and/or will be in black and white. You’ll also see the addition of a companion website. This new student-centered AS100 course will satisfy elective credit and may be able to satisfy history credit requirements in some states. The new curriculum is aligned with recognized, national standards. They include the

McRel Standards, ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS• S), and Common Core English-Language Arts. Each lesson will include a “Quick Write” exercise at the start of each lesson. A “Learn About” box tells the cadet what they should take away from the lesson. A vocabulary list will ensure that cadets will understand the terms they encounter throughout the text.Since we are in the early stages of the revision, the expected release date will be sometime in the spring of 2017. Mike WetzelAcademic Credit Liaison, Holm Center Curriculum Directorate

AFJROTC Ops Support Information...MilAir RequestsWe process military air requests. If you want to take advantage of “space-A” flights for your cadets

to do a Course in Action (CIA) event we can route up the paperwork. A couple of units have taken advantage of this. They have used it to fly their cadets from Germany back to the states. Just send us the email to our HQ-Ops Support email.

2.9.2. DoD Flight Program. Per DoD 4515.13-R AFJROTC students and instructors, who are members of an organized AFJROTC activity, and civilian officials functioning in a chaperone capacity, are authorized flights on DoD operated (or contracted) aircraft. AFJROTC cadets are not guaranteed orientation flights. Orientation flights are services provided as base resources allow on a noninterference basis. Base authorities determine the availability of aircraft and resources.

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2.9.2.1. AFJROTC funds are not authorized for any costs associated with DoD flights. Therefore, units must clearly indicate the mission must be a regular training mission or previously funded by another agency.

2.9.2.2. The AFJROTC instructor must contact the airfield manager, public affairs, and/or the flying unit to arrange for the orientation flight. Units should be flexible for flight dates, understanding the flying unit makes such arrangements as their resources allow.

2.9.2.3. Flying units and supporting airfield managers may have different requirements for orientation flights. AFJROTC units must ensure the flying unit and the supporting airfield manager’s requirements are satisfied.

2.9.2.4. AFJROTC instructors will complete and submit DD Form 2768, Military Air Passenger/Cargo Request (prescribed by DoDD 4500.56, DoD Policy on the Use of Government Aircraft and Air Travel), to Holm Center/JRO. The request will be validated and forwarded to HQ CAP- USAF/XOO. The submitted request must identify the supporting flying unit in addition to dates, times, and locations. A cover memo must be included for airlift requests identifying the trip purpose and itinerary.

2.9.2.5. AFJROTC cadets and instructors must be in uniform. Cadets must be in groups continually supervised by an AFJROTC instructor or a school-approved.

News & Noteworthy...

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION AFJROTC OUTSTANDING UNIT AWARD WINNERS, 2015

Chapter 102 and the Air Force Association congratulate the cadre and cadets of these outstanding units for their remarkable contributions to the AFJROTC program, their schools, and their communities.

State Award Winner: Lee High School AL-011, Montgomery, AL

Local Award Winner: Prattville High School, AL-951, Prattville, AL

Air Force SoftwareDon’t forget to take advantage of our “free to you” software for use on your work computers. Go to this link: http://downloads.afjrotc.com/All available software is listed on this site and can be downloaded. If the software requires a registration key you will be required to email the [email protected] account and request the required key. The following information is required to be issued a key: the number of systems you plan to install the software on. All software you download is to support your Air Force mission requirements. If you are having trouble downloading Windows 7 you may need to attempt to download the program from home or use a download manager that is able to handle possible interruptions or timeouts.

ALL STARS!

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LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHARLES BROWN, JR., COMMANDER, HQ AFCENT VISITS SC-873, CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

In a perfect visit, Lt Gen Brown spent 45 minutes with SC-873 cadets. The Gen addressed questions, recruited no fewer than 15 cadets for the AF, and was the highlight of the Unit’s 28 year history!!

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 advcate AFJROTC to the world? Plese send your best bumper sticker slogans to [email protected]

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A SUPERINTENDENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON AFJROTC

JROTC – The Great Equalizer

by Dr. Chris Lowder

A few weeks ago, I was invited to say a few words to kick off the Fall Field Day Competition for the Air Force JROTC units in Cabarrus County Schools. We have units at four of our high schools: Central Cabarrus, J.M. Robinson, Mount Pleasant, and Northwest Cabarrus. It was an honor and a privilege to stand in front of about 250 students as they prepared to compete against each other in competitions of leadership, communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whenever I leave a JROTC event, I always leave uplifted and inspired by the students and their dedication and focus.

I really had no interaction with JROTC until I became a teacher at Central Cabarrus High School. I had always assumed it was just a recruiting wing for the military. During my first year teaching, I struggled to learn how to reach students who were not interested in English. I had two guys in particular who were extremely smart but simply did not respond to anything I tried with them. They frustrated me all year, and both failed my class.

About 6 weeks into my second year of teaching, I saw both of them around school, and they looked completely

different. I thought this was strange but chalked it up to maturity. It was not long before I saw them in their JROTC uniforms. They both looked sharp and carried themselves with a sense of pride I had not seen before. When I asked them what had changed, one said, “I feel like I have a purpose” and the other said, “I have a focus now.”

I began to talk to the JROTC instructor, Colonel Nimmo, about what they did in the program. I soon learned it was not about recruiting for the military at all. Instead, it was about leadership and team building. They welcomed all students. Some were in the top of their class, and some were in the bottom. Some were going directly into the military, and some were not even considering it. JROTC welcomed them all and tried to teach them how to lead each other and how to work together.

Later, when I became the principal at Central Cabarrus, I saw this happen over and over again. Students who were in trouble and not succeeding could be completely turned around in JROTC when nothing else worked. Students who were leaders in their class worked side by side with students who had never led anything. I also worked with and learned from Colonel Hefner who was leading JROTC while I was the principal. I saw again and again how he worked with students and got them to perform when no one else could. We talked often about leadership and what it meant when he was in the Air Force. I learned many things about my own leadership style from watching Colonel Nimmo and Colonel Hefner lead students.


I wish everyone could see how these programs unify students. Students go through leadership training together throughout the year and during the summer. When asked to serve their community, they always say yes and give up their time without question.

Through the design of the program, it is also a place where students become equals. Black students lead white students. Young ladies lead young men. Poor students lead wealthy students. Number 310 in the class leads number 5 in the class. Over the course of the semester and school year, all of these roles get reversed and mixed up. It is inspiring to see students constantly asked to lead and follow their peers. They are also challenged to analyze their teams and see where students and their talents will fit in best for a common mission.

In a time where people often say that young people are disrespectful and lack initiative, I see 250 kids from all different races and all different backgrounds saluting their leaders and getting ready to challenge each other to lead and follow. I hear them only say, “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am” to each other and to adults. I see them show up when they are out of school to present colors for school board meetings, summer graduation ceremonies, work parking for school events, and to kick off our convocation at the beginning of the school year.

Our JROTC programs help develop leadership and character, regardless of interest in the military. It is a place where students have the opportunity to lead, follow, and become equals. Most importantly, these programs make our schools better places and our students better people.

Dr. Chris Lowder is the Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools.

Mr. Kyle Gartner is pictured above at center bottom of picture.


SERVICE TO COUNTRY DURING HISTORICAL MOMENT

A local graduate is serving on a special detail during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States.

Kyle Gartner, 19, is a 2014 graduate of Farmington High School and the son of Ron and Dana Gartner. His mother was visibly shaking with excitement on Tuesday when she found photos of her middle child, who is now serving with the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard, participating in the welcoming ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base.

Standing at attention as Pope Francis and President Barack Obama greet those gathered on the tarmac is the young man who, according to his mom, “decided at 10 years old that he wanted to be in the military and has never wavered.”

Kyle was a member of the Farmington High School AFJROTC program for all four years, serving one year as the Color Guard commander.

“That was the only year Farmington took first place at every competition,” she said.

While sharing photos with Col. Steve Wenninger during float building on Tuesday, she credited Wenninger and Sgt. Heflin for their leadership during her son’s time in high school.

“Col. Wenninger and Sgt. Heflin were great in leading and working with him to help him see his potential to

be a leader and have the confidence that he needs to go out and perform in front of people,” Dana said. “They helped push him out of his comfort zone.

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Kyle joined the Navy’s DEP (early entry program) when he was 17, signing a contract to be a corpsman. His mom said his goal is to be assigned to the fleet marine unit.

He left for boot camp on June 24, 2014 and graduated on Aug. 22, 2014. It was during his time in boot camp Kyle had the opportunity to be considered for the Ceremonial Guard.

“Once you are selected to be in the Ceremonial Guard, you have to go thru training to actually earn the right to be called a guardsman,” Dana said. “Being in the Ceremonial Guard is a great honor; you are the representatives of the whole Navy and of America.”

He graduated as a guardsman on Nov. 5, 2014 and was selected to join the drill team. One of the team’s biggest responsibilities, according to Dana, are funerals held at Arlington Cemetery.

“They are bringing honor to those who have fallen, to those who have served our country well, and showing respect and honor to the family that has been left behind,” Dana said, adding he has also worked with TAPS – Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors … work that he shared meant the most to him.

In addition to serving at the welcoming ceremony at the base, Kyle’s detail for the visit also included the welcoming ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, welcoming 16 foreign ambassadors, changing of command for the Navy CNO and a drill team performance for an Honor Flight.

“These are opportunities that he has to be a part of celebrations and enjoying what he does, but his

main duty is bringing honor to those who we have lost,” she said.

Dana said her son has signed an extension to his contract that will keep him in the Ceremonial Guard until after the Presidential Inauguration. He will be going to Corpsman school after this duty station to begin the next leg of his journey.

“He is doing what he loves to do,” Dana said. “If you talk to Kyle, he will tell you that this is his job, he loves it, and he wants to do his best at it.

“We are very proud of him and amazed at the opportunities that God has given him at a young age. I am proud of our Ceremonial Guardsmen and the job that they do. They are an amazing group of men and women who want to bring honor to the living and to the fallen.”

Kyle has a sister, Kristina, 22, and brother, Kendall, 17.

For original article:

http://dailyjournalonline.com/farmington-press/news/local/service-to-country-during-historical-moment/ar t ic le_6c4f02fb-d0a1-5e08-b38b-ee7483a4876a.html

http://dailyjournalonline.com/farmington-press/news/local/service-to-country-during-historical-moment/article_6c4f02fb-d0a1-5e08-b38b-ee7483a4876a.html





Unit News...

CA-935 SCRIPPS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

by Col (Ret) Robert M. Hogan

On Dec 19, 2015, AFJROTC CA-935 conducted their annual holiday canned food drive. The cadets involved Scripps Ranch High School administrators, teachers, and students, collecting 14,450 pounds (over 7 tons) of food. This means 12,042 meals can be provided to assist children, senior citizens, disabled persons, men, women, and families throughout San Diego County.

Unit News...

CA-946 BUENA PARK HIGH SCHOOL LOOKING SHARP

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Unit News...CA-953 VISTA HIGH SCHOOL’S AFJROTC LADIES MENTORING GROUP

by Cadet Senior Airman Monsera Martinez

“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow” - Robert Kiyosaki

Vista High School’s (VHS) Ladies Mentoring Program was created by cadet leaders from the school’s Air Force JROTC unit in Vista, California. The program consists of girls from across the corps as well as from the school’s regular student population. We gather in our AFJROTC room to have meetings and share ideas and experiences. We began this after talking about and brainstorming ideas with Ms. Flo King. She is the Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) Specialist for Air Education and Training Command Headquarters in San Antonio Texas. Ms. King was able to help us understand the Air Force’s SAPR program better and gave us some ideas to think about in starting our own program. Protecting and preventing crimes against women is one aspect of our program, however it is also about supporting each other and overcoming the gender barrier along with other obstacles. Two years ago Colonel Lostetter introduced us to the concept for a Ladies Mentoring Program. He placed us in contact with some outstanding role models and mentors and continues to support us as we turn this into something great for every girl. We have hosted several guest speakers that have

shared their insights on various topics. Mr. about Jeff Green, an AP European teacher at VHS gave us his perspective on how women are viewed and treated in today’s society. He also made us think how we have the power to change all those aspects. Other guest speakers we have invited include Ms. Bryanna Norton, Vice Principal at VHS and Ms. Roxanne Parker, a young pilot in San Diego with goals of flying for a major airline. She showed us that with determination and perseverance we can do anything we want in life. She was even kind enough to bring us scholarships we could apply for.This year I have a vision to actually get the program well known to everyone at Vista High School and eventually to the whole Vista community. I want to open it up to all the girls, make them feel accepted for who they are, make them proud to be women. I want them to realize that they have the power, potential and the voice to do anything in life whether it’s becoming a doctor or even getting accepted into a college or university. They can develop the confidence to speak up and to fix something if they don’t agree with it. Moreover, we are in the generation where women are constantly challenging themselves every single day to become who they want to be. What will be the outcome? Future leaders, women that will stand up and speak up with confidence and not be afraid to assert what they believe in.


Unit News...CO-20001 MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN

9-11 MEMORIAL CEREMONY

Unit CO-20001, Mitchell High School, participated in a 9-11 Memorial Ceremony honoring all who died in the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001. Kathryn Yancey LaBorie, a 1975 Mitchell graduate who died on 9/11, was honored during this memorial event.

CO-20021 WINGS U OF WYOMING JUNIOR RAIDER CHALLENGE

On October 3, 2015 cadets from Academy District 20 AFJROTC program competed in a raider competition placing first overall and first in the physical training event amongst 24 raider teams from Army and Air Force JROTC programs in Colorado and Wyoming. The raider competition was hosted by the University of Wyoming Army ROTC program in Laramie, Wyoming. The competition consisted of: a PT test; one rope bridge crossing; run, dodge, jump; leadership challenge; and obstacle course.

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Unit News...FL-051 FORT WALTON BEACH HIGH SCHOOL FALLEN SOLDIER

MEMORIAL

Cadets from FL-051 stood watch over the Fallen Soldier memorial as part of the Fort Walton Beach High School Military/First Responder Appreciation night September 11, 2015.

AK-20041 South Anchorage High SchoolAK-20061 Eagle River High SchoolAK-20121 Wasilla High SchoolAK-941 North Pole High SchoolAL-932 Thompson High SchoolCA-071 Armijo High SchoolCA-20011 Vanden High SchoolCA-20017 Valley High SchoolCA-841 C. K. McClatchy High SchoolCA-863 Del Campo High SchoolGA-20068 Callaway High SchoolGA-935 North Gwinnett High SchoolIA-951 Abraham Lincoln High SchoolIL-091 Bolingbrook High SchoolKY-051 Harrison County High SchoolKY-071 Apollo High SchoolKY-20003 Nelson County High SchoolKY-931 Bell County High SchoolKY-941 Scott County High SchoolLA-061 West Monroe High SchoolLA-071 Parkway High SchoolLA-801 Haughton High SchoolLA-943 Lakeview High SchoolLA-951 Benton High SchoolMA-771 Lowell High School

MD-20051 North Point HS for Science, Tech, and IndustryMO-071 Nevada High SchoolMO-20001 Republic High SchoolMO-952 Lee’s Summit North High SchoolMO-953 University City High SchoolMS-081 South Panola High SchoolMS-932 Lafayette High SchoolNC-031 Ashbrook High SchoolNC-041 Enka High SchoolNC-045 North MecklenburgNV-20011 Palo Verde High SchoolNV-20012 North Valleys High SchoolNV-20052 Canyon Springs HS + Leadership + Law Prep AcademyNV-20121 Cimarron-Memorial High SchoolNV-941 Durango High SchoolOH-022 Walter E. Stebbins High SchoolSC-20023 Blue Ridge High SchoolSC-935 Columbia High SchoolSC-942 Palmetto High SchoolSC-952 Emerald High SchoolTX-093 Billy Ryan High SchoolTX-20092 Kingwood Park High SchoolTX-794 Cooper High SchoolTX-959 Temple High School

UNIT ASSESSMENT “Exceeds Standards”


Unit News...

GA-20063 DUTCHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL HONORS FALLEN ALUMNA

Despite not knowing her personally, Maj. Sarah Beavers, the long-time Air Force JROTC Department Chair at Dutchtown High School, made sure Kcey E. Ruiz, a 21-year-old from McDonough, was honored at her alma mater this week.Ruiz was among six soldiers killed on 2 OCT 2015 supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, they died in the crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. The cause of the accident is under investigation.A memorial was set up in the JROTC wing of the school Monday in Ruiz’s honor, and many stopped by to pay their respects.When I look at her photos and recall some of the words written by her Air Force commanders, I see a young lady who was very vibrant, very proud of the profession she chose, and very good at what she did in the Air Force,” Beavers said. “It’s evident that she touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with.“She embodied the very essence of what we try to teach in JROTC -leadership, conviction, service before self, excellence, and most definitely, the importance of service to nation and community,” Beavers continued. “As some of her former teachers stopped by to pay tribute to her at theJROTC memorial display in her honor, they confirmed what an awesome young lady Kcey was and what a precious gift she possessed. She will always be a special part of the OHS family and a valued asset to the United States Air Force and our country.”Condolences rolled in quickly.A cease-fire wouldn’t have stopped people from commending Ruiz for her service to the United States when news of her death broke on social media.“Words can’t express my gratitude and sense of honor knowing we can live our lives with peace and rainbow sunglasses to the world around us because of Airman 1st Class Ruiz,” wrote Jason Smith.The Henry Herald was unable to reach the Ruiz family for comment as of press time.However, family members and friends said in various Facebook posts that Ruiz was set to come home in November.Michael Ruiz, the fallen airman’s father, posted Monday that “Kcey has arrived” at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. There is still no information about where her body will be moved once it’s released from Dover.“The outpouring of support is very appreciated,” he wrote on Facebook. “Her other family is here with us sharing their many fond memories of my little clown. She was and is a blessing in my life.”From posts to her Facebook wall, it was easy to gather how deeply Ruiz impacted those around her. She joked with fellow soldiers and createdlasting memories at Dutchtown, where she was a Class of 2012 graduate.Maj. Met Berisha, Ruiz’s commander of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, said in a U.S. Air Force press release that Ruiz and her fellow Airman Nathan Sartain were some of the “finest security forces” in the Air Force.

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On November 10, 2015, AFJROTC GA-956 hosted its 18th Annual Dining In at the American Legion Post 233, Loganville, GA. With our Cadet Corps and special guest there were nearly 250 people in attendance. Weeks before the event, our Cadet Corps leadership were inviting special guests and assigning specific tasks to the experienced Cadets. Our Director of Air Force JROTC, Colonel Bobby Woods, was gracious and took time from his extremely busy schedule to attend and be our keynote speaker. The event started with the Presentation of Colors and our POW/MIA table ceremony, honoring our nation and the individuals still missing and unaccounted for from our wars. This has been a tradition for our Dining In and is highly

revered for the Cadets chosen to perform these honors. Although not an awards ceremony, some specific recognition for recent achievements was made to Cadets and teams that have demonstrated superior performance and community service:

• GA-956 Marksmanship Team• GA-956 Raider Team• Cadet/Colonel Burnette, Kaitlyn• Cadet/Colonel Brown, Phillip• Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Reed, Nicholas• Cadet/Major Thompson, Robert • Cadet/Lieutenant Cox, Lina• Cadet/Lieutenant Thompson, Coleman• Cadet/Lieutenant Pittman, William• Cadet/Senior Master Sergeant Roberts,

Levi• Cadet/Technical Sergeant Dingler, Jason

Col Woods Address

“Simply put, Ruiz and Sartain loved securing and projecting combat airpower for our nation,” Berisha said. “Their families not only raised fine American patriots, but they raised heroes that we all had the humble honor and phenomenal privilege to serve alongside with here.”Henry County Schools issued the following statement regarding Ruiz’s death:“Each and every student who comes to Henry County Schools, no matter the amount of time spent in our district, is an individual on which we hope to make a positive impression.Oftentimes these students are able to give back so much more, as was the example of Airman 1st Class Kcey through her selfless act of serving our country. We hope her memory is a positive reminder to all of our county, state, and nation that service to others, no matter the capacity, is something to be revered. Her legacy will echo for years to come. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and comrades.”Check www.henryherald.com for continuing coverage of this story.Original text: http://www.henryherald.com/news/2015/oct/06/dutchtown-jrotc-honors-fallen-alumna-airman-1st/

Unit News...

GA-956 2015 DINING INby Cadets Robert Thompson, Kaitlyn Burnette, Phillip Brown and Nicholas Reed


Cadet Col Phillip Brown with Raider National Trophy

LFT to RT: Col Woods, Ms. Helton Sarver, Cadet Cox, Lt Col Rozier

LFT to RT: Marine Sergeant Walters, Ms. Helton Sarver and Cadet Thompson

The Teams received recognition of their overall performance at National Level events. The individuals listed are all members of our Kitty Hawk Air Society, Lt Joseph Helton Flight Chapter. Our Chapter honors Lt Joseph Helton, a graduate of our program, an Honor Graduate from the Air Force Academy and Air Force 1st Lieutenant that was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom; the standards for our Chapter are extremely high and we try to emulate the leadership of Lt Helton. Lt Helton’s Mother, Ms. Jiffy Helton Sarver is the Director of the Lt Helton Memorial Foundation, Inc. (http://www.ltheltonfoundation.org/) which provides our Chapter members opportunities to complete noteworthy community service and an annual scholarship to our Cadets. Ms. Helton Sarver was in attendance as well and recognized members of the Joseph Helton Flight. Colonel Woods thanked Ms. Helton Sarver for her sacrifices and support to our unit.

After the recognition, dinner, toasts and a few Cadets’ trip to the Grog Bowl, Colonel Woods provided an outstanding presentation. He highlighted the many accomplishments of our unit over the past several years and talked to us about leadership, character, team work and making good choices. It was as if he and our SASI talk all the time, as he emphasized the importance of planning and being prepared, a topic we hear about in class almost daily!

Colonel Woods also talked about the Core Values and the importance of not only knowing them, but living them; each and every day…he closed out the presentation with a brief “question/answer” session, providing Cadets

with the correct answers “RMO’s”! Thanks to Colonel Woods, Ms. Helton Sarver, American Legion Department of Georgia Post 233 and the Cadets that planned, coordinated and executed the event, the 18th Annual GA-956 Dining In was an outstanding success!

http://www.ltheltonfoundation.org/

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Unit News...

NC-041 ENKA HIGH AND NC-075 TUSCOLA HIGH: PAINTBALL, PROBLEM SOLVING, LEADERSHIP AND BALLOONS

NC-041 Enka High School1. On 19 Sep 2015, 40 cadets from Enka High School (NC-041) ventured to Wolverine Paintball in Hendersonville,

NC. In addition to dodging paintballs, each practiced their leadership, communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills. Early every semester, NC-041 cadets take a field trip to a local professional paintball vendor as a fun recruiting/retention activity. Maj John Beaulieu, SASI, NC-041 said: “In my 10 years of teaching JROTC, paintball field trips offer cadets the opportunity to learn and refine a number of character traits that we try to foster. This field trip is among our most popular.” Teachers use this trip as a wonderful “carrot” to dangle in front of cadets who need that extra incentive for improved grades in classes especially for required core classes such as Math, English, History, and the Sciences.

NC-041 Enka High School and NC-075 Tuscola High School2. Of the 886 Air Force JROTC units spread across the United

States, Europe, and Asia, Enka High School (NC-041) boasts the ONLY licensed Balloon Pilot, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant James Eagle. At the request of nearby unit NC-075, (Tuscola High School in Waynesville NC), he and three other cadets, Cadet Lt Col Autumn Baird, Cadet Major Chris Kelley, and Cadet 1Lt Alex Jackson revealed their ballooning skills to the entire student body and the school Superintendent on 17 September 2015. In addition to a tethered demonstration, Cadet Eagle spoke on the science and physics of flight, ballooning history, and the design of manned and unmanned balloons.

Floating within a perfect blue background, the balloon offered the spectators a remarkable opportunity for some rare sky “eye candy.”


Unit News...

IN-20011 AFJROTC-CAP ORIENTATION FLIGHTSby C/Lt Col Montgomery Spoonhour and C/SMSgt Makenna Carpenter

Front row, left to right: C/2 Lt Holly Cotton, C/Maj Kyrsten Stump, C/SMSgt Katie Russell; Back row, left to right: C/Lt Col Montgomery Spoonhour, C/SSgt Dawson Jobe, C/SMSgt Makenna Carpenter, C/SMSgt Nikinzie Krstich, C/MSgt Chris Walsh, C/SMSgt Justin Schnellenberger after completing a pre-flight inspection of the Cessna 172.

On August 29 and September 12, 2015 Terre Haute North High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC was able participate in something most people dream about doing. Out of the nine active Air Force Junior ROTC units in Indiana, cadets from Indiana-20011 were able to have the chance to fly in a Cessna-172 aircraft. The top cadets in the program were selected for this first time opportunity for our unit.For these students it was an opportunity of a lifetime. Only twelve cadets were selected with four senior cadets being chosen to sit up front during the flights. Cadets riding in the co-pilot’s seat were fortunate enough to pilot the Cessna-172 under the supervision of a senior Civil Air Patrol (CAP) pilot. During the four sorties, one student was up front with an instructor and another two students riding in the back seat positions. Broken into groups of three, while one group was on their one hour flight the other cadets were provided with a ninety minute ground school, introducing them to Air Traffic Control, airport traffic patterns, basic navigation and radio operations, and the Civil Air Patrol basic search patterns. After finishing the ground school and orientation flights, Terre Haute North High School’s SASI, Colonel Greenlee, took cadets on a tour of the Federal Aviation Administration’s control tower and radar approach control facility. Terre Haute’s Hulman International Airport is home to both the 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard, and also serves as a training facility for new FAA air traffic controllers.One of the four cadets lucky enough to fly in the front seat was Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery Spoonhour who stated, “The fact that I was given the chance to fly is absolutely amazing considering it was the first time I had ever been in an airplane before. My first time flying in an airplane and getting to pilot it is an experience I won’t forget”. So when asked about his experience, Cadet Master Sergeant Justin Schnellenberger said, “Honestly, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced in my life. It was exhilarating“. When we asked Cadet Master Sergeant Chris Walsh about the most interesting thing he learned he said, “I found that the radar room in the traffic control tower was the most interesting part to learn about during the tour“. However Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Nikinzie Krstich thought that the preflight inspection was the most interesting. Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Paul, CAP the Director of Operations

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for the Terre Haute CAP Senior Squadron stated, “From the CAP pilot’s perspective, it was a privilege to work with these young cadets, and our squadron and pilots thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The Terre Haute Senior Squadron and the Indiana Wing CAP looks forward to future association with the AFJROTC flight orientation program”. The flight orientation program between AFJROTC and the CAP is an excellent way for cadets to learning about and experience flight. For the first time in our Group’s history the Terre Haute Patriot’s took flight, and based on the success of this program, we plan to continue this program well into the future.

JA-931 EDGREN HIGH SCHOOL AIR FORCE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE by Col (Ret) Fredrick Schuster

The Air Force Junior ROTC unit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is proud to have one of the top three finalists in the “AIR Force Entertainer of the Year” contest. Our Cadet Squadron Commander, Angela Paraino, just returned from Texas where she and the other two finalists made videos showcasing their talents. These videos are available for viewing by the public and, more importantly, VOTING. The link has more information from http://myairforcelife.com/entertainer/ and shows the three finalists and the prizes for the winner.

Unit News...

Left to Right: C/Maj Kyrsten Stump, C/2 Lt Holly Cotton in the back seat of the Cessna 172.

http://myairforcelife.com/entertainer/

http://myairforcelife.com/entertainer/


Unit News...

KY-061 TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CADETS PRESENT THE COLORSby Maj (Ret) Alexander Curtis

On Saturday 26 Sept, KY-061 AFJROTC provided the color guard for the University of Louisville NCAA Football game. The cadets of KY-061 performed flawlessly in front of 55,396 fans. The Deputy Marketing Director for the University of Louisville commented that “this was the best color guard to date!”

LA-062 EAST JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORTS PGA INITIATIVE BIRDIES FOR THE BRAVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

by MSgt (Ret) Mark K. Thomas

On Nov 11, 2015 AFJROTC LA-062 supported the Birdies for the Brave Tournament held at TPC Louisiana. On Veterans Day 2015 members of LA-062 East Jefferson High School presented the Colors, singing of the national anthem, and pin tending for all 18 holes during the tournament. 140 golfers enjoyed having the same experience PGA Golf professionals have when active duty member provide the same service at professional events. General Manager

Luke Farabaugh and Head Golf Professional Brian Long applauded the cadets for their professionalism, kindness and adding a needed sense of pride to the event.

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Unit News...

NH-20001 SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

Cadets Seth Davidson and Erinne Curtin giving presentations at Post 63 American Legion in Salem, NH about their experiences at Girls and Boys State this past summer.

Cadet Erinne Curtin, commanding color guard for opening ceremony at Windham High School’s “Black-out” football game where all proceeds from the school’s fundraising goes to childhood cancer programs.


A new program similar to a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps — or JROTC — program is proving popular at Broken Arrow High School.

The district this year started an Air Force National Defense Cadet Corps program, and 94 cadets are enrolled. A ceremony officially activating the unit was held earlier this month.

“With our major focus on student engagement, this program allows us to provide activities that appeal to a broader range of students,” said Chuck Perry, Broken Arrow assistant superintendent of student services. “It not only creates opportunities for those who wish to pursue a military career, but is also a great opportunity for all students to develop leadership and discipline skills that will serve them in both their personal and professional lives.”

When the board of education approved an application agreement with the Air Force for the program in January, district officials said they had been trying to get a JROTC unit for more than 10 years.

Officials said the Air Force funds only a limited number of JROTC programs. There is a waiting list and various requirements to become a funded program, meaning the wait can sometimes be long.

The National Defense Cadet Corps — or NDCC — program is an alternative route, identical to the JROTC except that the school district provides a majority of the funding.

Broken Arrow officials said they decided the program was important enough that the district would fund it. The January agreement estimated start-up fees would be about $200,000, and would cover salaries,

equipment, uniforms, computers, and classroom and storage space.

After the first year, the cost of the program is expected to be about $100,000 annually.

Perry previously said he hopes the program eventually will grow to between 200 and 400 students.

Senior Hannah McGath, 18, is one of the cadets in the program this year.

McGath said she is already enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and said being in the NDCC program will help her get used to the military.

“It’s nice; it’s something better to do than a blow-off class,” McGath said.

Sophomore Julian Clark, 15, is also enjoying being part of the program.

“When I grow up, I want to join the Army,” Clark said. “I thought it would be a great experience,” he said of the program.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Oscar Davis said the program has been welcomed by everyone in the community. “They’re really happy we’re here,” he said.

Davis said the class offers students good leadership experience, as well as “another avenue of learning.”

The curriculum for the elective course is composed of 40 percent aerospace science, 40 percent leadership education and 20 percent physical fitness. Students also participate in field trips to military bases, aerospace facilities and aviation museums.

Unit News...

OK 20151 BROKEN ARROW HIGH SCHOOL

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Unit News...

SC-872 WANDO HIGH SCHOOL EVENT COMMEMORATED BATAAN DEATH MARCH

On 20 Dec 2015, Wando HS AFJROTC Unit SC-872 participated in a memorial event commemorating the Bataan Death March. 52 Cadets, two instructors and 2 parents participated in the 14 mile march in the Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant SC. To add to the difficulty, cadets carried two litters the entire length of the march. Cadets formed teams and every few minutes changed the litter carriers and the “wounded” patient. Although they were tired at the end, it gave them a perspective on how difficult and incredibly painful the actual 70 mile Bataan march must have been for the starving, sick and injured American and Philippine prisoners.


Unit News...

SC-064 SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLby Maj (Ret) Gregory Perry

On 29 Oct 2015, Spring Valley JROTC has established a partnership with Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary school in which cadets participate as classroom helpers for assigned teachers. Principals, administrators, teachers, and yes, even elementary students welcomed 23 Spring Valley cadets to their school on October 28th. Cadets ranging from 9th - 12th grade helped teachers in their rooms, participated in reading circles, escorted students to special assemblies, and brightened the day of students throughout the school. Cadets each 2nd and 4th Wednesday have chosen to forego the extra sleep afforded them on “late start Wednesday” to encourage young people and represent their School. In fact, almost half of those cadets partnering with the school, chose to mentor young people prior to taking their PSAT exams that morning. Cadets daily recite the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all we do. Partnering with Lonnie B. Nelson elementary school and connecting with young people is just one way Spring Valley students are serving our community.

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Unit News...

TX-952 CORSICANA HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETES THE BATAAN DEATH MEMORIAL MARCH

by MSgt (Ret) Roger Hardie

TX-952, completed the 14 miles required to earn this new award. Tx-952 had 51 of our cadets complete the 14 miles. Well done!!


Unit News...

TX-20093 WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL CADET IN ACTION TRIP

by C/Capt Bailey Simonds, TX-20093 PA Division Chief

On September 18, 2015, Wylie East AFJROTC took two charter buses on their annual weekend field trip to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. The trip helped to further build bonds between First Year and returning cadets, build esprit de corps, and learn the history of the World War II aircraft carrier’s service to our country. The Live Aboard Program gave cadets the opportunity to sleep in actual crew quarters, receive their meals in the galley, tour the ship seeking information, as part of a scavenger hunt, and participate in flag ceremonies. “My favorite part of the tour on the Lexington was the chapel!” said First Year Cadet Chris Harris.

Saturday, the group visited the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi. They were briefed by Dolphin HH-65 Helicopter pilots and crew members of the CASA 144 Airplane, toured both types of fixed wing aircraft, and witnessed pre-flight operations checks and a helicopter take off. The crew circled the hanger and with the helo’s side door open, the on board Flight Mechanic waved to the Wylie East group before departing the area.

With verification of photo permissions granted, the Coast Guard Public Affairs Office added pictures of our visit to their U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi Facebook page.

Another tour stop was the Art Museum of South Texas, which is affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Returning Cadet Alisa Wychulis enjoyed “examining the paintings at the art museum.” The museum featured works of various mediums and included a touring exhibit from the private collection of Cheech Marin, the famous comedian and actor.

After returning to the USS Lexington for a second night of onboard activities, the cadets viewed a 3D movie on NASA’s post shuttle space exploration, the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to carry astronauts to destinations in deep space, including an asteroid and Mars. Seniors from the Wylie East received a special tour of the ship, courtesy of the Live Aboard staff. “The senior tour was the best part of the trip in my

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opinion. One may overlook items in the various tour route displays, but having an expert guide you through parts of the ship not accessible to the public was great!” said Richard Overturf.

“As Returners are in separate classes from the new cadets at Wylie East, I enjoyed getting to talk to the First Year Cadets throughout the trip,” said Senior Damien Lopez. Bryan Homechanh-Nguyen echoed that sentiment adding, “I liked the spirit de corps the trip build overall!”

East JROTC cadets left their Navy experience on Sunday morning and safely returned home to Wylie.

Unit News...

TX-20104 THUNDERBIRDS VISIT DOBIE AIR FORCE JROTC

In an exciting event, the Thunderbirds visited TX-20104. They were in town for “Wings Over Houston”. They presented a special signed lithograph to the unit.

Pictured left to right are: Capt Angelina Urbina (Executive Officer), SSgt Arial Audet (Crew Chief), Cadet Major Jacob De La Garza (DHS Deputy Group Commander), Cadet Lt Col Lorissa Saiz (DHS Group Commander), Major Alexander Goldfein (Thunderbird Pilot), SSgt Lauren Goodhue (Crew Chief), Brigadier General Paul Welch (Vice Commander, USAF War Center), TSgt Peter Schueler (Aviation Resource Management). The cadets really enjoyed it.


Cadet Success Profile 1...AR-20012 BEEBE HIGH SCHOOL CADET- YOUNGEST PARTICIPATE TO

COMPLETE AF MARATHON Austin Sutton, a senior, recently competed in and completed the United States Air Force’s anniversary marathon on September 18, 2015. This year marked the second full marathon Austin has completed. Last year, Austin completed the same grueling, 26.2 mile course in about 5 ½ hours. This year, Austin shaved over 30 minutes off his time and completed the course in 4 hours and 55 minutes. He finished 740th out of 1,600 runners and, like last year, was the youngest person to compete in and complete the race. Austin is no stranger to such grueling athletic endeavors. In August of 2014, he completed a 100-mile, bicycle ride in Wichita Falls, Texas. For perspective, the distance Beebe and Clarksville or Beebe and Jonesboro is about 100 miles. Austin loves the challenge and competition. He plans on joining the United States Air Force after high school and continue to participate in marathons and, eventually, complete an Iron-man Triathlon, which includes a 120-mile bike ride, a full marathon and a 5-mile swim.Austin currently serves as Cadet Captain in Beebe High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) unit, where he is responsible for the care, development, discipline, and training of 40 other cadets. On a daily basis, he is leading by example and helping meet the AFJROTC mission of “developing citizens of character dedicated to serving our nation and community.”

Cadet Success Profile 2...

NC-941 DRMO BEST PRACTICE: KUDOS TO CADET MARK ROYAL!

Cadet Mark Royall did preparing all gear and paperwork for disposition. DRMO staff had high praise for the job completed by Cadet Royall.Using the very well written instructions from WINGS and the 1378’s, Cadet Royall developed a process and led a work crew of cadets through processing staging and loading. He completed the paperwork (except for commander signature) - affixed the paperwork to the proper line item - had another cadet verify the serial number on paperwork matched the serial number on the item - had a 3rd cadet remove all stickers - then had cadets load the items for transport to Ft. Bragg. Cadet Royall and his crew processed 8 individual 1348’s, 6 DLA Forms 2500, and 9 individual line items valued at a total of $7,706.92. That’s a large responsibility for an 11th grader.The DRMO rep indicated he wished all units’ gear came in that well prepared. He also asked, slightly tongue in cheek, if we could send Cadet Royall down to Ft. Bragg to conduct training for some of the active units on how to do this process.The most popular part of the overall process was when the cadets took a sledge hammer to the hard drives (supervised, safety gear in place). The cadets were lining up for that duty.There are AFJROTC units all over the country with cadets performing to this level, and this Unit is not unique. However, everyone deserves to hear when they are doing well and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work.

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I began teaching Cody Vernon to fly in July. I had the privilege of teaching him in our Western Hills High School Air Force JROTC Program for four years and seeing him graduate from high school in early June. During his junior year of high school he was in the aviation honors ground school class I teach to selected high-GPA Western Hills HS AFJROTC Cadets. He did extremely well in this academic course which is based on the FAA Private Pilot Ground training program geared toward passing the FAA Private Pilot written exam. Proof that he took to heart his core lessons of other academic teachers is how he won both 1st place (for $1000.00) at the local level and 1st Place (for an additional $2000.00) at the state level in the Air Force Association Earl North Parker writing essay contest in his senior year.

At this point Cody is nearing the opportunity to solo and has been taking to the air like one who was made for the “Wild Blue Yonder.” For me it has been an extremely rewarding experience having seen Cody grow up through his high school experience, especially through the rigors of our JROTC Program, which included coaching him as our team captain the last two years on the varsity marksmanship team where he led our team to regionals twice (Anniston, AL) and, thanks to funding support by the 136AW’s Silver Eagles, individually competed in the all-service nationals in Camp Perry, OH in March where he placed in the top 5 for the USAF. Cody also served

as our TX-863 Group Commander for the full 2014-15 School Year. In full cycle I now have the pleasure of being his Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) as he learns how to master the skies toward a private pilot’s license- a license he can only afford to pursue I must add, because of the essay contest winnings earlier stated. It is Cody’s and my goal to get him as far

into the solo stage of flight as possible before he reports for basic training with the USAF in the next couple of months and then finish him up during periods of leave in the future. My advice for this hard-working and dedicated young man who is a natural for the Air Force blue continues to remain, “At ‘em boy, give ‘er the gun!” And that is exactly what

he wants to do in the USAF as an AFSOC gunner on the AC-130 gunship, or even better as he puts it, the new, future USAF HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter. Cody’s long-term goal (which is hopefully short by our relative standard) is to pursue college while enlisted followed by his commission as a future USAF officer.

I’ll admit I’ve argued with Cody about going to college after high school, trying to convince him that was the best path, but he won that argument when he reminded me I brag about being enlisted prior to being commissioned and how that, I believe, gave me the added edge as the officer I eventually became. Cody is a very insightful young man and wherever he ends up, a leader for the future of the United States Air Force. Cadet Success Profile 4...


TX-863 WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL CADET SUCCESS STORY CADET CODY VERNON

by Col (Ret) Russell Malesky



NV-941 DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL PRIOR CADET SUCCESS STORY

by Arielle Ilaban

It is not unusual for a parent to fear the day their child begins to go down a road of despair. With my understanding of bad behavior but not of consequences, failure approaches in the future. The young mind is easily tainted with poor choices and good choices. It takes influence of change to make a difference. The strong influence that affected me was to enroll in junior reserve officer training corps, JROTC.

First, JROTC changed me and my lifestyle. Before I enrolled into the JROTC I used to drink during school, smoke, and do very poor in my classes. Coming from a military family I decided to join JROTC. I met Lt Col James F. McEvoy, Maj Jeffery Baumgart, and CMSgt Timothy Jordan all from the USAF and all retired; they were my discipline away from home. Constantly getting chewed out about my grades and seeing the faith they had in me, I decided to make ends meet and change my mindset around and straighten up. I made changes such as being better academically in school, being more self-disciplined, trying to be more mature, and I gained confidence that I lacked through my school years.

Changes I began to notice, was when I was on a drill team. Drill teams taught me how to socialize with unfamiliar people and I learned how to pull my own weight. In JROTC everything is a team effort and if one slacks then the whole team suffers. Coming into a corps not knowing anyone was a challenge. Like I said, teamwork is a big thing; working with other cadets on projects and physical training helped me open up a little more and start socializing with different cadets in my squadron.

My change in self-discipline was through effort. I was not allowed to participate in JROTC activities unless I earned it, academically wise, which pushed me even harder to get my grades up. Bad grades plus no activities meant I wouldn’t have been able to experience the things that helped me grow as a person, like actually socializing with people. Getting mentally and physically pushed, and hearing the words “You can do it, Ilaban!” Don’t prove them right! What are you doing, Mister!? Get to class! If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t care. Academics, academics, academics!” everyday gave me the confidence and extra push that I needed to succeed. My two older siblings never graduated high school. Having bad grades and acting the way I did, people didn’t think I would graduate either. Through it all here, I am standing before you today with a high school diploma in one hand and a medical assistant diploma in the other all while currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

After time, I began noticing the difference this program was making on my life. I knew my decision to change was good for my family as well. My attitude was in different perspective, smoking and alcohol weren’t relevant, and my grades were improving. I knew I gained self-discipline. It started with a choice to join JROTC and it changed my life for the better.

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10/21/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- “In Afghanistan I saw the poor children without shoes and it brought me back to when I lived in Peru.”U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maria DeLeon’s, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron in-bound cargo supervisor, transition from her life as a young girl living near Peruvian beaches to a life traveling the world in the armed services was exciting but scary.Her parents insisted she move to America with them at age 17 for a better education. Having grown up inspired by dreams from Hollywood movies, the teenager found her new surroundings quite different when the family settled in Utah.“I was not prepared to attend public school after private Catholic school in Peru,” said DeLeon. “But I joined Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, involved myself a lot with the program, and everything changed for the better.”She spent long hours after school and on the weekends competing with her color guard, drill team and the ranger team. She looked up to her JROTC instructor, who provided valuable mentorship.“My instructor was a huge influence for me back then,” said DeLeon. “He would constantly ask me why I wanted to join and what I wanted out of the military.”DeLeon mulled over the possible answers until she settled on hard truths of independence and financial security.“I knew that the military could help me have a job and go to college,” said DeLeon. “I decided on joining the Air Force, but I had no idea what life experience was ahead of me.”Her recruiter continued to ask if she still wanted to enlist when the 9/11 disaster happened, but her answer was

already made up in her mind - she was committed to serving.DeLeon then received her citizenship after Basic Military Training graduation. She spent time adjusting to military life at her first base. DeLeon walked through the streets outside Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., with friends, and felt she was in a familiar atmosphere.“When I was in Arizona, we were so close to Mexico, I spoke Spanish and was sort of the tourist guide for everyone,” said DeLeon. “We would go out and visit local areas and see what Tucson had to offer.”She absorbed herself in the local culture and found herself able to befriend almost anyone she met. DeLeon

used her sense of discovery and enjoyment of meeting new people not just stateside, but in her deployments. DeLeon found herself in Pakistan as a young Airman, taking in new life experiences.“Pakistan was an amazing e x p e r i e n c e , ” said DeLeon. “At first it’s hard to see the real Air Force and see how what you do contributes, until

you get to those locations.”DeLeon said she used her experiences from her first deployment for the following ones in Afghanistan. She learned to focus on the importance of her job and how she helps the overall mission. One of the biggest things she remembers is meeting all the different people and the high morale.DeLeon’s re-enlistment approached during her first deployment to Afghanistan.“I wasn’t going to re-enlist because I received all the financial help I needed for school,” said DeLeon. “My captain in Afghanistan talked to me a lot, however, and encouraged me to re-enlist.”


A STAFF SERGEANT’S SUCCESS STORY: A JOURNEY FROM BEACHES TO MOUNTAINS


A particular experience during one of her tours in Afghanistan would change how she viewed the world and her part in it.

“When I saw the children I wanted to help them, and in a way I felt as if they helped me grow as a person,” said DeLeon. “I saw poverty close to me growing up, then to see it again, it’s very impactful and you just want to help.”DeLeon said those memories changed how she tackles her work now. She takes each moment as they come and always tries to see the best in those around her.“It’s wonderful being here in Aviano because we support so many missions and go to many places,” said DeLeon. “There is always work to do, and from my experiences I know that what we are doing matters.”She hopes to bring that same work ethic and her life experiences to the LRS unit she works with now. Traveling the world, meeting people from all walks of life, DeLeon believes the best way to approach the work is with a positive attitude.“It’s interesting looking back on my career and seeing all that I have been through,” said DeLeon. “I’m just as excited to absorb the culture here in Italy while providing a valuable part to Aviano’s mission.”

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.”

AFJROTC - Air · PDF fileCommunity Service with Excellence Award Winners last year. ......

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Transcript of AFJROTC - Air · PDF fileCommunity Service with Excellence Award Winners last year. ......