Beyond The Uniforms by Aadhya Patel
Many students assumed AFJROTC was only about drills and marching, but the program offered much more than that. It taught leadership, responsibility, and teamwork, helping cadets develop skills they could use both in school and in everyday life. It was a place where cadets felt like they belonged, where they felt heard and safe. The program challenged students to grow, communicate effectively, and become more confident in themselves. By being part of AFJROTC, cadets learned to balance discipline with personal growth and form a foundation that benefited them in many areas of life. These experiences included field trips, volunteering, and after-school clubs, which gave cadets opportunities they could not find anywhere else.
AFJROTC gave students experiences that expanded their skills and strengthened their character. “We went on field trips, made new friends, and got community service hours. It had so many benefits and taught us so much,” said 2nd Lt. Madison Herrington, who had been part of the program for four years in a row. Cadets also volunteered and participated in school events, showing up before and after school to raise and lower the flag, demonstrating commitment and responsibility. The program offered a variety of after-school clubs and activities that allowed cadets to get involved in different ways. Through these activities, they learned teamwork, responsibility, and how to support one another in real-world situations, building skills that would serve them beyond the classroom.
AFJROTC left a lasting impact on every cadet. Each day, cadets grew into better people. They faced challenges, supported one another, and celebrated each small success along the way, together. Beyond the uniforms, the program shaped cadets into leaders and citizens who carried pride, confidence, and compassion into everything they did, from teamwork on the field to responsibility in their daily lives.
Caption:
Leadership In Action. Cadets stock the ROTC fridge together during B Lunch. These small acts demonstrated how the program encouraged students to care for others and step up in meaningful ways. Everyday, cadets sat in the ROTC room and did homework, or simply had lunch with their friends. Every day, they reminded everyone that leadership wasn’t just about rank—it was about action and heart, as Chief Master Sergeant Jay Blackwell said, “Their commitment to something they absolutely didn't have to do, but they did. Every day, seeing you all come in with that attitude inspired me to be a better person.” Photo by Aadhya Patel.