History

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) can track its heritage to a program founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lt Edgar R. Steevers. Lieutenant Steevers was assigned as an inspector-instructor of the organized military of Wyoming. During his assignment, he envisioned a noncompulsory cadet corps comprised of high school students. His program was aimed toward making better citizens.

The National Defense Act of 1916 authorized a junior course for non-college military schools, high schools and other non-preparatory schools. The Army implemented JROTC in 1916. Public Law 88-647, commonly known as the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, directed the Secretaries of each military service to establish and maintain JROTC units for their respective services. The first Air Force JROTC programs were opened in 1966.

"The purpose of Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment." (10 USC Sec 2031)

Air Force JROTC is a continuing success story. From a modest beginning of 20 high school units in 1966, AFJROTC has grown to 870 units across our Nation and overseas, with nearly 120,000 cadets. The AFJROTC program positively influences our country by helping one student at a time. Comprised solely of active duty Air Force retirees, the AFJROTC instructor force is helping to form tomorrow's nation by educating proud and patriotic cadets as tomorrow's leaders.


AFJROTC approved operation of the LA-801 at Haughton High School on 18 April 1979. The first AFJROTC classes began the following school year with Lieutenant Colonel George C. Finck and CMSgt Blackmon providing mentorship. The unit produced its first graduating class of fourth-year cadets in May 1983.

The LA-801 consists of a cadet corps of over 100 cadets mentored by one retired Air Force officer and one retired Air Force enlisted member.


Former instructors include:


Senior Aerospace Science Instructors

  • Lieutenant Colonel George C. Finck (1980 - 1996)

  • Major Dannie P. Coffel (1996-2011)


Aerospace Science Instructors

  • CMSgt John Reser (1980 - ____)

  • CMSgt Charles Cox (1980 - 1990)

  • CMSgt Jimmie Blackmon (1980 - 1995)

  • SMSgt William "Bill" Yount (1990 - 2009)

  • MSgt Tamara Shuttlesworth (1995 - 2009)

  • MSgt David Milner (1998 - 2009)

  • MSgt Patricia Presley (2009 -2011)