About Us

About BRHS Air Force JROTC

Air Force Junior ROTC was founded under Public Law 88-647, called "The ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964." Our unit, SC-20023, was established at Blue Ridge High School in Fiscal Year 2002. The designation "SC-20023" means that in FY 2002, Blue Ridge was the third South Carolina high school to be selected to host a new AFJROTC unit. Our school was selected for a unit based on the past performance and potential of our community's young men and women, community support, and support of the Greenville County School District. In 2018 an agreement was reached between Blue Ridge High School and Greer High School to allow a select number of Greer students commute and participate in AFJROTC here at Blue Ridge expanding our pool of outstanding cadets.

The mission of the Air Force Junior ROTC program is to "Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community." Specifically, the program goals are: instill values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and sense of accomplishment. Our goals build on the nationwide objectives of the Junior ROTC program and our motto is "Shaping Tomorrows Leaders". Specifically, our cadets are given the opportunity to:

a. Appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship to include integrity, responsibility and respect for constituted authority in a representative republic.

b. Develop both leadership potential and follower skills, while learning how to work cooperatively with others.

c. Develop basic skills and habits requiring orderliness and precision, which will serve them well in either a civilian or military environment.

d. Promote self-discipline, self-reliance, self-confidence and concern for a well-groomed appearance.

e. Improve self-discipline through improved thinking skills, time management, goal setting, and awareness of assigned responsibilities and attention to detail.

f. Refine communication skills, both oral and written.

g. Appreciate the importance of physical fitness in basic military skills.

h. Learn about the function and basic structure of our national security, with emphasis on United States Air Force history, mission, traditions and future, to include both air & space.

i. Gain insight and possibly develop interest in the educational and vocational opportunities offered by military service, especially the Air Force.

Our unit has been recognized for excellence on many occasions; Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) 2008, 2009, 2010 w/ Merit, 2013 w/ Merit, 2014, 2015, 2016 w/ Merit, 2019 and Outstanding Organization Award 2012. Further, MSgt Fuller was recently recognized with the 2019 Outstanding Instructor Award.

Major Chad Richardson - Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

I was born and raised in East Texas where I was active in Boy Scouts and various sports. I enlisted in the Air Force after high school, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an ROTC scholarship. In 2000 I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems and received my commission as an Air Force officer. In 2004, I received my MBA and in 2014 received a Certificate in Project Management from Villanova.

As a Cyberspace officer on active duty I served in a variety of roles and deployed numerous times to include both Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching at both Squadron Officer College and at Duke University where my 22 years of active service culminated as the Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Operations Officer. I've sat on Duke University admission panels and interviewed high school students for Air Force ROTC scholarships. I've also had the opportunity to play the parent role; my son is a former AFJROTC cadet and currently serving on active duty in the Air Force. It is my hope that every cadet feels welcomed upon entering the program, feels challenged while in the program, and feels a new sense of empowerment and confidence upon leaving the program.

You can call me at 864-355-1870 or email me at clrichardson@greenville.k12.sc.us with questions.

MSgt Fred Fuller - Aerospace Science Instructor

I am Master Sergeant Fred Fuller. I am originally from the Greenville area. I am one of the Aerospace Science Instructors assigned to Blue Ridge High School. Before starting a new unit at Blue Ridge High School I worked at Springboro High School just outside Dayton Ohio for two years. I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University. I have an Advanced Instructor Certification from the Air Force Training Command. I'm married and have three children and five grandchildren. I joined the Air Force as a Weapons Specialist, during my time in the Air Force I have held several different Air Force specialities. After serving twenty three years on active duty I retired from the Air Force in 2000. My last job before retiring was as a Recruiting Service Flight Chief for the Dayton / Cincinnati Ohio area. At Blue Ridge I teach Leadership Education, Drill and Ceremonies along with the Air Force Wellness Program. I am also responsible for unit logistics and supply. When I retired from active duty I wanted to find a job that I would enjoy as much as what I had been doing for the past twenty three years. Working as an Air Force JROTC instructor turned out to be an even better job! Having great students at a school that really supports your program is what makes this a great job!

Air Force JROTC offers students a unique opportunity to learn and grow. I believe that students can learn and should have fun doing it. I tell my students If those two things are not happening one of us is not doing something right and we can to fix that!

You can call me at 864-355-1846 or email me at ffuller@greenville.k12.sc.us

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