"On Thursday, August 26th, Lt. Col. White from Maxwell Air Force Base Air Education and Training Command, visited Logan High School with hopes of certifying their Military Science course into the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Lt. Col. White received a tour of the high school building, as well as the Chieftain Center which is currently utilized by the Military Science program. Afterwards, a presentation about the Logan-Hocking school districts commitment to their students' leadership development, as well as an overview of the current program was presented. Both Maj. Lance Roberts (USAF, Ret) and Lt. Col. Greg Howe (USAF, Ret) spoke about the cadets' community service and leadership that they exhibit currently in the program. Mr. Monte Bainter, Superintendent of Logan-Hocking SD, Mr. Paul Shaw, Treasure of Logan-Hocking SD, and Ms. Courtney Snipes, Principal of Logan High School, spoke about the school district's commitment to student success and excitement with hopes to bring a JROTC to the district. Former U.S. Congressman, Steve Stivers, sent a video expressing his support for the program and encouragement to certify it into the AFJROTC program. U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson, as well as Ohio Senator Tim Schaffer each wrote a letter of support for Logan High School to participate in the Air Force's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. This was followed by Logan's Mayor Greg Fraunfelter, who discussed the community support from Logan's citizens for this program and military service. Speaking as a parent with a student currently enrolled in the program, Lt. Col. Barbara Bartch (USAF), spoke about the opportunities that this program will provide as well as the importance that the current program has had on her student. Four of the current cadets enrolled in the military science program each spoke about an aspect of leadership that they encompass. The presentation concluded with Logan-Hocking board member Amy Black, expressing support on behalf of the Logan-Hocking School Board for the transition to an Air Force JROTC. Many other staff and board members for the Logan-Hocking school district attended the presentation in support of the program as well, and was available for questions following the event.
Following the presentation, Lt. Col. White spoke briefly to the audience and gave approval for Logan-Hocking School District to transition to an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. This opportunity will provide numerous experiences for the students. It is stressed that while the program is overseen and funded by the U.S. Air Force, this is a citizenship, character, and leadership development program open to all students regardless of career paths following high school. The skills and resources provided throughout this program will assist all students, whether they are headed to the workforce or serve in a military branch. Students who are planning on enlisting into a U.S. military branch following high school will be able to take advantage of the benefits of being enrolled in a JROTC, such as increased rank at enlistment, preferred points for college ROTC, and choice of service profession for some military branches. Some of the opportunities that are available in the AFJROTC program are the potential for students to obtain a fully paid for private pilots license, as well as full 4-year scholarships.
For more information about AFJROTC click here.
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