445th AW reservists help judge JROTC drill competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Nelson
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing volunteered as judges for the 21st Annual Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Regional "All-Air Force" Drill Meet Championships March 13 at Tecumseh High School.

More than 530 JROTC cadets from 16 different drill teams participated. JROTC teams travelled from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin and various cities throughout Ohio.

High school students from all different walk s of live entered this competition, putting everything aside for the sake of teamwork, excellence, integrity and fun. Unbeknownst to them, they walked away with invaluable skills of leadership and decision making skills, said Colonel Fred Schuster, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.

Teams competed in a flurry of events ranging from color guard, inspection, exhibition events, to first year cadet events. The cadets rotated from event to event until they completed all events. These events tested all aspects of the cadets' military bearing, general military knowledge, movements, formations, and commands. Some events were conducted with and without rifles.

A member of the 445th who served as a judge for the event said participating in the event was a privilege.

"Having the opportunity to judge a JROTC event has been an absolute privilege. To see tomorrow's Air Force leadership while they are still being groomed brings a smile to my face and makes me confident that the Air Force will be in good hands when our time is up, said Staff Sgt. Shawn McKellop, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"The precision and dedication involved with JROTC drill and ceremony show that a new generation of go-getters is up and coming. These young men and women choreograph their own performances as a team; they succeed or fail as a team. Each Cadet recognizes and appreciates the JROTC rank structure. The amount of respect and interest they showed us, as Air Force members, was exceptional," the sergeant added.

The cadets performed intricate moves with precession. During a duet exhibition event, a fire alarm sounded. This loud and piercing noise had no effect on two cadets performing from Lincoln Way Central of Illinois. They displayed top-notch military bearing, showcasing all the hard work that they put into their routine. This showed that these young men and women have the dedication, commitment, and drive to succeed at anything they put their minds to.

"I participate at this drill meet every year and the caliber of JROTC cadets
never fails to impress me. I am confident that through their continued hard work and dedication, the future of the Air Force will be will bright," concluded Master Sgt. Mark Lyle, 445th Airlift Wing member and superintendent, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base honor guard.