Staff Flight cadets provided an overall mission brief — the most impressive thus far
Williamstown High School's Air Force JROTC program received a very comprehensive unit inspection recently and walked away with the highest rating attainable of "Exceeds Standards."
The inspection was conducted by David Richerson, the Northeast Regional Director for HQ AFJROTC, based at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The inspection, of both the ROTC program and the school, was completed in accordance with a detailed eight-section checklist to ensure rated compliance with all Air Force governing directives. Everything from curriculum, accounting practices and budget, cadet operations, an inventory of thousands of dollars of Air Force equipment and uniforms, and much more was thoroughly examined.
Richerson began the day at 6:30 a.m. with the Zero Period cadet class and instructors. After homeroom, he moved to an in-brief for the Principal Jill DelConte, the Assistant Principal for the AFJROTC program, Caroline Yoder, and the Director of Guidance, Anne Marie Miller. He also met with June Wharton, who is charged with budget and accounting for the high school, and noted the meticulous and efficient accounting practices conducted between her office and the instructors.
Speaking of his first impressions, Richerson said, "I can usually tell by the first hour what kind of unit I'm likely to see. When I was greeted then escorted into the building by the cadet leadership and by the end of the in-brief, I knew I was going to see an impressive unit." Richerson commented that he doesn't always see the abundance of pride and eager support that was evident from speaking with the staff and administrators, including the Superintendent of Schools Charles Earling."
Above all, Richerson was most impressed with the Williamstown High School cadets. According to Richerson, the Staff Flight cadets provided an overall mission brief that was the most impressive he had seen thus far."
It's no small accomplishment to impress Richerson. He routinely conducts about 60 unit inspections each year. He has seen it all and yet was very impressed with the Williamstown AFJROTC program. As a result of Richerson's report to the Director of AFJROTC, Col. Bobby C. Woods, the colonel offered his own remarks:
The Air Force Junior ROTC instructors and cadets of Williamstown High School in Williamstown New Jersey earned an overall unit assessment score of "Exceeds Standards" -- the highest rating attainable during their rated unit evaluation. Maj. Charles Rock, Master Sgt. Mark Reed and Master Sgt. Joseph Ramirez, created a dynamic and supportive learning environment coupled with an excellent community outreach. The Williamstown High School cadets performed exceptionally well and took great pride in leading and accomplishing their unit goals. The Williamstown High School Air Force Junior ROTC citizenship program is making a positive impact on the cadets, the school and community.
Now that the Williamstown AFJROTC program has received the highest rating attainable in an inspection year, they are in the running to achieve a second consecutive Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) with Merit. Typically, less than 10 percent of the more than 889 units located around the world achieve the DUA with Merit status. At the close of the school year, Col. Woods will announce this year's DUA with Merit winners. Williamstown has completed all major objectives required for the award, with only a few administrative requirements standing between them and securing the distinction.
This item submitted by Monroe Township School District.