By John P. Kelly
Boerne ISD 

The Air Force Junior ROTC Program was initiated within Boerne ISD during the 2002-03 school year. Since that time, about 100 students a year have enrolled in the program. Its stated goal is to “build better citizens for America,” but its impact on our students and on the community goes far deeper. 

Although the program has been embraced by our local community, it is in danger here because of the requirements of the Air Force to maintain a minimum enrollment of either 10 percent or 100 students each year.  Our current and continuing enrollment hovers around 95 to 100. With the growing number of high school students who transfer here as late as ninth or 10th grade, the program’s enrollment requirement has proven to be daunting. Many ROTC programs thrive in economically disadvantaged areas or where there aren’t as many different kinds of student activities as here in Boerne.  Thus, there are hundreds of other schools waiting in line to offer this program – and the Air Force is not obligated to continue funding our local unit.  

Let me offer a personal view on this program. While I was growing up, we did not have an AFJROTC program at my high school. I graduated a semester early from high school and quickly joined the Air Force one month later. Although I had received some academic scholarship for college, I was very immature and likely would have done poorly at a university, and I didn’t have the resources to afford college. While putting up with the drill instructors yelling 24/7, I thrived with the structure and the physical requirements of Air Force training. I noticed there were a few fellow Airmen who received a bit more pay and stripes than I did when they graduated from basic training. Looking back, I think these were young men who had some kind of ROTC training in their background.  After going through basic training, I was stationed at Randolph AFB for almost four years where I served as the Radar O’Reilly to the squadron commander at the Air Force clinic. I had constant opportunities to learn from enlisted and officer leaders.  By the time I finished my four years, I was confident and chomping at the bit to go to college. I now had the G.I. bill to help me through. My time spent in the Air Force was and is incredibly valuable to me. 

Almost 30 years later, my oldest son spent two years in the Boerne AFJROTC program and benefited though he ultimately opted for other career interests prior to his current freshman year in college. And my fourth child is waiting anxiously to enroll in AFJROTC during his freshman year here in Boerne ISD. I think it will build self-discipline and give him new opportunities for camaraderie with other young people.   

Here are some benefits for participation in the Boerne High School AFJROTC program: 

n Those who later enter the military receive an additional promotion and from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 extra pay, depending on length of AFJROTC enrollment. 

n 16 year olds are given the opportunity to learn to fly during the summer months.

n Students receive credit from the University of Colorado for their high school AFJROTC courses. 

n Cadets can enroll in various honors camps at prestigious universities around the country.

n There are numerous opportunities for leadership among fellow cadets.  And in contrast to much of modern society, cadets also learn the importance of following commands and listening to the leadership of others. 

n There are numerous and required opportunities for community service.  Cadets participate in civic events such as Veteran’s Day, parades, school and community ceremonies. 

n Cadets can compete on six different extra-curricular competitive teams.

n The two men running our program are exceptional leaders.  Retired Major Steven Laughery and retired Master Sergeant Jody Russ are tremendous role models and great guys. They have an outstanding rapport with their young charges. 

Participation in this program obligates no young person for military service, but I will also say that some of our AFJROTC graduates have received incredible scholarships to military academies due to their experience here – and others have opted for various forms of enlisted/officer military service. 

I’m hopeful that many eighth grade to 12th grade parents and students will conclude that this program is highly valuable and worth their future consideration.