The Hixson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) TN-081, earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standards” recently. The rating is the highest attainable during the formal unit evaluation conducted by Headquarters Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) representative, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) R. Wayne Barron on March 19. The purpose of the visit was to observe and provide feedback on the performance of the unit and to assess its compliance with Public Law, Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions, and the written agreement which exists between the Hamilton County Department of Education and the Air Force. The staff and group of cadets accomplished something that has never been done in the unit’s 46-year history - by earning the Unit Evaluation rating of “Exceed Standards.”
Major (Retired) James M. Carbone II and Master Sergeant (Retired) Doug Burhans have created a world-class citizen development program built around a rigorous nationally-accredited academic foundation, Cadet-centered leadership, and community service. The instructors, both lauded as “exceptional role models” have provided superior mentorship for the Cadet-led program. The 88 Cadets of TN-081 performed exceptionally well and took great pride in creating, assessing and accomplishing their unit goals.
The true success of the program lies in the heart of the Air Force JROTC Mission Statement: “To Develop Citizens of Character Dedicated to Serving their Nation and Community.” The Cadets of TN-081 performed significant tasks during the 2018-2019 school year. Some of the year’s highlights included completing more than 2,200 hours of community service, planning and conducting seven recruiting events to Hixson High School feeder schools, three school-based community service projects, and a practice college exam-type assessment. The cadets plan and lead a wide variety of teams such as drill, color guard, raiders, patriotic, awareness and presentation, unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) STEM, Cyber Patriot STEM, Green Team (environment) and academic (STEM). The hallmark of the Wildcat Cadet Corps is their service to the local community. Some of the cadet’s favorite events include Wreaths Across America, Veterans Day ceremonies and events, color guard events at such distinguished venues as U.S. Naturalization Ceremonies, the Charles Coolidge Medal of Honor Museum, U.S vs. Germany Olympic Boxing Match, and The University of Tennessee Veterans Day halftime show. The cadets are presented with real-world opportunities and are charged with running their own organization modeled after an Air Force unit. They maintain the unit website
https://hixsonhighafjrotc.weebly.com and manage a uniform inventory valued at more than $60,000.00.
TN-081, a founding unit within Air Force JROTC, was established in 1973. The unit is well on its way to earning the coveted AFJROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit award in May 2019.
Photo: R. Wayne Barron, Air Force JROTC director of Region 7, talks with the Hixson High cadets.