DAR, SAR present AFJROTC awards

The Thomasville High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) held its year-end awards ceremony recently at MacIntyre Park Middle School Auditorium with cadets, instructors, parents and national award presenters in attendance. Cadet 1st Lt. Jordan Bonar was the emcee for the event.

Local internal awards were given to cadets for various achievements during the current school year, including drill team, flag corps, physical training and academic successes. These awards were presented by Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Rick Mosby, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor and MSgt. (USAF Ret.) Charles (Chad) Smith, Aerospace Science Instructor. A video was shown on the activities and field trips taken by the unit this year which included Eglin Air Force Base, Atlanta, drill competitions and working with the Civil Air Patrol.

Many national award presenters were on hand for the second part of the program, representing military retirees’ organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and many other Air Force veterans’ groups. Two national award presenters from Thomasville were Robert H. Parrish Jr., representing the National Society Sons of the America Revolution (SAR), Valdosta Chapter, and Jinanne B. Parrish, representing the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Thomasville Chapter. Both are officers in their respective chapters and are long-time presenters at the AFJROTC awards ceremony.

The SAR Bronze Medal, authorized in 1965, was presented by Mr. Parrish to Cadet Senior Airman First Class Malaysia Gelin. This award recognizes an outstanding third year cadet in a secondary school JROTC unit who exhibits a high degree of leadership, military bearing and all-around excellence in Aerospace Science Studies, is in the top 10 percent of the JROTC class and exemplifies the ideals and principles that motivated and sustained our patriot ancestors.  

The medal is struck on a circular planchet with the Liberty Bell, minuteman citizen soldier with musket, the year 1776, a plow in the background that was laid down to fight for independence, and the letters, “ROTC.” Surrounding the medal are the words “The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.” The reverse side is engraved, “Awarded for Leadership, Soldierly Bearing, and Excellence.” The medal is suspended from a blue, gold and white ribbon, SAR colors. It can be worn according to cadet program protocol. A cash award also went to the recipient from the presenter.

The DAR Bronze JROTC Medal was presented by Mrs. Parrish to Cadet Airman First Class Jermaiyah Kerbo. This award goes to an outstanding junior or senior cadet and states that the recipient must have demonstrated loyalty and patriotism and earned a record of military and scholastic achievement during their participation in a JROTC program. Students must be in the upper 25 percent of their classes in JROTC and in academic subjects. They must have shown qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training. 

 Not more than one student in a graduating class in a secondary school JROTC program may be the recipient of the DAR Bronze JROTC Medal. The medal features the insignia of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on a red and white ribbon which can be worn in accordance with cadet program protocol. A cash award from the presenter also went to this recipient.

The AFJROTC is a federal program, administered by Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. Its mission is to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. The core values of the Air Force are taught, those being “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.” There are about 121,000 high school cadets around the world, in almost 900 units, with around 1,950 retired USAF personnel serving as aerospace instructors. The program has a very positive impact on its schools, cadets and communities. Thomasville High School and its students are very fortunate to have the AFJROTC program as part of its curriculum.

Local News

Reps. Taylor and Cannon enter final stretch of Legislative Session

Local News

Imagine Thomasville celebrates ribbon cutting for the Army Recruiting Station

Local News

First Commerce’s Barbara Williams-Anderson named Imagine Thomasville’s Woman of the Year

Local News

Two new bronze sculptures unveiled in Downtown Thomasville

Education

Valdosta State University announces Fall 2024 graduates

Education

The Warrior dedicated to Ramsey

Education

Dining for Education Scholarship event sets new record

Education

Thomasville City Schools introduces Bulldog +1 Program

Education

CHS named Region 1-AAA Literary Champions

Local News

City to host stormwater utility public information session

Local News

Thomasville Chapter DAR features program by Thomasville History Center Executive Director Anne McCudden

Local News

Incident Reports & Arrests 03-12

Local News

FLOST Referendum early voting wraps up this week

Education

Rotary Club helps fund CyberStingers’ trip to World Championship

Local News

City of Thomasville’s Family Movie Night returns to Ritz on March 15

Local News

Unlocking financial freedom: How to protect and grow your wealth in uncertain times

Local News

Reps. Cannon and Taylor help pass 75 bills on Crossover Day

Local News

Continue to enjoy portable plants in the landscape!

Education

SRTC names Amy Carter Davis Vice President for Economic Development

Education

Second Graders complete 10th Annual “Ikidarod” Relay

Education

Brookwood School earns top honors at Region Literary Competition

Education

Shawn Diaz graduates from Georgia State University

Local News

Senators condemn closure of Thomasville SSA Office

Local News

Simmons, Webb recognized as Rotary Students of the Month