Nevada High School AFJROTC cadets recognized at awards ceremony

Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Members of the AFJROTC staff class who received awards included (from left) Cadet Major Kaleb Williams, Cadet Major Owen Caldwell, Cadet Major Braianna McElroy, Cadet Major Teresa Dawn, Cadet Major Ethan McGinnis, and Cadet Major Lane Pursley.
Photo courtesy of Pete Quinlan | Special to the Daily Mail

The Nevada High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program recently held its awards ceremony. "Our AFJROTC awards program is designed to foster morale, esprit de corps, and to recognize the achievements of our cadets," noted Aerospace Science Instructor MSgt. (retired) James P. Quinlan.

Various national, veteran, and citizenship organizations participate every year in the presentation by providing the awards. The awards include the following:

Cadet Major Braianna McElroy receives her Outstanding Cadet Ribbon from Flight Commander Cadet Major Teresa Dawn.
Photo courtesy of Pete Quinlan | Special to the Daily Mail

Outstanding Cadet Ribbon

Awarded annually to the outstanding first, second, third, and fourth-year cadets. The recipient from each class must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence.

Leadership Ribbon

Awarded annually for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet in corps training activities. Recognizes cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance.

Achievement Ribbon

Awarded annually for a significant achievement. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period.

Superior Performance Ribbon

Awarded annually for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. Present the ribbon for a single or sustained performance of a superior nature. Ensure award is presented in recognition of achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and exceptional when compared to achievements and accomplishments of other cadets.

Academic Ribbon

Awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term, in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC.

Co-curricular Activities Leadership Ribbon

Awarded for leadership in AFJROTC co-curricular activities (such as dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson, etc.). The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional leadership in achieving objectives through the coordinated efforts of others. This award may be earned a maximum of four times. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each additional award.

Drill Team Ribbon

Awarded for participation in at least two Drill Team events per year (either armed or unarmed). Recipient must also participate in at least 50% of all scheduled Drill Team practices. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.

Color Guard Ribbon

Awarded for participation in at least two Color Guard events per year. Recipient must also participate in at least 50% of all scheduled Color Guard practices. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.

Honor/Saber Team Ribbon

Awarded for participation in at least two Sabre Team events per year. Recipient must also participate in at least 50% of all scheduled Sabre Team practices. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.

Service Ribbon

Awarded annually for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. Limited to members whose active participation in a service project contributed significantly to the goals of the organization. Participation in Special Teams alone does not qualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for these other ribbons) unless community service hours are also awarded.

Health and Wellness Ribbon

Awarded for participation in the health and wellness physical fitness program.

• All cadets who participate in the unit’s wellness program will receive the Health and Wellness Ribbon.

• Cadets who score in the 75-84 percentiles will receive a Bronze Star device.

• Cadets who score in the 85-95 percentiles will receive a Silver Star device.

• Cadets who score in the 96-100 percentiles will receive a Gold Star device.

• Duplicate awards of the Bronze, Silver or Gold percentile will be denoted by the addition of another star on the ribbon. Should a cadet score in a higher percentile, only the star representing higher percentile will be worn. In no case will a cadet mix different color stars on the same ribbon. (NOTE: The Physical Fitness Test percentiles are computed automatically under the PFT-Mass Assessment in WINGS.)

Attendance Ribbon

Awarded annually to cadets with no more than 4 excused and no unexcused absences from school per semester.

Dress and Appearance Ribbon

Awarded annually to cadets who wear the uniform on ALL designated uniform days (or specified makeup days) and earn a score of 95 or higher on all uniform inspections.

Longevity Ribbon

Awarded for completion of each academic year.

National Awards 2019-2020

Air Force Association (AFA) Award

This AFA-sponsored award consists of a medal and ribbon and is presented annually at each unit to the outstanding third-year cadet. The award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:

• Positive attitude (toward AFJROTC

• Display personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self-confidence.

Awarded to: Owen Caldwell

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award

This award presented annually to an outstanding third or fourth-year cadet who is actively engaged in the AFJROTC program and who possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Each cadet must:

• Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC.

• Have outstanding military bearing and conduct.

Awarded to: Kenneth Bruhn

Scottish Rite

This award annually recognizes an outstanding third-year cadet in a 4-year program. Each cadet must:

• Contribute the most to encourage Americanism by participation in Co-Curricular activities or community projects.

• Demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class.

• Demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism.

• Not have been previous recipients of this award.

Awarded to: Braianna McElroy

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award

This award consists of a medal and ribbon. This award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who shows exceptional potential for military leadership. Each cadet must:

• Be in good academic standing.

• Be of high moral character.

• Show a high order of loyalty to the unit, school, and country.

• Show exceptional potential for military leadership.

Awarded to: Ethan McGinnis

American Legion Scholastic Award

This award is presented annually to one third or fourth-year cadet based on the cadet’s overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:

• Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class.

• Demonstrate leadership qualities.

• Actively participate in student activities

Awarded to: Teresa Dawn

American Legion General Military Excellence Award

This award is presented annually to one third or fourth-year cadet based on the cadet’s general military excellence. Each cadet must:

• Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class.

• Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.

Awarded to: Gabriel Adams

American Veterans (AMVETS) Award

This award is presented annually to one qualified cadet that possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:

• A positive attitude toward AFJROTC programs and service in the Air Force.

• Personal appearance (wearing of the uniform, posture, and grooming, not physical characteristics).

• Personal attributes (initiative, dependability, judgment, and self-confidence).

• Officer potential (responsibility, adaptability, and maintenance of high personal standards).

• Obtained a grade of “A” (or the numerical equivalent) in their AS class.

• Be in good scholastic standing in all classes at the time of selection and at the time of presentation

Awarded to: Tanner Klotz

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award

This award recognizes an outstanding third- year cadet who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program. The recipient must exhibit a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in Aerospace Science studies and not have previously received the award. Each cadet must:

• Be currently enrolled in the AFJROTC program.

• Be in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class.

Awarded to: Ethan Dighero

Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) Air Force JROTC Cadet Award

This award is presented annually to two cadets. Cadets may be first, second, or third-year cadets and must meet the following criteria:

• Attain a grade of “B” or better in their Aerospace Science class.

• Be in good academic standing.

• Actively participate in cadet corps activities.

• Participate in at least 50% of all unit service programs.

Awarded to: Lane Pursley and Gretchen Vescogni

Ribbons and medals that were given to cadets.
Photo courtesy of Pete Quinlan | Special to the Daily Mail
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