Skating To Celebrate Inspection

It didn't take our cadets long to unwind after our recent Air Force inspection. The traditional "skating social" was the answer - loud music, pizza, and some fast laps around the rink. We think the looks on our cadets' faces say it all - work hard, play hard. It was a great way to unwind.

Top Performers Recognized

Each time an AFJROTC unit is evaluated, the Area Administrator recognizes the top 2% of the cadets who worked so hard to prepare for the inspection. Colonel Williford presented Top Performer awards to Cadet Major Josh Whitaker, Cadet Captain Victoria McLeod, and Cadet SMSgt Lexus Carr. Cadet Whitaker was recognized for his hard work in preparing cadet management notebooks and creating a professional Inspector General position on the chain of command. Cadets McLeod and Carr were recognized for their diligent work in the Cadet Supply Room and Armory. They spent countless hours organizing cadet files, inventorying cadet uniforms, and documenting cadet uniform issue and receipt. These cadets will wear the Top Performer ribbon which is recognized by all cadets as a symbol of excellence and achievement.

A Day To Check Us Out

Colonel Williford certainly gave us all a hard look. Amanda Harper, Andrew Hooper, Josh Whitaker, and Kevin Hinnant delivered well-prepared briefings. Thomas Smith and cadets from "C" flight pulled off a flawless drill routine. And Victoria McLeod and Lexus Carr dazzled him with their "spit-shined" armory and uniform room. Many other cadets supported this massive effort. And most importantly, Colonel Williford took time to talk to our cadets about the program. It was a pretty intense day, but Colonel Williford put all the cadets at ease.

Inspection Arrival

On March 23rd, Colonel Wade Hampton Williford IV came to town to give our program a hard look. We had been anticipating his arrival for weeks. Our sharp color guard and Cadet Group Commander were the first to show him that "Presentation is everything". After a short flag-raising ceremony, he entered the front door though another awesome team - the saber team. He was so impressed with their performance that he stopped to talk to them in the hallway. Many could not believe that his name is really "Wade Hampton Williford".

Drill Meet Update

We thought the word was out. Since the Air Force inspection was moved up a week, we will not be competing at Independence High School on 21 March. We briefed this change to the drill team two weeks ago. The visit from the Air Force is our top priority.

Upcoming Events

Date...................Event

23 March................Air Force Staff Assistance Visit (all day)

26 March................Skating Social with Blue Ridge and Berea

15 April...................C-130 Flight: Dobbins ANGB, Georgia

18 April...................Miracle League for autistic children

29 April-3 May......Florida Trip to see AF Special Operations

Skating Social Coming Soon

On March 26th, we will "socialize" after school with other AFJROTC cadets in Greenville at the Roller Sports Skating Rink in Taylors. We will leave at about 4:15 pm and return to WHHS at 6:30 pm. The cost for our cadets will be $10 which includes skates, drinks, and pizza. Cadets should not wear shorts for safety concerns, and socks are required for skating. Permission slips and the $10 fee must be turned in NLT March 19th. This event is for AFJROTC cadets only - no guests please. We hope all cadets will join us for this activity which is designed to make the AFJROTC program stronger in Greenville County - while having some fun.

Evaluation Around the Corner

There is a huge part of what we do that many never see. In addition to supporting the academic curriculum at Wade Hampton High School, we must also manage the program in accordance with policies and regulations dictated by the Air Force which sponsors AFJROTC at nearly 900 high schools. We are evaluated on how well we - and Wade Hampton - comply with the Air Force contract with our school district. We will get one of those evaluations on March 23rd. The all-day inspection will review everything from budget compliance to organization and management of our cadet corps. Cadets will give briefings on duties, a flight will demonstrate drill profiency, cadets will be inspected in uniform, and a complete inventory of supplies and equipment will be accomplished. Needless to say, this will be our top priority for the next two weeks.