The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program at Vineland High School achieved an outstanding milestone during a comprehensive inspection held on December 11. The inspection was conducted by Lt. Col. James Garcia, Regional Director of AFJROTC from Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Following the evaluation, the unit, known as N.J.2009-1, earned an "Exceeds Standards" rating—the highest honor awarded by the United States Air Force (USAF) to AFJROTC units.
This prestigious designation is reserved for the top 1% of approximately 900 AFJROTC units nationwide. It reflects exceptional performance across all program aspects, including leadership, academics, discipline, and community engagement. By surpassing expectations in these areas, the unit demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence. Key categories evaluated during the inspection included:
Quality of the instructors
Cadets' performance
Citizenship component
Learning environment
Leadership dynamics
Community service
The accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication and effort of the program’s 126 cadets, guided by their instructors, MSgt. Jim Eubanks and Mrs. JoDenise Muller. An "Exceeds Standards" rating not only recognizes the program’s achievements but also underscores its positive influence on both the school community and the cadets involved.
Additionally, three cadets were honored with Top Performance Recognition for the 2024-25 school year. Cadet Colonel Erin Shipman, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Christian Van Osten, and Cadet Technical Sergeant Austin Conrad received accolades for their exemplary dedication and outstanding contributions to the AFJROTC program.
During the inspection, cadets participated in several key evaluations, including a uniform inspection, a 30-command drill sequence, and a color guard demonstration. These activities showcased their discipline, precision, and teamwork.
A special thank you to school and central administration and the Board of Education for their support. The district’s encouragement and resources have allowed the cadets to thrive and achieve this remarkable honor. Congratulations to all involved in this outstanding achievement!
To view a video of the 30-command drill sequence, click here: https://bit.ly/3D8Usj8
More photos are available on our Facebook page.