Authored by: CW3 (R) Michael Goode
Photos by: CW3 (R) Michael Goode

Wagner High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) was visited by the 5th Brigade JROTC, Cadet Command on the 18th of January 2024. The entire Thunderbird Battalion participated in this event. This was the school’s Tri-Annual JROTC Program Accreditation inspection (JPA). Sergeant First Class (Retired) Wayne Harper, Army Instructor, Master Sergeant (Retired) Joseph Dudley, and Chief Warrant Officer Three (Retired) Michael Goode, Senior Army Instructor were proud of their student’s commitment to completing this inspection as a team. This inspection was successful for the Thunderbird Battalion, maintaining the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) title.

In accordance with USACC Regulation 145-2, JROTC Program: Organization, Administration, Operations, Training, and Support Regulation dated 12 August 2022, Chapter 8, section 54 highlights that, “An Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) has demonstrated exceptional performance in all areas of JROTC, as determined by the USACC and as designated in permanent orders. Receiving such ratings is a reflection on both the unit and the school.”

The Thunderbird leadership spent long days in preparation with multiple briefs, Color Guard, and Platoon Drill which prepared the Thunderbirds for execution day. This preparation paid off as the Thunderbird Battalion earned a 96.375% (100 max) overall score, earning the HUD distinction award which is represented by wearing the ‘Gold Star’. The HUD award will be allowed to be worn for three years.

Creek Wood High School: Cadet honors Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Creek Wood High School: Cadet honors Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Cadet Mallerie Goulding (Photo by Jodi Orman) Written by Ronald Schlangen Cadet Mallerie Goulding of the Red Hawk Battalion recently experienced one of the nation's most profound honors when she was selected to lay a [...]

Howard High School: Cadets win first at regulation drill competition

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Howard High School: Cadets win first at regulation drill competition

Howard High School Army JROTC Lions Battalion celebrates their success at the Dec. 6 Atholton Drill Competition with an impressive display of teamwork and precision. (Photo by Cadets Iliana Gaitan-McCastle and Biak Tial) Written by [...]

Ansbach High School: Cadet embraces leadership opportunities

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Ansbach High School: Cadet embraces leadership opportunities

Cadet Kennedy Lange (Photo by Madonna Roberts, Senior Army Instructor) Written by Cadet Marley Shackleton Cadet Kennedy Lange, an Army JROTC Cadet from Ansbach High School, received the distinct honor of attending two leadership programs [...]