On any given Wednesday, the widespread presence of Ashley Ridge High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) can be seen around nearly every corner of the new school.
Each Wednesday, the more than 100 cadets in the school’s AFJROTC wear their uniforms, and because the school only has about 800 students, it seems as if at least one cadet can be spotted in every classroom.
Currently, Ashley Ridge has only ninth- and 10th-graders; however, next year the school will bring in a new freshman class and thus the unit is expected to grow by roughly 50 cadets, according to Msgt. George Winkle, who served in the Air Force for 23 years and along with Major Bill Clark, lead the Ashley Ridge AFJRTOC.
Students in the AFJROTC are taught a variety of skills and lessons such as time management, leadership qualities and how to differentiate between right and wrong, which the cadets are expected to use in all areas of their lives.
“It’s not about pushing them to join the military,” Winkle said. “We’re trying to train them to be better citizens so that they can take what they learn in our program into whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.”
The unit, which features a drill team and rocketry team, has participated in various drill meets, parades and other school and local events.
Cadet Michael Driggers says his involvement in the AFJRTOC has made him a more confident individual.
“I’ve learned a lot about leading people correctly and getting my mind in the right state when I need to take charge,” Driggers said. “ROTC has prepared me for life after high school.”
Tenth-grader Stephanie Shaw, assistant squadron leader, transferred to Ashley Ridge this year after attending Fort Dorchester High School as a freshman. She credits the AFJROTC with making the transition easier.
“At first, it was tough because a lot of my good friends were still at Fort Dorchester,” Shaw said. “With ROTC though, it’s like a family. There is a lot of camaraderie.”
Next year, a special leadership class, which will include the study of aerodynamics, aircraft modeling and advanced leadership training, will be offered to select second year cadets.
On April 15, approximately 75 cadets will travel to Washington, D.C., to visit Arlington National Cemetery, the, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and other historic monuments and attractions. They will also present the colors at a Major League Baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com