Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps OH-871

Fort hayes metrololitan education center 546 Jack Gibbs blvd, colubus, oh 43215

SPIT FIRE!

ESTABLISHED: 1987 AT EAST HIGH SCHOOL BY COLONEL WILBUR R. BLOUNT
MONICKER: RED TAILS
BATTLE CRY: "SPIT FIRE & CARRY ON"!
MOTTO: Praeterita disce, praesentia servī, futūra finge. (latin- Study the past, serve in the present, shape the future)

From this hallowed ground, we "study the past; praeterita disce."

Located at the historic Fort Hayes in Columbus, Ohio, the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center provides opportunity for students throughout the Greater Columbus area to enroll in high quality, academic, arts and technical education. The Fort has been home to AFJROTC OH-871 since moving from Columbus Downtown High School in 2016.

Constructed in 1862 as the Columbus Arsenal, "The Fort" is a 78 acre campus housing the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center has served as US Army barracks, recruiting center and point of entry, and has been home to the Fort Hayes Career Center since 1976, the Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School established in 1988, and welcomed Arts Impact Middle School in 2006.

View of Fort Hayes from above today showing the Fort Hayes Career Center (top right), Arts Impact Middle School (far right), Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School (middle to right), with the iconic Shot Tower at the center

The Barracks, later known as the Shot Tower, was built at Fort Hayes in 1863-1864 to store arms during the Civil War. It was never used as a shot tower, which requires a height of 75 to 160 feet, but served as a clock tower and staircase. It became part of the military base, later being repurposed in the 20th century.

The FHMEC adopted the monicker “Red Tails” to honor both the Red Tail Hawks nesting on our grounds and the impactful Tuskegee Airmen and their tremendous contributions to Columbus’s and our nations rise to greatness.

Red Tail Hawk

The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America's first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism.

Inspired by the crest of the 332d Fighter Group "Red Tails", our unit logo retains the shape and color of the crest with modifications to the blue and gold alternating field and panther. The loops remodeled to resemble the top of the Fort Hayes Shot Tower; the panther has been modernized while in keeping with the spirit of its storied past

We Serve

We "serve in the present; praesentia servī."

Just as the “Red Tails” who proceed us, we are dedicated to serving our nation and communities. Our Air Force Core Value of Service Before Self is a pillar of our program. Service strengthens the ties with our communities, develops character, self-confidence, and furthers the ideals of citizenship.

The OH-871 supports the our Columbus City Schools family through Elementary and Middle school visits focusing on literacy, career exploration, interpersonal relationships, and academic success along with providing manpower and services to support major district events.

Red Tail Cadets help set up the Arts Impact Middle School gym to host the 2025 CCS Administrator PD Resource Fair held on August 2nd, 2025

Cadets demonstrate drone operations and instruct Lincoln Park Elementary students on fundamentals of unmanned flight. They then define success criteria so they can try piloting them on their own.

We partner with our local organizations such American Legion, AMVETS, MILVETS, The Columbus Mayor's Office and City Council, Columbus Parks & Recreation, American Red Cross, and those who work to bring humanitarian relief.

OH-871 Cadets load turkeys and sides into vehicles of Columbus families during the 2024 "Thanksgiving Back" Turkey Drive hosted at Fort Hayes. More than bags with 1000 turkeys and sides were distributed

Our Cadets enjoy spending time with our Veterans and assisting them to get items and services they need during the annual Central Ohio Stand Down occurring each October at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Cadets brave the suboptimal conditions to set up vendor stalls for the 2024 MILVETS Veterans Day Rally held outside the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus

We proudly bear and present our nation’s colors at both CCS and civic events throughout Central Ohio. YOUR Cadets are ever present and ever ready to serve!

Cadets of the OH-871 Color Guard Team speak with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther ahead of presenting the Columbus City, Ohio, and US flags opening his 2025 State Of The City Address. He awarded them with a Columbus Mayor's coin and pin for their steadfast service to the city.

During the 2025 school year, we performed 24 service projects totaling 3,264 hours with an average of 20.6 service hours per Cadet!

Cadets decorate our campus with pink ribbon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HQ AFJROTC identified the OH-871st as one of its premier service units by selecting us for the Community Service Excellence w/Silver Star Award, reserved for the top 5% of all AFJROTC units worldwide.

Our Red Tails care for their environment by conducting monthly campus cleanup events.

Pathfinders

Our program creates the conditions for young leaders to prepare to "shape the future; futūra finge."

As a Cadet led program, we develop resilient and capable professional leaders for today and tomorrow prepared to “Spit Fire & Carry On”. Cadets are educated using a diverse world-class curriculum and include classroom instruction, work and project based learning, and industry credentialing programs. Our Air Force Core Values of Integrity First and Excellence In All We do are the catalysts behind our success.

Inspiring generation

AFJROTC Cadets engage in deliberate development activities such as coding and piloting drones, rocketry, military drill & ceremony, leadership reaction activities and competitions.

Team Spit Fire reaches back into our past while visiting the National Museum of The United States Air Force following classroom lesson on Air Force Aviation History linking classroom learning with real world examples.

OH-871 Air Commando crosses a One Rope Bridge constructed by the team at the Knox County Raider Challenge.

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a 14.6 mile hike to honor those who died and who endured the forced march of US and Philippine POWs during the Imperial Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands in April of 1943.

A Cadet places her constructed rocket on the launch pad, preparing for a successful launch and recovery.

Cadets participate in Level I of the JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl, a team based competition testing knowledge of mathematics, english composition, physical science, and current events.

Cadets teaching Cadets; the Color Guard Commander instructs new trainees on basic rifle drill

They also engage in local elementary and middle school mentorship activities, tutoring, unit logistics and personnel management, operations planning, plus a comprehensive wellness program.

Logistics is the lifeblood of any organization and our Cadets have an active role in our supply chain management including stock, storage and issue of unit supplies, equipment and Cadet transportation.

Cadet Corps Staff members work together to manage all aspects of the unit using the Holm Center's WINGS Cadet Management Database.

During the 2025 school year, our Cadet Corps engaged in 140 leadership development activities, spanning 7,216 hours with Cadets averaging 81 hours.

Hard work is put in during physical training, a key component of the AFJROTC Wellness program.

Senior Cadets (III/IV) discuss how to develop a peer support group and student voice forum

Costumes?

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS FOR HELPING TO CREATE POSSIBILITIES!

Milvets, is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Their mission is to foster a sense of patriotism and community through various initiatives and events. They believe in the power of unity and the importance of remembering those who have served our country.

Our longest partnership spanning several decades. As a trusted partner, the OH-871st has been consistently involved with Milvets events to honor those who've served our nation. To discover how you can help make a difference with Milvets go to https://ohiomilvets.org/ today.

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To get the very best in the business, go to https://ohheating.com/ for hour HVAC needs!

We build the best, toughest rucking gear to equip the rucking revolution — we force multiply through training, Events, and GORUCK Clubs that empower real world communities in service to something greater than themselves.

The OH-871 shoe of choice! These hold up to everything we throw at them and are great for everyday wear as well. Visit our friends at www.goruck.com/ and order yours today!

Visit our amazing partner at www.inasoldiersshoes.org/ to learn more and see how you can get involved to support or the resources they have to offer our Veteran community. We truly value what they do and work to link our community to this life-altering charitable organization. The In a Soldier’s Shoes Foundation was founded by Brien Conrad, Zack Weilnau, and Kayin McDonald. Throughout their undergraduate years, college roommates Brien and Zack along with the rest of their chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity were committed to giving back to our country’s heroes who have given so much for each and every one of us to make our country great. In 2014, Brien created the chapter’s philanthropy event Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes, an annual ruck march to raise funds to give back to our honored veterans that has been running for over a decade. Since then, it has become the premier event for his chapter and has grown with with its partnerships to provide quality tangible goods to those who need them most.

Visit our faithful friends at www.ohamvets.org/ learn more about the resources, programs, and events available and how you can engage with their mission. AMVETS engages in a range of activities and programs to address the needs of veterans, including the following: ADVOCACY: AMVETS is involved in legislative advocacy to promote policies and laws that benefit veterans. They work to ensure that veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve. VETERANS SERVICES: The organization offers a variety of services to veterans, such as career assistance, education support, and mental health resources. They aim to help veterans successfully transition to civilian life. COMMUNITY SUPPORT: AMVETS is active in supporting local communities and veterans' initiatives. This may include scholarships, community events, and partnerships with other organizations to address the unique challenges veterans face. MEMBERSHIP: AMVETS has a membership structure, and individuals who have served in the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves, are eligible to join. Members often participate in the organization's activities and contribute to its mission. HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE: AMVETS is involved in honoring veterans and military personnel who have served their country. This may include ceremonies, events, and memorials.

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Credits:

Created with an image by Mircea Costina - "red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) in flight"