Cadet of the month
This month's choice for cadet of the month goes to Dwight Bednara. Bednara is a 2nd year Bardstown High School cadet with the rank of Captain; this is impressive due to the fact that usually only 3rd and 4th years hold this title. Not only has Bednara shown he's a great leader he's proven to have great teaching and mentoring qualities as well. When asked about his time in JROTC, Dwight said he feels it's brought him out of his comfort zone and enjoys meeting and talking to new people.
Air Force JROTC News
This month, cadets and instructors hit the ground running with plans to get new cadets acquainted to the program. This school year we have a total of 92 cadets, 69 of those are 1st years. This is a significant increase in enrollment to the program compared to last year.
Announcements đź“Ł
The following cadets still need to coordinate a time with Maj Rowe to receive their uniforms (Football / Color Guard Season is approaching quickly): Abrianna Harris (everything), Zach Smith (OCP's), John Brock (OCP's), Frankie Harrison (Blues), Cody Vincent (Blues), Devon Dunlap (Blues), Brody Hicks (Blues), Christian Brown (Blues), Nathaniel Cahoe (Blues), Tristian Nimmo (Blues) and Chloe Josephson (Blues).
AFJROTC, KY-20003 located at Nelson County High School in Bardstown, KY in celebration of the U.S. Air Force’s 77th Birthday, is hosting the Inaugural Defender Games. This event will be from 9am Wednesday, Sept 18th until roughly 1:30 pm. It is during the school day.
This is a very JROTC “Raider” style competition...What is Raiders? Raider Competition or "Raider" as it is more commonly known is a very popular athletic competition held within Junior ROTC programs around the United States from all services. It is the Junior ROTC equivalent of the Army ROTC "Ranger" competition.
Mission:
This competition will be a fun and challenging experience where teams will work together to overcome challenges that will test them physically, mentally and emotionally as well as bring a sense of “Esprit De Corps” and camaraderie to all.
This year the team sizes will be limited to 10 cadets in order to allow for more participation. Schools are encouraged to bring non-competing cadets, parents and fans, if they would like to cheer on their teams. Schools will be allowed to bring more than one team. Each team will consist of 10 cadets - Mixed male & female but only 8 cadets will participate in each event.
We need parent volunteers to assist us with the Defender Games! Please let Maj Rowe or MSgt Davis know if you will be willing to help. We will take whatever help we can get!!
Dates to remember
- Fri 23 Aug: Adrenaline Fundraiser Kickoff (using the Raise365 App)
- Wed 18 Sep: The Defender Games (all day event requiring the entire Detachment)
- Sun 15 Sep: Bourbon Festival w/ the American Legion Post# 121 (community service)
- Fri/Sat 13-14 Sep: American Legion Bingo Fundraiser (TBD depending on Post 42)
- Fri/Sat 11-12 Oct: American Legion Bingo Fundraiser (TBD depending on Post 42)
- Mon 11 Nov: Veterans Day Events (multiple events throughout the week)
Taking the next step
Former cadets, Austin Curtsinger, Gracie Jones and Ian Kulmer have enlisted in the Navy. Curtsinger is on his way to fulfilling his dream of becoming a Navy Seal, Jones is going into the Navy Reserves and pursuing a career in the medical field and Kulmer will be working as a Diesel Mechanic. We wish you the best of luck on your journey's and we're proud of each and every one of you!
Back to school
All cadets are back in school and hit the ground running. This year we are highly focused on building discipline and character in our younger students. This year, 10 Bardstown Middle School cadets attended a 1 week preparation class, giving them a head start on the school year to come.
Adrenaline Fundraiser
This is the first time that KY-20003 has partnered with Adrenaline Fundraising to help raise money for our Detachment. Any cadet that can raise $600.00 for their individual team will earn a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card!! Every cadet has been given the information to install the Raise365 App and set-up their individual account. The Fundraiser Kick-off officially begins on Friday August 23rd.
J-Factor Forms
J-Factor Forms are one of the many ways fellow cadets and instructors can shout-out extraordinary behavior or leadership qualities. These traditionally get read aloud during staff meetings each month, however we want to shout out cadets to the community as well.
Shout-out to Jacob Hardin by Vivian Blaine: "Thank you for helping with chairs after cardinal crew, and for helping teach during first block during drill."
Shout-out to Kaidence Wilson by anonymous: "You are committed to this program already. In you I see leadership qualities. Keep it up!!"
Shout-out to Erasto Jaime by anonymous: "You always have a positive attitude and uplift those around you."
Shout-out to Maci Johnson by anonymous: "For overcoming obstacles and always trying to embrace the suck"
Shout-out to Keira Evans by anonymous: "For being kind and dedicated."
Shout-out to Ary Patel by anonymous: "For being extremely dedicated to the program."
Shout-out to Carson Blanford by anonymous: "For showing a great example of Independence."
Shout-out to Mckyanna Underwood-Hazel by anonymous: "Good job staying on task and asking questions when needed."
Shout-out to Sade West by anonymous: "For taking the initiative and being the one to lead others."
Shout-out to Jedd Shelburne by anonymous: "Honestly, you're pretty funny."
SASI Section
I wanted to welcome back all of our returning cadets and also extend a sincere welcome to all of the new 1st-year cadets and their families. We currently have 69 out of 92 students enrolled in AFJROTC-1 (that's about 75% of our Detachment)!! Thank you for trusting us with your most prized possession(s). This is also the 1st year that AFJROTC Detachment KY-20003 is welcoming students from several different schools in the community.
Our 1st (maybe only) Fundraising event kicks off on Friday Aug 23rd and we have a gentleman lined-up who will be helping all of our cadets get set-up on the Raise365 App. Our Detachment Goal is to raise $25,000 for the program (more details to come with this). These donations help offset the cost of the banquet, equipment, flags, transportation costs, uniforms & accessories.
If you are on Facebook or Instagram, please consider following us at: AFJROTC KY-20003 (Facebook) or afjrotcky_20003 (Instagram). We try our best to inform cadets, families and the local community on everything we are doing within the program. We are also highly encouraging parents and family to volunteer throughout the year or consider getting vetted as a AFJROTC Chaperone. Please contact me at jason.rowe@nelson.kyschools.us if interested. Thanks
Messages from MSgt Davis
Welcome Back!! We are taking off on all cylinders!! While the beginning of school has had its share of logistical challenges, as always, we embrace the difficulty and overcome!
This week we are beginning to settle in and have started learning the structure of Air Force JROTC, customs and courtesies, (Interacting properly with others) the meaning of the Air Force's core values of Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in everything we do. We use these values to help guide our lives.
Our national symbols such as the American Flag that represent beliefs, values, traditions, or other intangible ideas that make our country unique.
We are on our way of fulfilling our mission of Creating Citizens of Character!