The Abilene High Air Force JROTC unit will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of JROTC by hosting a 5K Fun Run on April 28.
The event will be held at 8 a.m. (7:30 a.m. registration) at Nelson Park, near the splash pad. Registration is open now and the public is encouraged to participate to support JROTC. AHS is encouraging all JROTC and ROTC alumni to join them for the event, either as a participant or a volunteer.
Please contact Lt Col (ret) Robert Davidson, AHS AFJROTC at robert.davidson@abileneisd.org or 325-677-1731, ext. 2258 for more information.
JROTC is a military-supported high school program whose purpose is to educate high school students in leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of active citizenship. The JROTC curriculum emphasizes academics, citizenship, character development, leadership skills, physical fitness and community service.
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) can track its heritage to a program founded in 1911 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Army Lt. Edgar R. Steevers. Lt. Steevers was assigned as an inspector-instructor of the organized military of Wyoming. During his assignment, he envisioned a noncompulsory cadet corps comprised of high school students. His program was aimed toward making better citizens.The National Defense Act of 1916 authorized a junior course for non-college military schools, high schools and other non-preparatory schools. The Army implemented JROTC in 1916, and the first Air Force JROTC programs were opened in 1966.
