DOD_110036773-1024x576-2000k.mp4
Summary: Retired Air Force personnel serve as JROTC instructors, mentoring high school students and teaching valuable life skills that prepare them for future success.
This video highlights the dedicated retired U.S. Air Force personnel who transition into roles as Air Force JROTC instructors. They emphasize that teaching JROTC is not a retirement job, but a demanding and rewarding commitment to shaping young lives. Instructors share how they become positive role models, teaching essential skills like integrity, respect, financial management, and teamwork. The program fosters personal growth, discipline, and citizenship, helping students develop confidence and prepare for challenges in life after high school. Testimonials reveal the deep satisfaction instructors find in guiding students from freshman to senior year and seeing their potential realized, often receiving heartfelt messages from former cadets who credit the program and its instructors for their success.
Playback guide
1. time: 0:00 label: Students entering classroom, female instructor (Dr. Melissa Lacey) greets them. 2. time: 0:22 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey teaching about principles of balloon flight with a model airplane. 3. time: 0:25 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey speaks about teaching Air Force JROTC for 11 years. 4. time: 0:33 label: Text overlay: Dr. Melissa Lacey, Maj. (Ret.) U.S. Air Force, Bob Jones H.S., AL-20021. 5. time: 0:39 label: Instructor assisting students with uniform boots. 6. time: 0:45 label: Text overlay: Keith Wilson, Col. (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Northside H.S., GA-062. He speaks about the importance of role models. 7. time: 0:51 label: Cadets on a football field for drill practice. 8. time: 0:59 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey observing cadets doing drill in a gym. 9. time: 1:01 label: Female cadet saluting. 10. time: 1:03 label: Cadets in flight suits and uniforms. 11. time: 1:06 label: Text overlay: Ellis Clark, CMSgt (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Bob Jones H.S., AL-20021. He speaks to cadets. 12. time: 1:11 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey speaks about becoming more than an instructor, serving as a parent, counselor, or spiritual advisor. 13. time: 1:18 label: Cadets walking in a line outside towards a field. 14. time: 1:23 label: Cadets in camouflage uniforms on the field, with an instructor talking to them. 15. time: 1:29 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey observing cadets from behind. 16. time: 1:34 label: Text overlay: Lucrica Knight, MSgt (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Temecula Valley H.S., CA-933. She speaks about teaching life skills. 17. time: 1:42 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey teaching in a classroom, students are taking notes. 18. time: 1:49 label: Ellis Clark assisting a female cadet with a laptop. 19. time: 1:53 label: Male cadet presenting with a laptop, screen shows 'Team Information'. 20. time: 1:55 label: Cadets in formation outdoors. 21. time: 1:57 label: Text overlay: Michelle Siau, CMSgt (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Philip Simmons H.S., SC-20201. She speaks about making a change in kids' lives. 22. time: 2:04 label: Text overlay: Shonda Spencer, SMSgt (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, West Orange H.S., FL-802. She speaks about seeing students' growth from 9th to 12th grade. 23. time: 2:10 label: Cadets talking in a group in a gym. 24. time: 2:14 label: Cadets marching in a gym. 25. time: 2:21 label: Cadets in formation outdoors, close up on a male cadet. 26. time: 2:24 label: Dr. Melissa Lacey and a male instructor observing cadets. 27. time: 2:27 label: Female cadet saluting. 28. time: 2:31 label: Text overlay: Jessica Schmitt, Capt. (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Lancaster H.S., CA-20014. She speaks about seeing potential and growth. 29. time: 2:43 label: Shadows of cadets walking, then a shot of cadets marching from below. 30. time: 2:48 label: Male cadet in flight suit saluting another cadet. 31. time: 2:53 label: Male cadet with glasses working on a laptop. 32. time: 2:58 label: Cadets working on laptops in a classroom, some engaging in discussion. 33. time: 3:02 label: Keith Wilson speaks about the passion of working with JROTC kids. 34. time: 3:06 label: Text overlay: Robin Hinson, MSgt (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Carolina H.S. and Academy, SC-20061. She speaks about preparing students for life outside high school. 35. time: 3:18 label: Female cadets preparing for target practice in an indoor range. 36. time: 3:22 label: Male instructor (Ellis Clark) coaching students during target practice. 37. time: 3:26 label: Female cadets smiling and interacting. 38. time: 3:29 label: Cadets engaging in target practice with air rifles. 39. time: 3:32 label: Michelle Siau speaks about receiving texts and emails from former students. 40. time: 3:45 label: End screen with website and QR code for 'Prospective Instructor' positions.