On May 10th cadets who had participated in Cyberpatriot, the national high school cyber defense competition, visited the 39th Information Operations Squadron (IOS) located at Hurlburt Field. The 39th IOS is the U.S Air Force’s premier information and cyber formal training unit. This was an excellent opportunity for the cadets to start preparing themselves now for future careers in cyber. The highly motivated staff provided sound advice to the cadets on making smart choices today that will affect them in the years to come. Also the cadets were provided a demonstration that stressed the importance of team work while conducting cyber warfare operations. We thank Lt. Col Weigle and his staff for allowing the cadets of FL-051 to be the first group of high school students to visit the 39th IOS.
On 3 May fifty cadets from FL-051 along with cadets from Niceville and Choctaw AFJROTC met at the Rocking B- A - B Farm as guests of Dr. Bill Buckelew. Dr. B, his wife, and volunteers hosted the cadets for a day of fun in appreciation of the assistance with the community Farm Day held in November 2012. This year the cadets played volleyball, football, soccer, went horseback riding, and threw water balloons. Added this year was a tug of war competition where Dr. B offered a traveling trophy to the winners. Congratulations to the cadets of FL-051 for bringing home the trophy.
On 9 April 2013 junior and senior cadets conducted a Curriculum in Action trip to Hurlburt AFB. The cadets started out their day visiting with the aircrew of the U-28 aircraft. They were able to see the “slick” model of the aircraft being using for ISR missions. The crew were commissioned through three different commissioning routes explaining to the cadets that there are many options in the Air Force. Also visited that day were the control tower and airfield management, the base library, dining facility, and library, and air park. It was a great day to meet outstanding Airmen everywhere we went and are appreciative of them taking the time to host us.
On March 16, 2013 the cadets of FL-051 held their gala event of the year. The gentlemen of the Corp were looking outstanding in uniform while the ladies of the Corp were stunning in their formal gowns. It all started with the Saber Team holding high their Sabers for everyone’s entrance. Then the fun began. The dancing started and did not stop except for the announcement of the King & Queen and their court. The cadets continued having fun and enjoying each other’s company throughout the evening.
Ride 2 Recovery is a program created to help military members injured in the line of duty rehabilitate their bodies and their minds through biking. On March 6,2013, 180 Ride 2 Recovery cyclists completed a 74-mile trip from Orange Beach, Ala., to Okaloosa Island. Accompanied by an entourage of volunteer escorts and shepherded by local sheriff’s deputies, they were encouraged by our AFJROTC cadets, along with other FWBHS students along their route. It was a great show of respect by all those who participated. Be sure to see the photos.
On February 28th 2013 fourteen of our cadets attended Liza Jackson preparatory school and met with 100 of the eighth graders at the school. Our cadets talked to students about attending high school, time management, peer pressure, honors and advance placement classes, and the importance of balancing extra-curricular activities against a high GPA. Also they talked about the similarities and differences of attending middle school and high school. The Cadets performed outstanding in one on one and group settings with the incoming freshmen while making new friends.
On 23 February the Fort Walton Beach Lions Club and the Fort Walton Beach High School AFJROTC Cadets held their annual pancake breakfast fundraising event. This event is used by the Lions Club to provide funding for their sight program. The cadets assist by holding a ticket sales drive prior to the breakfast. On the day of the pancake breakfast the cadets work as greeters, servers, and cleaning crew. While the weather was mostly raining and cool the atmosphere inside the Magnolia Grill was friendly and warm.
On February 16th our cadets for the first time attend the orienteering meet hosted by the Army ROTC at the UWF nature area. After registering all cadets went through training classes to determine their pace count, check their compass headings, and get an overall description of the area to be covered. Twenty five teams were competing and were released every ten minutes in groups of four. This was a timed competition with a maximum of seventy–five minutes to complete the course. The team that made it to all their plot points in the least amount of time would be the winner. Our team did not take home a trophy but they had a great time and gained a lot of experience for the next competition.
On February 11, 2013 Fort Walton Beach High School hosted their annual curriculum night for incoming freshmen and their parents. The cadets from AFJROTC are some of the first impressions these new students have of FWBHS. Cadets are at the entrance ways meeting and greeting the students and their parents along with providing maps and directions to get around the school. In addition our Honor Guard presents the colors for the opening ceremony. After the opening the parents are then visiting with the various clubs, athletic teams, and other organizations throughout the school. Be sure to check our photo page to see the cadets meeting these new students and their parents and explain the great benefits of joining AFJROTC.
On Saturday February 9th the Eglin Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA) hosted their “First Flight” program at Eglin AFB. The AFA in their generosity paid for the use of aircraft at the Aero Club located on Eglin AFB. Volunteer pilots spent their Saturday instructing and flying the Cessna 172 aircraft. Our cadets were given a briefing on the aircraft then climbed aboard for their flight. Each student spent twenty minutes in the right seat of the aircraft getting their first hands on experience of flying. For our cadets it was their first time flying and a great experience. We thank Gary Plumb from the AFA and all the volunteers who kept the aircraft flying for a great day of flying over the local area.
On January 31st the cadets of FL-051 made their annual holiday visit to Teresa Village. Due to weather conditions the visit was rescheduled from December 20th. Teresa Village is part of the Air Force Enlisted Village program to provide housing for Air Force enlisted retirees and spouses. Approximately 35 residents attended the luncheon hosted by the cadets. The cadets had also prepared gift bags for the residents to enjoy after the luncheon. In addition to hosting the luncheon the cadets were involved in BINGO games the residents were playing. Hosting this luncheon after the holiday break worked out very well for the residents and the cadets had a great time with the residents of Teresa Village.
The cadets of FL-051 made their initial appearance at the annual Mardi Gras Parade on 19 January 2013. The weather was good, the atmosphere was festive and the cadets were ready to once again show their skills. The class time spent practicing their marching and drill skills paid off as the crowd cheered for them throughout the parade. In addition to the crowd enjoying their performance the judges were also impressed. The cadets earned 1st place in the marching category. OUTSTANDING!! The cadets are always proud to march but the day’s festivities made it an even better day.
It was a warm and pleasant evening for the 2012 Fort Walton Beach Christmas parade on December 6th. Forty five cadets were in place in place at the rally point and doing their motivation check, when those around were heard to say how great they sounded and how motivated they now felt to get going. The cadets continued along Eglin Parkway displaying their marching skills to hundreds of cheering spectators. Along the route the Saber Team and Drill Team performed their routines to the crowd’s delight. The cadet’s spirits were high, their voices were vocal, and their professionalism showed this evening
On Saturday December 1st 60 cadets traveled to the Central Alabama Veterans Administration Center in Tuskegee Alabama. Upon arriving the cadets began delivering care packages for the veterans enrolled in the domiciliary care unit. The cadets also had the opportunity to talk to the veterans and gain insight into their service during conflicts from Vietnam to recently returning OIF/OEF veterans. Before leaving a stop at the hospital section of the center was conducted. Here the cadets sang carols to those veterans who were unable to leave their rooms. Many words of thanks were given to the cadets throughout the day for taking the time to visit these veterans.
Thirty-five cadets dedicated time on Veteran’s Day to place flags on the markers of veterans buried in Beal Cemetery. This is a time honored tradition for the cadets of FL-051 and once again they served the community in an exemplary manner. Many of the cadets are freshmen and this is their initial community service project. What a great way to start with AFJROTC. In addition several parents attended this event and assisted to which we say thank you!
Once again the cadets supported the 29th Annual Farm Day community event held on November 3rd. This event is sponsored by Dr. Buckelew at the Rocking B-A-B Ranch in Defuniak Springs. The cadets assisted with parking guests, registration, preparing food, assisting with animals, passing out gifts, and clean up. It was a great day weather wise with a turnout of over 2800 local community members. We want to thank the cadets from Niceville and Choctawatchee High Schools AFJROTC who also attended and supported this event. It was great to have all three AFJROTC programs represented at one event.
Forty- seven of our cadets made the curriculum in action trip to the museum on a bright sunny morning. The group arrived early so they could watch the Blue Angels conduct a practice session for their final airshow of the season. It was a great experience for those who have never seen the Angels that close and personal. After the practice the cadets had the opportunity to explore both museum buildings. They were able to see aircraft from the early aviation period through today. It is a great opportunity to experience the aircraft that they have read about.
The 1st Special Operations Wing hosted an Open House at Hurlburt Field where the FWBHS AFJROTC cadets were invited to perform two drill exhibitions. The all-day event welcomed families from the local and surrounding communities to the base. It was an excellent opportunity for the AFJROTC unarmed drill team, saber team, and honor guard team to show the military and civilian communities just how well they perform. The cadets designed their own performance to go along with drill steps they routinely perform during class. In between performances the cadets were also able to meet and talk with different unit members from Hurlburt Field. They were able to get up close and talk with Airmen who were displaying aircraft, protective gear equipment, communication equipment and weapons. It was a great way for the cadets to learn how Team Hurlburt members support the special operations mission
The cadets from FL-51 were instrumental in making the second annual Fort Walton Beach High School Military Appreciation Night a success. The cadets escorted military guests from the 1st Special Operations Wing and their families during the event. The guests enjoyed a BBQ dinner, social time to meet with cadets, teachers, and administrators, and a well-played hard entertaining football game against Milton High School. To start off the game the Honor Guard performed an outstanding presentation of the colors. Cadets were present at the stadium entrances to distribute American Flags that were enthusiastically waved during the half time ceremony honoring those who are serving or have served. A special tribute was paid honor SSgt Curtis Krenzke for his heroic efforts while serving in combat. This ceremony was a proud moment for all in attendance and especially moving for the cadets who participated on the field with SSgt Krenzke.
The cadets from FL-51 provided support to the annual Greek Festival held at the Emerald Coast Convention center held on September 1st. The cadets provided assistance with preparing and serving traditional Greek cuisine. From start up to clean up the cadets were busy with a crowd of several thousand people in attendance during the day. In addition to assisting the cadets had the opportunity experience the Greek culture through music and dance provided. It was an opportunity to travel to Greece without leaving the local area.
The Cadets from FL-51 wish to thank Dr. Bill Buckelew and friends at the Rocking B-A-B Ranch for hosting our spring picnic. We greatly appreciate them taking their time to feed and entertain us for the day. Cadets and their family members enjoyed the volleyball, waterslide, water balloon games, along with the nature trail and horseback riding that was provided. It was a great day for everyone to have fun, get to know each other better, and relax. Be sure to look at the pictures.
The Cadets at FL-51 wish to thank the Cadets from Niceville High School FL- 33 for hosting the Combat Field Day on 5 May 2012. It was a great day for our Cadets who learned new competition skills and met some great new friends. Although we did not leave with the "Golden Canteen" we did leave with new friendships. Looking forward to doing this again.
For the second year in a row, our Air Force Junior ROTC unit has been awarded the coveted Distinguished Unit Award. This award recognizes the personal growth and accomplishments of cadets, contributions of the instructors as mentors of the cadets, and the support of our school and community. It is also based on satisfying multiple JROTC Headquarters requirements and achieving unit goals set by the cadet staff. Limited to the best of the best, only 220 of the 882 AFJROTC units received the Distinguished Unit Award.
Over fifty cadets participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held at Choctaw High school on April 20th. The cadets held a raffle on site to raise money for the ACS. The cadets actively participated walking the track and were recognized with many spirit points. In addition to raising monies for this event the cadets actively participated with other groups in attendance. Due to threating weather conditions this event had to end early but the cadets were outstanding in their efforts.
FL -51 held their annual award ceremony at FWBHS auditorium on 19 April 2012 in front of a strong showing of parents, relatives, and friends. In addition to the support from their families, the cadets had fifteen guest presenters from various military organizations located here in Okaloosa County. Cadets were recognized for their scholastic achievement, leadership abilities, community service, and military achievement. In addition to unit awards, local presenters contributed $4,000 in scholarship money to cadets furthering their education. An additional $1,000 was contributed through various organizations to the cadets in recognition of their successes. FL – 51 thanks all who attended and supported our ceremony, we couldn’t do it without you.
Six cadets from the senior class of FL-51 assited with the Emerald Coast Senior Citizen Olympics. The cadets visited the Emerald Coast Nursing home to the delight of about 20 residents. Events featured for the residents were basketball, toss across, and bowling. The cadets then presented awards to the participating Olympians.
Forty-three AFJROTC FL - 51 Cadets attended the American Legion Post 99 Drill Competition on March 10th in Foley Alabama. Competing against 16 teams from Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida the cadets returned with three trophies. For individual performance in the plank competition C/SMSgt Clayton Hults received second place holding a plank position for 20minutes 37 seconds. Our eight person tug of war team earned a third place trophy. Even though our relay team did not earn a trophy their results placed our cadets in third place overall for the fitness competition. Thanks to our parent volunteers, Mr. Nelson, Mrs. Bergesen, and Mr. Kennedy for your assistance during the day.
The annual Lions Club International AFJROTC FL- 51 pancake breakfast was conducted on February 25, 2012. Once again this cooperative effort between these organizations was very successful. The cadets were busy greeting, serving, and cleaning. The cadets held a ticket sale at Walmart which proved to be very successful. We thank the management at Walmart for their support. Special thanks go to Tom and Peggy Rice, proprietors at the Magnolia Grill for supporting this event. Without their kindness and support to provide the pancakes and use of the Magnolia Grill this could not have happened. Thanks to all who bought tickets and came to eat that Saturday.
On February 24, 2012 the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Northwest Florida conducted their annual Candlelight Vigil and Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner. The cadets of FL-51 were proud to assist in the preparation and start of the dinner. In addition to FL-51 Honor Guard presenting the Colors, ten cadets assisted the volunteers from the MADD organization with the turnaround of banquet hall. Assisting with the placement of tables and chairs, along with decorating, the cadets were able to create an enjoyable setting for the law enforcement officials and their guests. The MADD organization has a powerful message to deliver and the volunteers from MADD were able to convey this message to the cadets while working the set up. We thank MADD and the area law enforcement officials for their efforts to reduce and eliminate the problem of drinking and driving.
December 17th marked the first CARE Coalition Christmas at the Landing, an event held to raise monies for local animal shelters. The cadets of FL-051 were in attendance at this first ever event providing assistance from start up to closing. The cadets arrived early in the morning to assist in decorating the Fort Walton Beach Landing pavilions. The cadets then took up positions at the entrances to the park, directing visitors and collecting donations of food and supplies for the shelters. Being a first time event for the sponsors, they were very appreciative of the courtesy and respect the cadets showed to incoming visitors while directing them to the exhibits. The day concluded with cadet Ashleigh Michales singing for the crowd, and some cadets showing off their dance talents. Even though the cadets had a long day working this event they still had energy left over to have fun.
On December 15th the cadets of FL-051 made their annual holiday visit to Teresa Village. Teresa Village is part of the Air Force Enlisted Village program to provide housing for Air Force enlisted retirees and spouses. Approximately 50 residents attended the luncheon hosted by the cadets. The cadets had also prepared gift bags for the residents to enjoy after the luncheon. In addition to hosting the luncheon the cadets were involved in BINGO games the residents were playing. It was a great way to kick start the holiday break for the cadets involved and the residents of Teresa Village appreciated the visit.
The FL-051 2011 Dining In was an evening of formality enjoyed by fifty cadets. Special guests for the event were Mr. Green, Fort Walton Beach assistant principle, and Ms. Lorraine Robison. Ms. Robison is a staff member at the Liza Jackson preparatory school and provided all the outstanding support to host the event at her school. From the posting of the Colors to the final gavel closing the Dining In the cadets conducted a first class event. C/A1C Melvin gave an impressive singing of our National Anthem to start the evening. The POW/MIA ceremony, seen by many of the cadets for the first time, will be remembered. C/Amn Horton and C2Lt Imperial were recognized for their academic achievement as they were inducted into the FL-051 Kitty Hawk Air Society. Lt Col Trexler spoke about the importance of education and service and how it related to the distinguished career of MG Alfred Flowers. MG Flowers is retiring in January 2012 after continuously serving in the USAF since 1965. A change in command ceremony was conducted announcing C/Lt Col Boolos as the new Commander. C/Col Nielsen will turn over the reins upon return from holiday break. Although the Dining In is set up as a formal event there was plenty of good conversation and laughter during the evening. For the cadets and guests in attendance it was an enjoyable evening.
The threat of rain did not prevent sixty-five highly motivated cadets from marching in the 2011 Fort Walton Beach Christmas parade on December 5th. Their enthusiasm was contagious and noted at the rally point for the start of the parade. While in place in at the rally point and doing their cadet motivation check, those around were heard to say how great they sounded and how motivated they now felt to get going. The cadets continued along Eglin Parkway displaying their marching skills to hundreds of cheering spectators. Along the route the Saber Team and Drill Team performed their routines to the crowd’s delight. Many rounds of applause were heard throughout the evening. The cadet’s spirits remained high, their voices remained vocal, and their professionalism showed to the very end.
Lt Col Trexler
850-833-3300 ext. 2401
Philip.Trexler@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
CMSgt Houston
850-833-3300 ext 2408
HoustonJ@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
We have received our order for the FL-051 customized hoodie. Show your AFJROTC pride while staying warm. Cadets may now purchase these at any time. These are a blend of 50/50 polyester and cotton offered in S,M,L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL. Cost is $20. Click on picture below for your personal viewing.
Thanks to cadets Nikki White and Kurt Japson for the outstanding design.