Wilson High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC Unit earns award

Wilson High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC Unit has been selected as one of 393 units to receive the 2008-09 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit Award.

This is the second straight year Wilson’s Unit SC-051 has won the award, and the fifth time in the school’s history.

The award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed above and beyond normal expectations and have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC mission of developing citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community, according to a press release issued by Florence School District 1.

Aerospace science instructor Lt. Col. Clifford Moriarty said the award was the culmination of a great year.

“We knew that we had a very fine unit, but this (award) just puts the icing on the cake,” he said.

Moriarity said he attributes the unit’s success to the core of cadets and last year’s senior leaders’ hard work and dedication.

“I’m very proud of the cadets,” he said. “I’m very proud of the unit.”

The cadets of Wilson’s Air Force JROTC Unit aren’t the only ones at the school who were recognized for exemplary service. Aerospace science instructor Master Sgt. Patrick Bubacz received the “Outstanding Instructor” Award from the Air Force JROTC program.

The top 20 percent of more than 1,930 instructors were selected based on their individual contributions and impact on cadets, their school or unit, and the community.

Bubacz’s “professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Air Force JROTC program,” U.S. Air Force Director Col. Richard J. Ragaller said in a press release issued by the district. “The superior initiative and personal endeavor displayed by (Master Sgt. Patrick) Bubacz reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

Bubacz said he was honored to have been nominated and selected for the award.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “I love working with the kids.

“You can’t do it without them,” he said. “I’m fortunate enough to work for nice people who put me in positions to be set up for that (award).”

Through the Air Force JROTC program, students in grades nine through 12 who are U.S. citizens or nationals are educated and trained in citizenship and life skills.

The program promotes community service; instills responsibility, character and self discipline through character education; and provides instruction in air and space fundamentals.

The Air Force JROTC program is part of the the Jeanne M. Holm Officer Accession and Citizen Development Center located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.

Othe Web

Wilson High School Air Force Junior ROTC: http://wilsonafjrotc.com

Jeanne M. Holm Officer Accession and Citizen Development Center: http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter