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San Antonio JROTC cadets induct general as honorary Silver Eagle

  • Published
  • By Marilyn C. Holliday
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

 

In a ceremony attended by 500 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, was inducted as an honorary Silver Eagle.

The event took place at the school auditorium, where school and JROTC officials were also in attendance April 19.

John Jay High School’s Silver Eagle Armed Drill Team performed at the AETC Anniversary Extravaganza ar Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph to mark the 75th anniversary of the command, Jan. 23. In turn, drill team members wanted to honor the general with the silver eagle title, making him only the fourth person to receive the honorary title.

“You are the next generation, and your efforts today will shape the future of America,” Roberson said in his remarks at the event. “And, I will tell you, the future looks bright. Your school has students from across the spectrum of talent and potential. I am extremely proud to be a member of the John Jay High School Silver Eagles Drill Team – the best in the country.”

Roberson was given a tour of the JROTC classrooms and practice areas before the ceremony. The Silver Eagles Armed Drill Team has won four national championships, the last two being in 2015 and 2016. Traditionally, the detachment as a whole has won the distinguished unit and distinguished unit with merit many times, exceeding standards set by the Air Force JROTC program.

“Our championships that we’ve won here, it’s all a byproduct of what we do here in our Air Force Junior ROTC program,” retired Senior Master Sgt. James Henry, Silver Eagles coach and aerospace science instructor said. “It’s about helping these outstanding young men and women become better leaders.”

Following his remarks, Roberson opened the floor to questions from the cadets and discussed leadership, Air Force challenges and Air Force life.

“We are the arm of the Air Force that finds the best talent from our country, young men and women like yourselves,” Roberson said. “We mold citizens into the greatest Airmen the world has ever known. JROTC is a vital part of that process. There are nearly 900 Air Force JROTC programs spread around the country and the world. JROTC is irreplaceable in instilling citizenship and character in our young men and women.”