Unit GA-938, the Air Force Junior ROTC at Effingham County High School, has been selected by the Air Force to receive the 2012-13 Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award.

This award recognizes Air Force Junior ROTC units that have performed above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community, while meeting the Air Force Junior ROTC mission of producing better citizens for America.

It recognizes the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, the contributions of the instructors as mentors of the cadets, and the support of the school and community. The Distinguished Unit Award is limited to the best of the best of the 900-plus Air Force Junior ROTC units worldwide. This marks the third consecutive year the corps of cadets at ECHS has earned the DUA, and the seventh time in the last nine years.

Cadets at ECHS earned the inspection rating and award through the hard work and leadership of the two corps commanders, Cadet Cols. Casey Gilbert (first semester) and Zach Bleam (second semester).

Cadets at ECHS AFJROTC worked over 40 school/community service events totaling over 1,300 service hours, conducted a Dining-Out and Military Ball, and went on three field trips during the school year.

The objectives of the Junior ROTC program are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education, and to provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. Enrollment is open to all young people who are in the ninth grade or higher, physically fit, and are citizens or nationals of the U.S.

Junior ROTC enrollment worldwide includes more than 120,000 cadets.

For more information contact the ECHS Air Force Junior ROTC department at 754-5514.