Air Force Junior ROTC

The Air Force Junior ROTC program (AZ-20064) at Sandra Day O'Connor High School was founded in 2006. We offer students the opportunity to learn about the military, enhance leadership abilities, develop life skills, and participate in multiple unique activities not found in other high school courses.

Mission…the WHY we are here: To develop young citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community

Honor Code…the HOW we do it: Create a personal desire in cadets to live by an honor system that says: "I will not lie, steal or cheat, nor will I tolerate those who do.”

Values…the WHAT we do: Involve Cadets in numerous activities and opportunities that helps them demonstrate Core Values like: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do!”

What’s In It For Me?

After graduation from high school as an AFJROTC cadet, you’re eligible to pursue college studies in a technical or non-technical major. Air Force ROTC offers scholarships for cadets that’ll pay most tuition costs for up to three or four years, plus books and fees at more than 1,000 universities and colleges.

Enrollment in AFJROTC does not subject you to a military obligation and is not tied to an accession or recruiting program. It provides tools for success after high school, regardless of a chosen career path. However, there are benefits available for students willing to pursue a military avenue. If your goal is to apply to a military service academy, there’s a direct application program specifically reserved for qualified AFJROTC cadets. With all other factors being equal, such as grades, SAT scores, community involvement, etc., your JROTC experience provides a competitive edge over the rest of the applicants.

If going to college right after high school graduation is not for you, you may want to pursue a military career. After 3 years in AFJROTC, you have an opportunity to enter the Air Force two grades higher, which is approximately $500 per month increase in pay. You’re also automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force earning you college credit towards an associate’s degree.

Co-curricular opportunities available to cadets: Community Service Opportunities, Color Guard, Air Rifle, Orienteering, Archery, Remote Control Aircraft, Hiking, Leadership Camp, and Raiders competitions

10 x Recognized in Top 5% of Nation for Community Service with Excellence

***10 years of consistently being recognized as Top 5% in the nation for Community Service with Excellence***

Major Vaughan Whited

623-445-7289

E mail Major Whited

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About the teacher

Before entering the Air Force in 1985, I grew up in a small country town in central Ohio. Since then, I have lived in numerous states and countries. My career started as an E-1 (Airmen Basic) working on fighter aircraft and progressed through multiple positions. Later, I was commissioned as an Officer (2nd Lt) which ultimately culminated in 25 years of service to our country. My specialties are in team leadership, logistics, operations/program management, and aircraft maintenance on multiple airframes.

After retirement, I was selected for a position in the corporate sector as the Military Regional Customer Director (aircraft engine specific tooling) for Rhinestahl Corporation, holding responsibility for all Department of Defense accounts in the U.S. which operated, maintained, and/or rebuilt General Electric aircraft engines.

After a couple of successful years at Rhinestahl, I decided to look for a position where I could use my experiences to help better other peoples' lives. The decision brought me to this opportunity in AFJROTC. I have found in the past 11 years at DVUSD that connecting with our youth and helping them focus on their futures has been much more rewarding than chasing the corporate ladder. I am quite appreciative of the opportunity to lead such a fine group of young cadets and, hopefully, in some small way improve their ability to excel as they enter their next chapter of life.

Master Sergeant J.M. Badey

623-445-7289

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About the teacher

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About the teacher

I spent 24 years in the Air Force as a Combat Arms Weapons Instructor, Security Policeman, and First Sergeant until retiring in September of 2011. While the Air Force has sent me all over the world, my most memorable assignments were at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath/Feltwell, England and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Upon retirement I served as a civilian police officer for the Department of the Air Force before choosing to follow my passion to teach. I started teaching Middle School Special Needs and General Science until I finally found a home here at Sandra Day O'Connor in the Air Force Junior ROTC program. This is my 10th year at OC and I look forward to many more rememberable and enjoyable years to come.