Authored by: Angel Morris, Becky Walker, Kristin Bato, Rachel Rich and Virginia Riddle
Photos by: Anthony Sarmienta, Chris McCalla, and Kobbi R. Blair
Getting involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at DeSoto High School proved serendipitous for George Bolton, who would go on to serve in the U.S. Army for more than two decades before leading the JROTC program in Midlothian ISD.
“Within 30 seconds of speaking with my high school JROTC leaders, I knew I wanted a job like theirs someday.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
Bolton joined the Army in 2002 and retired as a Battalion Commander in 2023. The stars aligned, and he discovered the JROTC leadership position was available just as he prepared to retire from military service.
“It was fortuitous how my childhood dream and my retirement lined up with the needs of the district and starting a program from the ground up was exactly what I had in mind.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
JROTC officially began in the 2022-2023 school year for MHS and MHHS students, with Bolton
serving as Senior Army Instructor.
“My high school program was in its second year when I joined, and I remember helping shape its culture and climate. It was nostalgic for me, getting to be involved with MISD’s program from day one — setting the direction for the program really excited me.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
For those unfamiliar, the Army defines JROTC as “one of the largest character development and
citizenship programs for youth in the world.”
“People may think it’s a military screening ground, but that’s simply not the case. We do present those opportunities, but 70 to 90 percent of our student participants wouldn’t be able to serve simply because of limiting factors physically. Our primary goal is mentoring students to be the best version of themselves and allowing them to lead that development on their own.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
JROTC is first an academic class with lessons around civics, history, social studies, language arts, leadership,
health and wellness. Secondly, its participants choose among co-curricular activities to reinforce classroom
studies — military drill competitions; air rifle competitions; Raider Challenge competitions; JROTC Leadership
and Academic Bowl; STEM Camp; archery; and the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge, an immersive multi-day summer camp-like event that allows Cadets to meet peers from other JROTC programs and builds confidence through challenging experiences.
“Our instructors are facilitators, but the Cadets lead our program. What we do, how much we do is decided by our young people. Operating within guidelines we set, they choose our field trips, our uniform days, how the budget is allocated. We have 14 competitive and performing teams with different governing bodies and their own rules and the students learn and oversee it all.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
With about 110 current participants — 76 young men and 34 young women — the program has seen exponential growth.
“Our first year, we were able to secure grants for robots and drones. The next year, a mobile marksmanship range and an archery range. This year, we brought in an adjustable obstacle course. When kids hear this, they get excited and realize this isn’t about joining the Army but developing themselves mind, body and soul.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
Bolton said student enthusiasm is only part of the reason for JROTC’s local success.
“Our school board and administrators, the multiple mayors and their staffs, the community and especially the parents have been a tremendous support. We even have a booster club.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
While waiting to earn official status from the Army, JROTC programs are funded by the school districts that implement them.
“Because it is a very stringent process, the wait list for accreditation can be long. I was thinking it would be seven to 10 years before we were official. Miraculously, we became full-fledged this summer. All the local support, the drive of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Shelle Blalock, and key school board members like Mr. Gary Vineyard and especially our amazing kids, have made it a perfect storm for the program in Midlothian.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
Bolton’s fondest memories in the young program are winning competitions their first year of participation.
“We took two teams, and we earned first and second place. These are mentally and physically grueling events, from marksmanship to fitness challenges. For a lot of the Cadets, this was their first club or athletic experience, but they trusted the process and worked their butts off. From that point on, we’ve swept every competition we’ve done. Last year, we sent five teams and won first through third place. We’ve coined the term, ‘Midlo Sweeps and I still keep a picture on my desk of us holding those first two trophies.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
After its inaugural year, 100 students and parents attended the Military Ball. Last year, more than 300 were in attendance.
“It’s my favorite thing to watch a room full of people celebrate our students, and hearing the parents wonder proudly of their sons and daughters, ‘Who is that kid up on stage running this whole thing? The parents have really gotten to see the growth in their children and learned that we are serious about our plans for them. We put a lot of energy into helping our students plan for who they want to become. Not just a particular job, but the actual steps they need to take to reach their goals. Interviewing the kids about what they want from the program and creating measurable goals for them is my favorite thing.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
Bolton’s other favorites include his wife, Jacquelyn, and children — daughter, Jayden, and sons, George III and Jeshua. They have supported him not only throughout his military career, but during the long days and late nights that go with building a JROTC program. The leaders of his high school program — Col. Dennis Cross, Sgt. Major Roy McCormes and 1st Sgt. Frank Jackson — also remain inspirations to Bolton.
“Just as these men were to me, I am 100 percent committed to each of our students and their individual success. Every year, I look forward to challenging us to be better at what we’re doing and to give our best. Our motto is, ‘Accept the challenge. I will lead!’ and it is really cool to see the Cadets execute this every day.”
LTC (R) George Bolton
