Authored by: CW3 (R) Michael Goode
Photos by: CW3 (R) Michael Goode
Wagner High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) was visited by the 5th Brigade JROTC, Cadet Command on the 18th of January 2024. The entire Thunderbird Battalion participated in this event. This was the school’s Tri-Annual JROTC Program Accreditation inspection (JPA). Sergeant First Class (Retired) Wayne Harper, Army Instructor, Master Sergeant (Retired) Joseph Dudley, and Chief Warrant Officer Three (Retired) Michael Goode, Senior Army Instructor were proud of their student’s commitment to completing this inspection as a team. This inspection was successful for the Thunderbird Battalion, maintaining the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) title.
In accordance with USACC Regulation 145-2, JROTC Program: Organization, Administration, Operations, Training, and Support Regulation dated 12 August 2022, Chapter 8, section 54 highlights that, “An Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) has demonstrated exceptional performance in all areas of JROTC, as determined by the USACC and as designated in permanent orders. Receiving such ratings is a reflection on both the unit and the school.”
The Thunderbird leadership spent long days in preparation with multiple briefs, Color Guard, and Platoon Drill which prepared the Thunderbirds for execution day. This preparation paid off as the Thunderbird Battalion earned a 96.375% (100 max) overall score, earning the HUD distinction award which is represented by wearing the ‘Gold Star’. The HUD award will be allowed to be worn for three years.