Local Air Force JROTC cadets receive honors from Daughters of the American Revolution

Color Country Chapter Regent Karen Mangano presenting the ROTC bronze medal to Cadet Maddie Christiansen. Dixie High School AFJROTC Awards Ceremony, May 5, 2023. Photo courtesy of Kevin Robinson, Dixie High School AFJROTC.

ST. GEORGE — For over six decades, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has recognized the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program as an important source for securing trained officers for our armed forces.

Administered under the umbrella of DAR’s National Defense Committee, local chapters as well as state societies are provided the opportunity to recognize top ranking cadets participating in local ROTC programs at high schools, junior colleges or universities operating throughout the United States.

Outstanding cadets attending high school (junior or senior student) are eligible to receive the DAR ROTC bronze medal, whereas the DAR ROTC gold medal is awarded to a graduating college or university student being commissioned in one of the U.S. armed forces.

To qualify, the recipient of the DAR’s ROTC medal must be in the upper 25% of both their ROTC classes and academic subjects. Also, throughout the academic year, the student cadet must have shown qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability and a fundamental patriotic understanding of the importance of ROTC training.

There are two Air Force Junior ROTC programs currently operating in Washington County:  Dixie High School since 2006 and Pine View High School since 2017.

Only one cadet per school is eligible for this recognition award. The selected cadet is determined by the unit commander and/or senior leadership team with award presentation typically occurring at or near the close of the school year.

Two outstanding cadets, one from each school, met the National Society’s eligibility requirements and were recognized by Color Country Chapter DAR at award ceremonies held at their respective schools.

DAR Award Recipient Cadet Maddie Christiansen, Dixie High School AFJROTC Program

Color Country Chapter Regent Karen Mangano with Cadet Maddie Christiansen, recipient of the DAR ROTC bronze medal. Dixie High School AFJROTC Awards Ceremony, May 9, 2023. Photo courtesy of Color Country Chapter DAR.

Cadet Maddison Christensen has been a part of Dixie Air Force JROTC from grades 9th – 12th. During this time, she has developed excellent leadership and management skills. Individually, she participated in 58 unit events, accruing 70 hours of community service. She was instrumental in the unit being awarded three Outstanding Organization Awards and one Distinguished Unit Award. Maddison was also part of our award-winning color guard team, earning back-to-back 1st place at state drill competitions.

UT-20061 has consistently recognized Maddison for her leadership and unit contributions by awarding her Cadet of the Quarter, Tuskegee Airman medal, Scottish Rite medal, outstanding cadet, and distinguished cadet badge. Cadet Christensen concluded her AFJROTC experience by becoming Cadet Commander during her senior year in high school, leading the unit to complete over 80 events and 2000 hours of community service.

Cadet info provided by Kevin Robinson, SMSgt, USAF (Ret.), and Instructor, AFJROTC program at Dixie High School.

DAR Award Recipient Cadet Katelyn Wall, Pine View High School AFJROTC Program

Air Force JROTC cadet Colonel Katelynn Wall is a senior at Crimson Cliffs High School, St George, Utah. She most recently held the position of Group Commander of her AFJROTC unit consisting of over 260 cadets from six different middle and high schools in the local area.

Color Country Chapter Treasurer Ann Robinson with Cadet Katelyn Wall, recipient of the DAR ROTC bronze medal. Pine View High School AFJROTC Awards Ceremony, April 27, 2023. Photo courtesy of Pine View High School AFJROTC.

She is a 4.0 student and started up a Varsity Wrestling program at her school. She is the recipient of several scholarships including the AFJROTC J-100 scholarship valued at $200K. Katelynn plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall.

Cadet info provided by Todd Cole, CMSgt USAF (Ret.) and Instructor, AFJROTC program at Pine View High School.

Over 500 local youth participated in local Air Force JROTC programs this past school year, a 25% increase from the previous year.  Those interested in learning more about the AFJROTC program for the upcoming school year may contact one of the following commanders:

More NSDAR in its Service to America

Founded in 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.  Since its founding over one million members, direct descendants of American Revolution Patriots, have been admitted to the organization.

There are over 3000 chapters operating in the United States and abroad who are making a difference in their respective communities.  For more information about the DAR and the many things they do in Service to America, visit www.dar.org or www.utahdar.org.

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