School District
McKeesport Area
School District
McKeesport Area School District’ s Air Force Junior ROTC Program Is Soaring
MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
cKeesport
The McKeesport Area School District’ s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps( AFJROTC) program continues to soar to new heights. The program began in 2016 with about 50 high school students. Today, it has grown to 128 participants and continues to expand each year.
McKeesport’ s AFJROTC detachment, PA-20162, is led by retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jason DeFelice, who has served his country and school district for a combined 35 years. A 1991 McKeesport Area High School graduate, DeFelice spent 25 years on active duty in the Air Force. For the past 10 years, he has served as the district’ s AFJROTC instructor.
He is assisted by Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover, a current member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Hoover has 19 years of experience as both an active-duty Airman and a Guardsman.
Although the AFJROTC is often mistaken for a military recruitment program, DeFelice explained that its purpose is much broader.“ It’ s not a recruiting tool,” he said.“ It’ s an opportunity for myself and Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover to demonstrate the leadership and discipline skills we learned from our service.”
AFJROTC cadets practicing a drill.
The program’ s curriculum is divided into three sections: 40 % focuses on leadership and discipline, another 40 % covers aerospace science, and the remaining 20 % emphasizes physical fitness and wellness. AFJROTC cadets also benefit from hands-on learning experiences and guest presentations. For example, medical students from the University of Pittsburgh recently taught cadets how to stop bleeding and properly use a tourniquet.
Uniforms are an important part of the program’ s identity. Cadets may wear a service dress uniform similar to the Air Force Blues, a camouflage uniform known as Operational Camouflage Pattern( OCP), or an Air Force physical training( PT) uniform for fitness activities.
Students join AFJROTC for a variety of reasons. Cadet Lt. Col. Arianna Garcia, the vice wing commander, said she was first drawn to the program because the uniforms looked“ cool.” Other cadets, such as Maj. Jason Moore-Gray, Lt. Col. Jordan Golden, Maj. Cimone Scruggs, Maj. Rayonna Gateley were inspired by family members
32 MCKEESPORT AREA
Air Force Junior ROTC at McKeesport Area High School includes Cadet Lt. Col. Arianna Garcia, vice wing commander; Maj. Jason Moore-Gray, drill sergeant; Cadet Maj. Wyatt Heasley, group commander; Maj. Cimone Scruggs, group commander; Lt. Col. Jordan Golden, wing commander; and Maj. Rayonna Gateley, color guard.
who served in the military. Cadet Maj. Wyatt Heasley witnessed a presentation at Founders Hall middle school.
Throughout the year, AFJROTC students meet with recruiters from all military branches, as well as law enforcement officers and other career advisors. These discussions help cadets explore future education and career opportunities, and whether they will accomplish their goals through military service, college, or other career paths.
Community involvement is another major part of the program. Cadets organize and participate in at least two school campus cleanups each year, as well as an annual cleanup event in the City of McKeesport. They also support local veterans through color guard services and presentations at community events.
Cadets strive to live by the AFJROTC motto: Building Better Citizens for America. The program’ s mission— to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community— is reinforced through daily practice and the core honor code: I will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do.
By learning discipline, accountability, and communication, McKeesport’ s AFJROTC cadets are preparing not only for success in the
program but also for future achievement in any path they choose.
Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover from the PA Air National Guard( left) with Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jason DeFelice.