Norwin ’ s Junior Reserve Officers ’ Training Corps ( JROTC ) program works hard to bring excellence to all who accept the challenge . Proudly in its fourth year , it encourages and challenges high school students to enhance their character while dedicating service to their nation and the Norwin community .
Lieutenant Colonel David Sandala , a retired U . S . Air Force veteran , heads Norwin ’ s program . Sandala is a graduate of Norwin High School and spent 22-plus years in the military . He served as a navigator on a KC-135 and finished as an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander . He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and master ’ s degree at Duquesne University . His Professional Military Education ( PME ) includes Squadron Officer School , Air Command and Staff College and Air War College . Sandala currently lives in the Norwin School District with his wife , Susanna , and their two children .
While Sandala is in charge of the JROTC program , all units have at least one officer and one enlisted instructor . Chief Master Sergeant Tim Conley is the other half of the team . Chief Conley has earned multiple associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force , his bachelor ’ s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master ’ s degree through Penn State . “ I have the opportunity to work with one of the finest JROTC instructors in the business ,” says Sandala . “ Chief Master Sergeant Tim Conley is without a doubt one of the reasons for the success of the Norwin JROTC program . His experience , insight and dedication are a blessing to me . As a team , we manage , mentor and oversee the program and cadets — however it ’ s set up to be a cadet-run program .”
The mission of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training ( AFJROTC ) Program is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community . The main goals of the program are to instill values of citizenship , service to the United States , personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment . The program ’ s core values are Integrity First , Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do .
The AFJROTC is structured like a military organization with a cadet group commander , group staff and four squadron commanders . There are more than 50 leadership position opportunities for cadets to perfect and hone their leadership , teamwork , communication , managerial , interpersonal and problem-solving skills that are essential for all 21st century young adults to be successful in the world .
The program began during the 2014-2015 school year . “ The program benefits are numerous ,” says Sandala . “ There are more than 1,900 retired Air Force officers and enlisted military instructors supporting 880 AFJROTC units , with more than 120,000 cadets in high schools across the United States and select Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe ,
The mission of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training ( AFJROTC ) Program is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community .
the Pacific , Puerto Rico and Guam . The instructors are retired Air Force commissioned and non-commissioned officers with almost 50 years of active duty service . They still must maintain Air Force standards and are trained through the AFJROTC Junior Instructor Certification Course and are additionally teacher certified by the PA Department of Education in Military Science .” The Air Force provides all teaching materials such as textbooks and uniforms free to the school . In addition , it reimburses the school district for half the instructor ’ s salary .
“ Air Force JROTC provides citizenship training and an aerospace science program for high school students ,” continues Sandala . “ The program explores the historic and scientific aspects of aerospace technology and teaches high school students self-reliance , self-discipline and other leadership characteristics . Science , technology , engineering and
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