Feb. 14 a representative from the Department of the Air Force inspected Santiago High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC. The inspection, which lasted most of the day, is conducted every three years and assesses the unit’s goals and accomplishments. Cadets of CA-20065 presented all the information to Colonel Grey, the inspector for all of Southern California’s AFJROTC units.

The inspection began with a meeting with AFJROTC instructors Major Michael Manney and Master Sgt. Al Banks. Several more meetings that included Santiago’s Principal Dr. Ryan Lewis, counselors, and members of the Santiago High School AFJROTC Parent Booster Club, followed this.

The inspection then continued with a Cadet Mission Briefing presented by Cadets Brendan Leal (12), Michael Totpal (12), and Justin Thompson (11). The Mission Briefing explained many of the various cadet, school, and community goals established and completed by the cadets over the past three years, in addition to highlighting some of the units achievements.  Immediately after the briefing, the inspection moved outside to view a 30-count drill sequence performed and led entirely by second-year AFJROTC cadets, at the request of Col. Grey.

Part of the inspection included an awards ceremony where Top Performers, cadets who rank in the top 2% of their corps, were recognized for the 2013-2014 school year. The three honored included cadets Leal, Thompson, and Jeff Dutton (10).

The final part of the inspection concluded with a critical examination of all of the materials, equipment, and facilities used by the AFJROTC cadets. Overall, the inspector was very impressed with Santiago High School’s AFJROTC.