AFJROTC Newsletter - March 2025

Keeping cadets, parents, and the school community informed and engaged with our program. For more details on these activities, follow us on our official Facebook page.

March has been a month of incredible community service for our cadets! Their dedication and willingness to give back have made a real impact on our local organizations and veterans. First, our cadets volunteered at County Market, bagging groceries to support the Veterans Memorial Project. Not only did they help raise $700, but they also spread awareness for this important cause.

Next, on March 15th, cadets stepped up to assist the American Legion Post 85 with their Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. What made this effort stand out was the initiative our cadets took. Post 85 representative Randy Koivisto praised their dedication, stating, "Cadet Jackson Thelander went the extra mile to gather up a detail to help us out, even though he was out of state on spring break. Our hats off to him!"

Finally, our cadets continued their support for the American Legion’s Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser, helping with setup and assisting guests throughout the event.

With these service efforts, and many more combined, our cadets have logged an impressive 205 community service hours this semester, putting us on track to earn the Distinguished Unit Award! This is a testament to the selflessness and leadership of our cadets, and we couldn't be prouder.

Way to go, cadets! Keep leading by example!

Cadets spent two weeks exploring the five stages of team development as described in 𝗖𝗼𝗴’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿 (Polite, Why We’re Here, Bid for Power, Constructive, and Esprit Stages). This lesson culminated in a fast-paced, high-energy competition where flights faced five unique stations, each reinforcing one of the five stages.

From navigating a blindfolded maze to executing a rescue carry and tackling our “human snake” race, cadets communicated, problem-solved, and worked together under pressure. The competition was fierce, but the teamwork and esprit de corps were even stronger!

Congratulations to X-Ray Flight for their top performance completing all events in the shortest time.

Check out the video on our Facebook page!

In their Survival course, cadets have been mastering the fundamentals of land navigation, where they've learned how to use a compass, determine their pace count, and use terrain association to navigate with precision. Their training culminated in an exciting outdoor challenge putting these skills to the test!

Cadets took to the fields and wooded areas behind the school, working in teams to navigate a course using a series of headings and distances. At each waypoint, they completed fitness challenges before moving on, reinforcing both physical endurance and mental toughness. Teams balanced speed and accuracy while using teamwork and problem-solving to complete the course.

Congratulations to Alpha Flight for completing the course in the shortest time and strengthening their lead for Honor Flight.

The latest standings are in, and Alpha Flight has built up a lead with 536 points! But the competition is far from over: Bravo (482), Zulu (467), and X-Ray (445) are all within striking distance. With many more events and opportunities to earn points ahead, anything can happen! Great job this month, cadets! Keep up the hard work as we head into the final stretch of the semester!

Check out the latest Honor Flight Wall update with our Flight Shields and current standings:

On April 16, our cadets have the opportunity to explore career pathways in the emergency vehicle industry with a special tour of the Rosenbauer facility in Wyoming, MN. They’ll get an inside look at how fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are built, while learning about potential careers in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond. We’re excited for this unique experience and look forward to future partnerships with local industry leaders!

On April 18, our cadets will take part in a time-honored military tradition, shrouded in mystery and known only to those who have experienced it. The event will involve [DATA EXPUNGED], feature entertainment such as [TOP SECRET], and include a surprise or two along the way. All we can say for now is that it will be held at [LOCATION REDACTED] from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Stay tuned for the full declassified report after the event!

Our cadets are gearing up for the Royal Challenge at Woodbury High School, where they’ll go head-to-head with Minnesota’s other Air Force JROTC units in a high-energy physical fitness competition. The event will feature a mix of individual and team sports, along with the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The school that comes out on top will earn the right to display the coveted traveling trophy; at least until next year’s rematch! Best of luck to all of our competitors. Bring home the win!

Bravo Flight’s C/Staff Sergeant Chuyee Vang has earned Cadet of the Month for his strong followership, teamwork, and dedication. His Flight Commander praised him for being “ready to learn, participating in everything, and always on his best behavior.” Though not in a leadership role, “he knows how to follow instructions, communicate effectively, and be a great wingman by helping other cadets.”

His Flight Sergeant highlighted his reliability and work ethic, noting that “he’s always on time, participates, and helps others without hesitation.” Chuyee gives 100% in PT, never gives up when challenged, and “encourages his teammates, always showing respect and a positive attitude.”

This month’s Cadet Officer of the Month is C/2nd Lt Alex Xiong, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment as a Flight Commander for Bravo Flight. According to the Cadet Group Commander, “C/2nd Lt Alex Xiong is a great flight commander, always leading her flight with great guidance.” Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as “even outside of the classroom she is helping her flight.”

She recently led 12 cadets across three community service activities, reinforcing her dedication to service. Above all, she sets the example with her positivity and enthusiasm, with her Cadet Group Commander noting that “she's always ready to lead with a smile and a positive attitude.”