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The Alamogordo High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program has received top national recognition from the Department of the Air Force, celebrating both its outstanding cadets and the remarkable leadership of its instructors, MSgt Hope Sanders and CMSgt.Tim Smith.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the AHS AFJROTC unit NM-20011 has been awarded the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit, one of the highest accolades given to the 828 AFJROTC units worldwide. This prestigious honor recognizes the cadets’ personal growth, the instructors’ mentorship, and the strong support from the school and community.
Additionally, both MSgt Sanders and CMSgt Smith have been named recipients of the 2025 AF/SF JROTC Outstanding Instructor Award, a distinction reserved for the “Best of the Best” in AFJROTC.
The Department of the Air Force praised their exemplary contributions and impact on students, noting that the winners “represent the highest examples of the Air Force Core Values.”
“This recognition is a testament to the exemplary leadership, discipline, and service that our AFJROTC program embodies,” said Michael Crabtree, Superintendent of Alamogordo Public Schools. “The entire community should be proud of our cadets and instructors for earning such a high national distinction.”
Under the leadership of cadet officers, Cadet Lt Col John-Erick Valentine, Cadet Maj Walter-Allen Snyder, and Cadet CMSgt Ettiella Runyon, the 60+ AHS cadets worked diligently to prepare for their annual inspection by AFJROTC headquarters. Their efforts included developing detailed goals, accounting for all program equipment inventory, implementing a robust recruitment plan that involved visiting all APS middle schools twice during the year, and engaging in impactful community service.
Throughout the year, cadets performed 1,357 hours of community service, averaging more than 19 hours per cadet. Their contributions included local parades, highway clean-ups, and neighborhood beautification projects. During the December inspection, cadets presented their accomplishments with professionalism and pride, earning an exceptional 99.5 inspection score and Distinguished Unit with Merit honors.
"Our instructors are more than teachers; they’re role models shaping tomorrow’s leaders,” said April
Shay, Principal of Alamogordo High School. “Their achievement reflects a level of dedication that transforms students' lives.”
“The impact of our AFJROTC instructors goes far beyond the classroom,” added Jason Rowe, Director of Human Resources for APS. “They exemplify the kind of integrity, professionalism, and mentorship that we strive to recognize and support across the district. Their success sets a powerful example for all educators.”
The Alamogordo High School AFJROTC program continues to serve as a model of excellence, instilling values of leadership, service, and discipline in every cadet. Alamogordo Public Schools along with staff of AlamogordoTownNews.org, NewMexicoConservativeNews.com and KALHRadio.org congratulates MSgt Sanders, CMSgt Smith, and the entire cadet corps on their well-deserved honor.
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