Every good birthday party needs cake. And a military saber. E. C. Glass High School students celebrated the U.S. Air Force’s 79th birthday on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, with a flag ceremony and cake. In keeping with Air Force tradition, the youngest and oldest members of the school’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) cut the cake with a ceremonial saber.
“This is an opportunity for the students to experience an Air Force tradition and get a taste of what it means to be part of its legacy,” said retired Colonel Mark Ciero, the program’s senior aerospace science instructor.
The school’s AFJROTC has been around for nearly as long as the U. S. Air Force. Established in 1968, it’s one of the country’s longest-enduring AFJROTC programs. For more than half a century, it has equipped E. C. Glass students with skills like leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, and communication through hands-on learning.
“It’s humbling to be part of something so mighty—the greatest air force in the history of the world. I’m proud to help build better citizens for America through JROTC,” said retired Senior Master Sergeant and aerospace science instructor Donald Dougherty.
Dougherty has been an AFJROTC instructor at E. C. Glass for 20 years. Before that, he served in the Air Force for 22 years. Ciero, new to E. C. Glass this year, served in the Air Force for 33 years. The instructors’ pride in the branch and their nation is palpable, and it transfers to their students.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this,” said 12th grader Kendal Patterson, the corps commander. “I’ve observed how the Air Force has positively impacted my instructors, my friends who have enlisted, and my family members who have served. I see the way the branch really sets itself apart.”
Photo caption: E. C. Glass 12th grader and AFJROTC corps commander Kendal Patterson
Patterson plans to enlist in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic after graduating. He was inspired to join AFJROTC freshman year by his grandpa, who served in the Air Force for 15 years. Over the past four years, he’s risen in the ranks and become the program’s student leader. He helps facilitate AFJROTC activities and keep the group in lockstep.
“JROTC has helped me set high expectations for myself, become a leader, and help other cadets step up as leaders, too. JROTC has developed my communication skills, not just with other cadets, but with people in the community, too,” Patterson said. “It’s made me want to step outside of my comfort zone more. I’ve tried so many new things through this program—I now have experience leading an entire corps and even flying a plane.”
Patterson and his peers learn about aerospace science and leadership in their AFJROTC classes. They practice marksmanship, operate drones, visit military bases, and volunteer in the local community. This year, they’ll add archery to the curriculum. Their drill team frequently wins state awards in competitions against other schools.
Patterson will graduate well-equipped for his military career. Students who don’t enlist gain skills that give them a head start in their chosen career fields.
“I’ve had many students come to me and say JROTC helped them succeed in college and beyond. JROTC helps students learn transferable skills that are beneficial in all their future endeavors–in work and in life,” Dougherty said. “We’re equipping them to do their part, whether they become a nurse, a doctor, a custodian…you name it.”
Beside career readiness and character building, the program gives students access to a tight-knit community. Many cadets make lifelong friends through AFJROTC, and the instructors provide invaluable mentorship.
“The colonel and I are like these kids’ surrogate family here at school. We take care of them, look at their grades, and make sure they’re okay. We want them to be part of something bigger than just themselves. AFJROTC provides a place where they can fit in and feel at home,” Dougherty said.
