Mira Mesa High Air Force JROTC Receives Top Honors

Instructors Lt. Col. Charles Olander, Master Sgt. Randy Crouch, and Master Sgt. James Manson, along with Wing Commander Samantha Nguyen and Principal Scott Guisti.

The Department of the Air Force presented both the Outstanding Instructor Award with Merit and the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit Award to the Mira Mesa High School Air Force JROTC program.

Senior aerospace instructor Lt. Col. Charles Olander, aerospace science instructor Master Sgt. Randy Crouch, and aerospace science instructor Master Sgt. James Manson all received the outstanding instructor award for their hard work, dedication and exemplary leadership.

The selected recipients represent the top 10 percent of all officer and non-commissioned officer instructors, according to Air Force JROTC Director, Col. Chris L. Wheeler.

Mira Mesa High’s Air Force JROTC unit was also recognized, earning the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit, which is given to the top 10 percent of Air Force JROTC units worldwide.

Wing Commander Samantha Nguyen accepted the award on the unit’s behalf.

The unit was recognized for the personal growth and accomplishments of their cadets, as well as the continual involvement and support in the community and their school.

“The instructors, the administration and community are proud of all the 205 cadets that worked hard to obtain this achievement,” said Vice Principal Sara Leonard. “Their success comes from the leadership and guidance of all three of their instructors.”

For more information on Mira Mesa High’s Air Force JROTC program, please contact Vice Principal Leonard at sleonard@sandi.net.