AFJROTC mentorship program

MAXWELL AFB, Ala. -  

The Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development formally launched a new mentorship program May 15 that will link Airmen, Guardians, Guardsmen and Reservists with Air Force/Space Force Junior ROTC cadets in high schools at their units across the nation and abroad. 

The 'Under the Wings Mentorship Program' can trace its beginnings to September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a one-of-a-kind mentorship endeavor that develops Airmen/Guardians and JROTC cadet citizens of character through community service and work-based learning, according to the program’s handbook. 

"Our nation's youth are eager to learn about the values of citizenship that make America strong. What better mentors could we ask for than Airmen and Guardians who are willing to share their experiences in the service of our nation,” said Col. Johnny McGonigal, Air Force Junior ROTC director. 

"Under the Wings gives Airmen and Guardians an opportunity to inspire our next generation of citizens and leaders. "(T)hey will have a meaningful impact on the future of our country." 

It will also create a virtual or in-person mentoring tool for Air Force JROTC and Space Force JROTC instructors to utilize year-round; and provide for AF/SF JROTC cadets to interact with Airmen and Guardians who are performing missions they learn about in the classroom,” McGonigal said. (Air Force 05/20/23) Under the Wings JROTC cadet mentorship program launches > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil) 

REGIONALLY: Among some of the 15 Mississippi-based AFJROTC units include Aberdeen High School; Bay High School, Bay St. Louis; Biloxi and Columbus high schools. 

Among some of the 25 Louisiana-based AFJROTC units include West Monroe, East Jefferson (Metairie), Airline and Bossier high schools.