Cadets receive promotions, honors at AFJROTC ceremony

The Poughkeepsie High School Air Force Junior ROTC held its awards and promotions ceremony Friday, honoring dozens of cadets.

Each year, the squadron’s “Meet and Greet,” is an opportunity to hold its change of command ceremonies for each flight, recognize those who have been promoted to a higher rank or different role, and present awards for the work done in the past year. The awards honor a wide range of areas, including academic excellence; attendance; resilience; participation in color guard duty and community service events; participation in outside activities, including the JROTC leadership course in Middletown and the American Legion “Girls State” and “Boys State” civics programs over the summer; and others.

Following the presentation of the colors and a performance of the national anthem, Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Milton Kamura opened the event by welcoming friends and family present in the high school’s auditorium. He later closed the ceremony – but not quite in the way he anticipated.

Chief Master Sgt. Mary Wagner took the podium to announce those who had earned the Achievement ribbon as the Cadets of the Month for September and October. Cadets Jumark Baxter, Alanna McKenzie, Amillia Clark and Kamura were the September honorees for activities over the summer, and Guadalupe Hernandez for October.

Finally, a surprise: Wagner and Master Sgt. Malachi Carmichael presented Kamura with his wings and a flight suit. The senior became an FAA-certified private pilot over the summer, having completed eight weeks of training at the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kamura attended the Air Force’s Flight Academy Program having earned a full scholarship, one of 94 students selected across the country. Kamura also received other awards, including the U.S. AFJROTC Training Corps Aviation Leadership Award “for demonstrating exceptional leadership, character, dedication and commitment to aviation excellence” during the flight program.

Carmichael noted Kamura also became a certified drone pilot over the summer and, just Thursday, passed the written portion of his instrument-only aviation test.

“He is doing amazing things,” Carmichael said. “You’re going to see many great things from this young man and we’re very, very proud of him.”

Afterward, the squadron, friends and family retired to the cafeteria, where they enjoyed pizza and refreshments.