Molding young high school students into future leaders is rewarding enough for those who dedicate themselves to service in the Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC), but Master Sergeant Johnny Manis earned extra recognition recently as the JROTC Military Property Specialist of the Year. The 7th Brigade announced the honor at their conference held in Atterbury, Indiana. Military property specialists from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan were eligible for the award presented to Master Sergeant Manis.
The job of a military property specialist requires establishing and maintaining logistical and budget operations for Army JROTC units in the school district. “Master Sergeant Manis does his job flawlessly,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Bill Brooks, director of the JROTC program in Hamilton County Schools. “He allows the JROTC teachers more time to focus on the students in the classroom.”
During the formal inspection of his duties and responsibilities with Army JROTC Hamilton County Schools by Cadet Command, the program was found to have no deficiencies, and the program received a rating of Outstanding.
“Master Sergeant Manis is meticulous in ensuring strict accountability of not only Army issued property, but also school district property assigned to JROTC teachers.” Lt. Col. Brooks added.
JROTC is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world. The U.S Army’s JROTC program operates in more than 1,700 public and private schools, military institutions, and other locations across throughout the United States and overseas. The JROTC faculty is led by nearly 4,000 instructors who are retired from active duty, reserve duty, or National Guard Army service.
Hamilton County Schools offers ten programs for school-based JROTC. Brainerd High School, Central High, East Ridge High, Ooltewah High, Red Bank High, Sale Creek High, Sequoyah High, and Soddy Daisy High feature Army JROTC programs. Hixson High has an Air Force JROTC program and The Howard School has a Navy JROTC program.