CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

17.1 AFJROTC AWARDS AND NATIONAL AWARDS: The TX-20009 AFJROTC Cadet Group will recognize individuals for performance, achievement, and participation. A number of distinctive awards are authorized by AFROTCI 36-2001 for AFJROTC cadets to recognize outstanding academic and leadership performance or for a specific display of valor. When a cadet is recognized by a subsequent award of a ribbon he/she has previously received, an oak leaf cluster is awarded to be attached to the ribbon. No more than one ribbon, except service is worn at the same time. Medals, ribbons, and certificates are awarded in the following categories:

17.1.1 Gold Valor Award. This award recognizes the most outstanding voluntary acts of self-sacrifice and personal bravery by a cadet involving conspicuous risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

17.1.2 Silver Valor Award. This award is given to a cadet for a voluntary act of heroism, which does not meet the risk-of-life requirements of the Gold Valor Award.

17.1.3 Cadet Humanitarian Award. Award consists of a ribbon and certificate and recognizes humanitarian efforts or performance by cadets involving actions above and beyond the call of duty.

17.1.4 Air Force Association (AFA) Award: This award consists of a medal and ribbon. This award is presented annually at each unit to the outstanding AS‑III cadet in AFJROTC who meets the following eligibility criteria:

17.1.4.1 Award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:

Positive attitude (toward AFJROTC and school).

Outstanding personal appearance (uniform and grooming).

Display personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self‑confidence.

Courteous demeanor (promptness, obedience, and respect for customs).

Growth potential (capacity for responsibility, high productivity, adaptability, to change

Possession of the highest personal and ethical standards, and strong positive

convictions.

Rank in the top 5% in their AS class.

Rank in the top 10% of their academic class.

Be recommended by the SASI for the Outstanding Cadet Ribbon.

17.1.5 Daedalian Award: This award consists of a medal and ribbon. This award is offered to encourage the development of the spirit of patriotism, the love of country, and those high ideals of self-sacrifice which place service to the nation above personal safety and position, and to interest them in a military career.

17.1.5.1 This annual award recognizes one outstanding AS-III that meets the following criteria:

Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of patriotism, love of country, and service to

the nation.

Indicate the potential and desire to pursue a military career.

Rank in the top 10% of their AS class.

Rank in the top 20% of their school class.

17.1.6 American Legion Scholastic Award: This award consists of a bronze medal accompanied

by a ribbon with a distinctive miniature attachment depicting a scholastic scroll.

17.1.6.1 The award is presented annually to one AS‑III or AS‑IV cadet based on the cadet’s

overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:

Rank in the top 10% of the high school class.

Rank in the top 25% of their AS class.

Demonstrate leadership qualities.

Actively participate in student activities.

17.1.7 American Legion General Military Excellence Award: This award consists of a bronze

medal accompanied by a ribbon with a distinctive miniature attachment depicting a torch.

17.1.7.1 The award is presented annually to one AS‑III or AS‑IV cadet based on the cadet’s

general military excellence. Each cadet must:

Be in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class.

Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and

citizenship.

17.1.8 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)Award: This award consists of a bronze

medal and ribbon.

17.1.8.1 This award is presented annually to one AS‑IV cadet. Each cadet must:

· Rank in the top 25% of their AS class.

· Rank in the top 25% of their high school class.

· Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character.

· Demonstrate adherence to military discipline.

· Possess leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance

of ROTC training.

17.1.9 American Veterans (AMVETS) Award: This award consists of a medal pendant and ribbon.

17.1.9.1 This award is presented annually to one qualified cadet who possesses individual

characteristics contributing to leadership such as:

· A positive attitude toward Air Force ROTC programs and service in the Air Force.

· Personal appearance (to include the wearing of the uniform, posture, and grooming, but not physical characteristics per se).

· Personal attributes (initiative, judgment, dependability, and self‑confidence).

· Officer potential (capacity for responsibility, adaptability, and maintenance of high personal standards).

· Obtain a grade of “A” (or the numerical equivalent) in their AS class.

· Be in good scholastic standing in all classes at the time of selection and at the time of

· presentation.

17.1.9.1 Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Award: This award consists of a bronze

medal, ribbon and certificate.

17.1.10.1 This award is presented annually for military and academic achievement to an outstanding

AS-IV cadet. Each cadet must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership

such as:

· Positive attitude toward the AS curriculum.

· Outstanding personal appearance (wear of uniform, posture, and grooming).

· Attributes of initiative, judgment, and self-confidence.

· Courtesy (promptness, obedience, and respect).

· Growth potential (capacity for responsibility, high productivity, adaptability to change).

· Demonstrate the highest personal and ethical standards, and strong positive convictions.

· Rank in the top 10% of their AS class.

17.1.11 Military Order of World Wars: This award consists of either a bronze medal pendant,

certificate and ribbon.

17.1.11.1 The award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who has committed to continue the aerospace science program the following school year. Selection is based on outstanding accomplishments or service to the JROTC unit. The SASI, with the concurrence of the principal, selects the recipient and completes the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) citation by summarizing the cadet’s outstanding accomplishments or service to the unit.

17.1.12 The Retired Officers Association Award (TROA): The award consists of a medal pendant with ribbon.

17.1.12.1 This award is presented annually to an outstanding AS-III cadet who shows exceptional potential for military leadership. Each cadet must:

· Be a member of the junior class.

· Be in good academic standing.

· Be of high moral character.

· Show a high order of loyalty to the unit, school and country.

· Show exceptional potential for military leadership.

17.1.13 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award: This medal consists of a medal pendant with a

ribbon.

17.1.13.1 This award is presented annually to an outstanding AS-III or AS-IV cadet who is actively engaged in the AFJROTC program and who possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Each cadet must:

· Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC.

· Have outstanding military bearing and conduct.

· Possess strong positive personal attributes (such as courtesy, dependability, punctuality,

respect, and cooperation).

· Demonstrate patriotism (being a member of the color guard or drill team) and actively

promote Americanism.

· Demonstrate leadership potential.

· Attain a grade of "B" in AFJROTC with an overall grade of "C" in all subjects for the

previous semester.

· Be active in student activities.

· Not have been a previous recipient of the award.

17.1.14 National Sojourners Award: This award consists of a ribbon, medal pendant and a certificate.

17.1.14.1 This award is presented annually to an outstanding AS-II or AS-III cadet who contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the corps of cadets and on campus. Each cadet must:

· Be in the top 25% of their academic class.

· Encourage and demonstrate ideals of Americanism.

· Demonstrate potential for outstanding leadership.

· Not have previously received the award.

17.1.15 Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award: This award consists of a bronze medal

with ribbon.

17.1.15.1 This award recognizes an AS-III cadet who exhibits a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in AS studies and not have previously received the award. Each cadet must:

· Be currently enrolled in the AFJROTC program.

· Be in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class.

· Be in the top 50% of their overall class.

17.1.16 Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award: This award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate.

17.1.16.1 This award recognizes an outstanding AS-III cadet annually. Each cadet must:

· Contribute the most to encourage Americanism by participation in extracurricular activities

or community projects.

· Demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class

· Demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship

and patriotism.

· Not have been a previous recipient of this award.

17.1.17 Military Order of the Purple Heart Award. This award consists of a medal pendant with a ribbon.

17.1.17.1 This award annually recognizes an outstanding AS-III or AS-IV cadet who is enrolled the AFJROTC program and demonstrates leadership ability. Each cadet must:

· Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC and country.

· Hold a leadership position in the cadet corps.

· Be active in school and community affairs.

· Attain a grade of "B" or better in all subjects for the previous semester.

· Not have been a previous recipient of this award.

17.1.18 Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Award: This award consists of a medal pendant with a ribbon.

17.1.18.1 This annual award recognizes an outstanding AS-III or AS-IV cadet. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. Each cadet must:

· Be in the top 25% of the AFJROTC class.

· Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and

citizenship.

· Not have been a previous recipient of this award.

17.1.19 Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Award. This TAI sponsored award consists of a ribbon and a certificate and is presented annually to two cadets. Cadets may be AS-I, AS-II or AS-III cadets and must meet the following criteria:

· Attain a grade of “B” or better in their AS class

· Be in good academic standing

· Actively participate in cadet corps activities

· Participate in at least 50% of all unit service programs

17.1.20 Outstanding Cadet Ribbon: Awarded annually to the outstanding AS-I, AS-II, AS-III, and AS-IV cadet. Recipient from each class must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence. This ribbon is initially awarded with one silver star.

17.1.21 Leadership Ribbon: Awarded for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC Cadet in corps training activities. This ribbon is limited to 10 percent of the eligible Group to ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance and is initially awarded with one bronze star.

17.1.22 Achievement Ribbon: Awarded for a significant achievement as deemed appropriate by the SASI. Limited to 10 percent of the cadet corps. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period. This ribbon is initially awarded with one silver star.

17.1.23 Superior Performance Ribbon: Awarded annually for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. This ribbon is presented for a single or sustained performance of a superior nature. The award is limited to 10% of the Group. This ribbon is initially awarded with one silver star.

17.1.24 Outstanding Unit Award: Awarded to cadets enrolled during the period a unit’s “outstanding” rating is valid.

17.1.25 Excellent Unit Award: Awarded to cadets enrolled during the period a unit’s “excellent” rating is valid.

17.1.26 Academic Ribbon: Awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term, in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC and no grade of “D” or below. This ribbon is initially awarded with one bronze star.

17.1.27 Outstanding Flight Ribbon: Awarded each semester to members of the outstanding flight of the TX-20009th.

17.1.28 Leadership School Ribbon: Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days duration. A star is added for outstanding performance or leadership ability at a Leadership School. The star is limited to 10% of the class. This ribbon may only be earned once.

17.1.29 Drill Competition Ribbon: Awarded to drill team members for “placing” in an Air Force or Joint Service drill meet.

17.1.30 Orienteering Competition: Awarded to team members for “placing” in an orienteering meet.

17.1.31 Co-curricular Activities Leadership Ribbon: Awarded for leadership in AFJROTC co-curricular activities (such as Dining-In chairperson, military ball chairperson, etc.). The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional leadership in achieving objectives through the coordinated efforts of others. This award may be earned a maximum of four times. The ribbon is initially awarded with one silver star.

17.1.32 Service Ribbon with Drill Team Bar: Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75 percent of all scheduled drill team events. It is awarded once and worn on the Service Ribbon.

17.1.33 Service Ribbon with Color Guard Bar: Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75 percent of all scheduled color guard events. It is awarded once and worn on the Service Ribbon.

17.1.34 Service Ribbon with Saber Team Bar: Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75 percent of all scheduled saber team events. It is awarded once and worn on the Service Ribbon.

17.1.35 Service Ribbon: Awarded for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. This award is limited to members whose active participation in a service project contributed significantly to the goals of the organization.

17.1.36 Longevity Ribbon: Awarded for completion of each AS Year.

17.1.37 Physical Fitness Ribbon: This award is given to Cadets for sustained participation and outstanding performance in the TX-20009^th Fitness Program.

17.1.37.1 First, any cadet who is a member of any varsity or JV athletics team may be awarded the ribbon if recommended by the appropriate coach. Coach's recommendation may be based on his/her observation only; the coach need not verify the cadet performed the test in paragraph 17.1.37.3.

17.1.37.2 Second, any cadet who participates in a lifetime sport such as swimming, running, aerobics, etc., can be awarded the ribbon if the cadet’s parent or guardian verifies the activity. Verification means active participation at least three days per week for at least one hour each day throughout the year and has done so at least since the beginning of the school year. Lifetime sports are not limited to those listed above, and may include sports recommended by a Medina Valley High School coach and approved by the SASI/ASI.

17.1.37.3 Third, a cadet may win the award by passing a quarterly physical conditioning test twice in the same semester. The test consists of the following:

BOYS GIRLS

Pull Ups: (Minimum: 10 in 2 minute) Flex Arm Hang: (Minimum 20 seconds)

Sit ups: (Minimum 55 in 2 minute) Sit ups: (Minimum 30 in 1 minute)

Push Ups: (Minimum 50 in 2 minute) Push Ups: (Minimum 20 in 1 minute)

1 Mile run: (Maximum: 11 minutes, 29 seconds) 1 Mile run: (Maximum: 15 minutes, 29 seconds)

17.1.37.4 The Physical Fitness Award will be awarded once a semester. Subsequent awards will consist of oak leaf clusters. All awards must by approved by the SASI.

17.1.38 Recruiting Ribbon. Awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. Some examples of outstanding efforts that may qualify cadets are: Active participation in eighth grade recruiting efforts at the feeder middle school, recruiting at least three eighth graders who sign up for JROTC during registration, recruiting at least four students already enrolled and attending Medina Valley High School, and developing unit brochures or displays, etc.

17.1.39 Activities Ribbon: Awarded for participation in formally scheduled co-curricular competitive activities such as drill meets, color guard competitions, parades, academic meets etc.. Cadets must participate in at least 75% of events they are eligible for.

17.1.40 Attendance Ribbon: Awarded to cadets with no more than 4 excused absences and no unexcused absences in a semester.

17.1.41 Good Conduct Ribbon: Awarded to cadets with no suspensions of any kind, no adverse reports from other staff or faculty in a semester.

17.1.42 Dress and Appearance Ribbon: Awarded for wearing uniform on all designated uniform days and conforming to all AFJROTC dress and appearance standards. Limited to 25% of the cadet corps.

17.2 National Competitions.

17.2.1 Aerospace Education Foundation (AEF) JROTC Video Contest: The AEF in conjunction with the AFA, conducts a contest each year for AFJROTC units. New categories and subjects are selected each year by the AEF to supplement and reinforce the AFJROTC program. Certificates of merit are provided to 20 participants receiving honorable mention. A cash award of $500.00 and a plaque are presented to the four individual category winners. A special award of $1,000.00 and a distinctive plaque are presented to the overall winner of the contest. The Visual Information Officer will submit the entry after approval by the SASI.

17.2.2 Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF) National Awards Military Contest: The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, conducts an annual essay contest for cadets in ROTC programs. The competition is inter‑service and nationwide. Awards are combined for all services. The overall winner receives a $100.00 United States Savings Bond and an encased George Washington Honor Medal. Runners-up receive the medal and a $50.00 United States Savings Bond. The top award winner is invited to Valley Forge, at no expense , to receive the award.

17.3 Insignias and Badges:

17.3.1 Ground School Badge. Awarded for completion of the honors ground school curriculum option or completion of an aviation ground school program prescribed by the FAA. Seniors may wear the badge after the first grading period if they are receiving a passing grade.

17.3.2 Flight Solo Badge. Awarded to any cadet possessing a solo flight certificate signed by a FAA certified flight instructor for either powered or unpowered aircraft.

17.3.3 Flight Certificate Badge. Awarded to any cadet who possesses a FAA flight examiner pilot's certificate for either powered or unpowered aircraft.

17.3.4 Awareness Presentation Team Badge. Awarded for participation in three APT presentations(per AFROTCI 36-2001, paragraph 2.3.2).

17.3.5 Kitty Hawk Air Society Badge. Awarded to those cadets who are members of the Kitty Hawk Air Society.

17.3.6 American Modeling Association (AMA) Wings. Awarded to cadets who are members of a local AMA chartered model airplane club.

17.3.7 Distinguished AFJROTC Cadet Award: This award consists of a certificate and a Distinguished AFJROTC Cadet badge. The award recognizes one outstanding AS-III cadet annually. The recipient must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and maintain consistent academic and military excellence. The recipient must also hold the following awards prior to selection:

· Leadership ribbon.

· Achievement ribbon.

· Superior performance ribbon.

· Academic ribbon.

· Co-curricular activities leadership ribbon.

Service ribbon.

17.3.8 Aerospace Education Foundation (AEF) Academic Cadet Award. Awarded to rising Junior and Senior cadets for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall 3.3 grade point average with no grade below a "C" on their transcript. The individual must be recommended by the SASI.

17.3.9 Model Rocketry Badge. Awarded to cadets who have fulfilled the model rocketry program requirements.

17.3.10 First Sergeant Insignia. Cadet MSgt’s or above assigned to first sergeant duties are authorized to wear the miniature diamond. The first sergeant diamond is centered directly above the metal chevron rank.

17.4 TX-20009th AWARDS. The TX-20009th AFJROTC SASI and Medina Valley High School authorize these awards. The awards and criteria are:

17.4.1 Medina Valley High School Letter: Awarded for good academic, disciplinary and Group activities performance.

The criteria are sufficiently demanding, but can and must be earned in a single school year. You must keep track of all activities by having each activity signed-off on the “Letter Point Tracking Sheet” (Attachment 15) by either the SASI or ASI within one week of the event so as to present your "qualifications" for achieving your goal of a MVHS letter. General Criteria:

17.4.1.1 To be eligible, a cadet must be at least an AS-2 in good academic and disciplinary standing within the school and have a grade average of 75% or better in all classes, including AFJROTC. Any grade of "F" will automatically disqualify a cadet from a MVHS letter, as will any unexcused absences or more than three days in ISS.

17.4.1.2 A cadet must accumulate a total of 750 points by participation or achievement in at least one activity from each of the following 5 categories to earn a letter:

Category Event

1a - each drill team or color guard practice - 5 pts.

1b - each drill team or color guard practice on weekends - 10 pts.

1c - each drill team performance other than parades - 25 pts

(Color Guard - 25 pts each) MAXIMUM OF 200 PTS APPLICABLE TO LETTER).

1d - each parade performance - 50 pts.

1e - each drill team competition – 100 pts.

2 - each scheduled flag detail (MINIMUM OF FOUR RAISINGS AND LOWERINGS

REQUIRED FOR LETTER) - 10 pts.

3 - attend Dining-In/Military Ball - 50 pts.

4 - Group service hours such as special projects, work details, community service etc. Must

be acquired during non-school hours - 10 pts/hr.(MINIMUM OF 100 PTS REQUIRED

FOR LETTER).

NOTE: These hours are not to the same as the hours required for the semester

grades.

5a - Cadet of the Month (Group) - 50 pts.

5b - Academic Ribbon (each award) - 50 pts.

5c - Member of Flight-of-the-Month - 25 pts.

5d - Attend annual Pass-in-Review - 25 pts.

5e - Flight Badge - 50 pts.

5f - Member of Kitty Hawk (SY00/01) - 50 pts.

5g - Recruiting new AFJROTC cadet - 25 pts.

5h - Enter Freedom Foundation contest - 30 pts.

5i - Enter the Voice of Democracy contest - 30 pts.

5j - Enter Aerospace Education contest - 100 pts.

5k - Submission to Valley Forge - 50 pts.

5l - any national award - 100 pts.

5m-Most Academic Freshman- 50 pts.

5l-Most Improved Cadet- 50 pts.

17.4.1.3 The letterman project is designed to allow cadets to letter in AFJROTC. It will be headed by a committee which will verify all letters. Cadets will be in charge of gathering their own information for lettering. Cadets must obtain signatures of the officer in charge of a department. For example to receive points for the KHAS you must have the academics officer sign their letter points tracking sheet. Once all 750 points are made it is sent to the letterman committee where it will be verified. Once approved it is then sent to the SASI/ASI. To receive your letterman jacket you must have participated in two years of AFJROTC and have made a letter in AFJROTC. Letters may be made their first year but to receive a jacket they must at be at least a Junior. Pay Grades will also make points for the letterman. With each grade Five points will be added (E-1= five pts. O-6=75 pts.)

17.5 Most awards will be presented at the TX-20009 awards ceremonies held throughout the school year. National and annual awards will be presented at the end of the school year.

17.5.1 Engraved plaques and other awards will be displayed in the Aerospace Science classroom throughout the year at the Annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony.

17.6 Ribbons are worn: grounded and centered on the left breast pocket of the uniform (males); centered, resting on but not over edge of pocket (females). The Model Rocketry Badge is worn: vertically 2 inches below AMA wings or 3 inches below pocket/Ribbons if no AMA wings are worn (males); vertically, centered ½" above top row of ribbons (females). Only one shoulder cord will be worn (on the left shoulder).

17.6.1 AFJROTC cadets are authorized to wear ribbons earned while enrolled in Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard JROTC, as well as the Civil Air Patrol (only four authorized). Badges or insignia from Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, or any other non-AFJROTC group are not authorized on the AFJROTC uniform.

17.6.2 Medals and ribbons may be worn simultaneously for formal, semiformal, special occasions of a limited nature. Medals are worn instead of ribbons with the metallic portion of the medal immediately above the top of the pocket button. If both medals and ribbons are worn the medals will be centered ½" below the bottom row of ribbons. The order of precedence is the same as for ribbons. The routine wear of medals and ribbons is prohibited.

17.7 Awards will be worn in the following order of precedence as prescribed by AFROTCI 36-2001: