JROTC Information 2024
MOAA Central Florida Chapter JROTC Cadet of the Year Recipients 2024
Our Chapter presented Leadership medals and certificates to 29 Juniors in the 34 JROTC high school units in our catchment area and one Leadership Medal to the outstanding cadet in the UCF Army ROTC program. Six Chapter members attended most and made face-to-face presentations, representing MOAA. Thanks to Chapter President Lorraine Holland, Program coordinator Bob Brogan, Kent Miller, Charles Smith, Dean Ptaszynski, and Randy Fiebrandt. Many of the recipients of the Leadership Medals will serve on the JROTC Staff in Leadership Positions next year.
Check more information, and single image on each Cadet below.
I am Carlos Nunez-Sosa from Orlando Florida and I attend East River HS. I’m Cuban-Honduran. I’ve grown very close to my parents from working with them and being active at home; I’ve learned a lot from them. One year from now I will most likely be attending Harvard University (although I am currently undecided between Harvard and MIT) to attain a degree in Bioengineering to later pursue a research-oriented MD (or MD-PhD).
(Editors note: He announced MIT at the luncheon). I hope to commission into the US Army after attaining an MD. Lastly, I’m thankful JROTC was a part of my life because I got to struggle with challenges head-on, learned to take on failures, and learn from the knowledge of my incredible instructors.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Richard Tran is the Battalion Operations Officer at Cypress Creek High School’s NJROTC. Initially joining the NJROTC through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s dual enrollment aviation program in 2021, Cadet Tran studied the principles of aeronautical science and unmanned aircraft systems while taking Pre-International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. Excelling in these subjects and demonstrating leadership potential ultimately landed Cadet Tran the position of Drone Team Commander and Aviation Wing Commander. Despite the departure of the aviation program in 2023, Cadet Tran continued to apply himself in extracurriculars and academics, such as the National Honor Society, Robotics Club, and Model UN.
After attending the Admiral Farragut Leadership Academy, Cadet Tran took on the role of Battalion Operations Officer for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, coordinating the battalion’s community service events, assisting in planning field trips, and leading the cadet staff in maintaining the battalion’s daily operations. His hard work ultimately paid off as Cadet Tran achieved a 5.3 weighted GPA and was accepted to the University of Florida’s class of 2028, where he will major in Aerospace Engineering while enrolling in NROTC to become a Naval Aviator.
Ansley Heekin has been enrolled for two years at Lake Brantley High School in the AFJROTC and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University college dual enrollment programs, which teach aviation to students. “AFJROTC has definitely helped me to become a better leader.”
She often flies with her grandfather who owns an aircraft and her lifelong dream is to become a pilot.
Ansley was selected to attend the Air Force Flight Academy this coming summer at Tuskegee University and earn her private pilot license. “I’m excited and thankful for the chance to earn my private pilot’s license and fly. It is a tremendous opportunity!”
She is also a standout athlete on the school’s volleyball team and an honors graduate. After high school graduation she plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
My name is Mackenzie Quinn and I am the cadet Group Commander in Lake Brantley High School’s AFJROTC. I have been in the program all four years at Brantley and it has been one of my favorite experiences thus far. I joined the program in 9th grade after first seeing a JROTC unit when I changed middle schools late my 8th grade year. The cadets there looked so close to each other. I moved around a lot at that point in my life and was looking for those sort of close bonds and friendships.
AFJROTC gave me that and so much more, helping me immeasurably to become more of a leader, and connect with my peers. It set me up for success in ways that I did not expect. It also shaped me into the person and leader I am today. This year, I applied to the United States Naval Academy where I hope to continue my academic pursuits and love for the military and aviation.
Joseph Robert Healing grew up in Orlando and is about to graduate Cum Laude from University High School. His hobbies and interests include sports, hanging out with friends, and military aviation. Upon graduation, he’s hoping to attend the US Naval Academy or Embry Riddle Aeronautical University as an Aerospace Engineer major and is seeking a commission in the US Navy. His ultimate aspiration is to fly for the US Navy as a Naval Aviator.
My name is Cadet Major Myles Franklin. I am 17 years old and attend Dr. Phillips High School where I have done JROTC for four years. My mother, Latanya Franklin, has fought cancer twice—and won both! I am so grateful for her every day. My father, Howard Franklin, is retired army and is currently working in the IT industry. I have a passion for aviation and the military, so my goal in life is to become an Air Force fighter pilot. I will keep pushing and pushing until I achieve my goals, not just for me, but for my family and the people I protect as a pilot.
Cadet Elias A. Lopez is currently a high school Senior who is committed to attend the US Air Force Academy starting this summer. He will be commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force upon graduation and hopes to earn a pilot slot to further my goals in aviation and towards service.
Cadet Colonel Emily Torres is a student at Seminole High School in Sanford Florida and the Corp Commander of AFJROTC Unit FL-872. She is a 4th Year cadet who holds the rank of Cadet Colonel, leading a Cadet Wing of 241 cadets on 2 campuses.
She has earned the Distinguished Cadet Award, Air Force Association Award, American Legion Scholastic Award, as well as the Retired Enlisted Association Award. She recently led her unit to an “Exceeds Standards” during our Headquarters inspection. In the summer of 2023, she was awarded the AFJROTC Flight Academy Scholarship, an intense 8-week program where she completed her Private Pilot’s License. Cadet Torres has a 3.8 GPA and has accumulated over 243 community service hours in AFJROTC alone. During her 4 years in AFJROTC she has been a member of the Raiders, the Marksmanship Team, Sabre Team, Awareness Presentation Team, Drill Team and the Color Guard. She is also a member of the schools Leadership Team and a member of the Senior Class Council. In January she earned an AFJROTC J-100 4-year AFROTC Scholarship and will attend AFROTC at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona.
Cadet Garrett Rogus is a student at Seminole High School in Sanford Florida and a member of AFJROTC Unit FL-872. He is a 4th Year cadet who holds the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel as the Group Commander for 2nd Group and was recently awarded the American Legion General Military Excellence Award. Cadet Rogus has a 3.37 GPA and has accumulated over 88 community service hours in AFJROTC alone. He is an active member of the Marksmanship Team, Sabre Team, and the Color Guard. He is extremely active in scouting, serving as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and recently earned his “Eagle Scout” through the Boy Scouts of America.
He plans to attend college and become an Officer in the US Military.
