Two Keystone Heights High School students were recognized for their excellence in the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps during the program’s annual awards banquet held Friday, April 19, 2024.
Representing Chapter 88 of the U.S. Army Special Forces Association, retired Lt. Col. James Bullinger announced Cadet 1st Sgt. Jessica Bettey is a recipient of the Chapter’s Senior Cadet Scholarship, and Cadet 2nd Lt. Joseph Gale is awarded the Special Forces Association’s Award of Excellence.
According to KHHS JROTC senior Army instructor retired Lt. Col. Richard Hall, both cadets distinguished themselves during the past year and were nominated to the Special Forces Association for the respective awards.
Cadet Bettey, a senior, served in leadership as the company First Sergeant. She was active with the Color Guards for football games and Christmas parades; and in the drama club and the Senior Girls’ Club.
In these groups Bettey provided various services to the school and community. With the girls’ club, she collected canned goods for donation to a local food bank. After graduation Bettey plans to attend St. Johns River State College and the School of Arts for Drama.
Cadet Gale, a sophomore, distinguished himself as the program’s battalion S3 operations officer and for his participation in the Florida Senate page program in March 2024.
He was also active with the JROTC’s Drill Team and with the Raiders — an elite cadet team that trains members to be physically stronger, better leaders and future officers. Gale’s post-graduation plans are to serve in the Army’s aviation branch.
SFA Chapter 88 provides support to 26 high schools with JROTC programs in the greater Jacksonville area.
