By TR Robertson
A chilly Friday evening at Vista High School Dick Haines Stadium saw family members and friends bundled up to watch the Annual Awards/Change of Command/Pass-In-Review Ceremony for this year’s cadets of the VHS Air Force Junior ROTC CA-953 unit. This program began at VHS in 1995 and currently has 87 cadets enrolled. The ceremony began on time with a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Abylen Guzman who welcomed those in attendance and various dignitaries like Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle and Vista Councilmembers Daniel O’Donnell and Jeff Fox. Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Colonel (Ret.) Eduardo A. Quero, U.S. Air Force, spoke to the cadets and guests about the training and teamwork the cadets had been through this year. Colonel Quero is the former Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, Headquarters Seventh Air Force, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. His address was in both English and Spanish. He reminded the families of the cadets that the values they instilled in their son or daughter were key to the values they would learn in the ROTC program. He reminded the cadets that they would be challenged to continue to build on these values as they left Vista High School. Col. Quero introduced the Guest of Honor speaker, Vista High School Principal Megan Ratliff.
Principal Ratliff thanked the cadets for inviting her to be part of the Pass-In-Review Ceremony and welcomed the family members and guests in attendance. Col. Quero also read her speech in sections in Spanish. She told the cadets that their hard work and dedication in the program reflected their growth in confidence, leadership and integrity. She said the lessons they learned would stay with them all of their lives whether they chose to go into the military, college of a different path yet discovered. She congratulated the graduating seniors and encouraged remaining cadets to continue their growth in developing leadership and confidence.
Following this Aerospace Science Instructor Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Donna J. Goodman and the units current Commander Cadet Lt. Colonel Alayna Zepeda read the different National and Unit Awards that had been selected for cadets that met a variety of different standards. Dr. Doyle, Principal Ratliff and Colonel Quero congratulated each cadet on receiving awards. There were several representatives of groups in attendance that helped present the awards and ribbons.
The first National award is the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War – Presenting this award is Terry Moxley. This medal is awarded to the deserving cadet who has stepped forward to accept the challenge of leadership in defending our Nation’s flag, principles, and freedoms. The 2026 Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War is presented to:
C/ Staff Sergeant Lionel Ramos
The next National award is the Vietnam Veterans of America – Presenting this medal is Terry Moxley. This medal is awarded to the cadet that exemplifies the core values of the Vietnam Veterans of America These core values are Advocacy, Meaningful achievement, Integrity, Compassion, and Camaraderie. The 2026 Vietnam Veterans of America Medal is presented to:
C/ Senior Airman Suri Alcala
The next National award is Air Commando Association Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This award is presented to one cadet based on a one-page essay highlighting a historical Air Force Special Operations Mission. The cadet must also possess the 13 Critical Attributes of Success that distinguish an elite AFSOC Air Commando: integrity, self-motivation, intelligence, self-discipline, perseverance, adaptability, maturity, judgement, selflessness, leadership, skilled, physical fitness, and family strength. The 2026 Air Commando Association Award is presented to:
C/ Technical Sergeant Yair Gabiel
The next national award is the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students for excellence in academic programs. The cadet demonstrates a positive attitude, outstanding personal appearance, initiative, judgment, self-confidence, courtesy, growth potential, highest personal and ethical standards, and positive convictions, shows potential and desire to pursue a military career. The 2026 Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award is presented to:
Cadet Staff Sergeant Madeline Valle
Cadet Staff Sergeant Javier Cira
The next national award is the Retired Enlisted Association Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal is presented for exceptional leadership to the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet while serving in an Enlisted Rank. The selected enlisted cadet must have shown dedication to AFJROTC throughout the course of the school year.The 2026 Retired Enlisted Association Award is presented to:
Cadet Technical Sergeant Zayden Humphrey
The next national award is the Tuskegee Airman Incorporated Cadet Award. This award is presented to two cadets. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal is presented to a first, second or third-year cadet to recognize superior performance by actively participating in squadron activities and attain a grade of “B” or better in aerospace science. Much like the original Tuskegee Airmen, cadets often achieve excellence despite adverse circumstances. This award serves as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and an inspiration to the AFJROTC cadets to continue to soar to even greater heights. The 2026 Tuskegee Airmen Award is presented to:
Cadet Staff Sergeant Maia Cloukey
Cadet Airman First Class Jimmy Fernandez The next award is the Air Force Sergeants Association Award. Presenting this award is AFSA Chapter 1365 member Chief Master Sergeant Donna Goodno. This medal is presented to a cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, citizenship, as well as, be in the top 10% of the AFJROTC class.The 2026 Air Force Sergeants Association award is presented to:
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Cruz Gonzales
The next national award is the American Veterans Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This person must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership, such as: a positive attitude towards the AFJROTC program and service in the Air Force, excellent personal appearance, initiative, dependability, judgment and self confidence. The cadet must also demonstrate officer potential, have an “A” grade point average in Aerospace Science and be in good standing in all-academic classes. The 2026 American Veterans Award is presented to:
Cadet Airman First Class Dana Arteaga
The next national award is the Military Order of World Wars Medal. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. The selection process is based on outstanding accomplishment and service to the squadron and commitment to continue in the Aerospace Science Program the following school year. The 2026 Military Order of World Wars Medal is presented to:
Cadet Senior Airman Karime Roman
The next national award is the Sons of the American Revolution Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes the cadet who exhibits a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in aerospace science studies. The cadet must be in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class and the top 25% of their overall class. The 2026 Sons of the American Revolution Award is presented to:
Cadet Airman Basic Fernando Gabriel
Our next national award is the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Presenting this award is Colonel Skip Curtis. This medal is awarded for recognition of an outstanding underclassman who demonstrates leadership ability and positive attitude toward AFJROTC and country. The award further recognizes involvement in school and community affairs as well as academic excellence with a grade of “B” or better in all subjects. The 2026 Military Order of the Purple Heart is presented to:
C/ Airman First Class Nathaly Leon
The next national award is the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes an outstanding cadet who demonstrates academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class, dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism. The recipient contributes the most to encourage Americanism by participating in leadership activities and community projects. The 2026 Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award is presented to:
Cadet 2nd Lt Daisy Ruiz
The next national award is the National Sojourners Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This award recognizes an outstanding cadet who contributes the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism and outstanding leadership on campus. The cadet must be in the top 25% of their academic class.The 2026 National Sojourners Award is presented to:
Cadet Airman Abril Barrios
The next national award is the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes a cadet who demonstrates qualities of academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism and upright character in speech and habits, which exemplify the ideals upon which our nation was founded.The 2026 National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Award is presented to:
Cadet 2nd Lt Maritere Morelia
The next national award is the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award. Presenting this award is Sergeant Major Bruce Mackamul. This award recognizes a second, third or fourth-year cadet who is actively engaged in the AFJROTC program, possesses leadership characteristics and is active in other school extracurricular activities while maintaining good grades.The 2026 Veterans of Foreign Wars Award is presented to:
Cadet 2nd Lt Abylen Guzman
The next national award is the Military Officers Association Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes a third-year cadet who shows exceptional potential for military leadership, be in good academic standing and high moral character, and shows a high order of loyalty to the squadron, school, and country. The 2026 Military Officers Association Award is presented to:
Cadet 1st Lt Alfredo Flores
The next national award is the Reserve Officers Association Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. The award is presented each year to a fourth-year cadet for military and academic achievement. The cadet must be in the top 10% in the AFJROTC program and top 25% in academic grades. The recipient must contribute the most to advancing the objectives of the AFJROTC program which includes outstanding dedication to citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibility, military orientation, self-discipline, and a sound work ethic. The 2026 Reserve Officers Association Award is presented to:
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Midoris Solano
The next national award is the American Legion Military Excellence Award. Presenting this Award is Mr. Terry Moxley. This medal recognizes a third or fourth-year cadet based on the cadet’s demonstrated excellence in all military attributes. The cadet must rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class and demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.The 2026 American Legion Military Excellence Award is presented to:
Cadet Major Kimberly Miranda
The next national award is the American Legion Scholastic Award. Presenting this award is Mr. Terry Moxley. This medal recognizes a third or fourth-year cadet for overall academic achievements and must rank in the top 10% of their high school class and top 25% of their AFJROTC class. In addition, the recipient must demonstrate leadership qualities and be active in cadet activities. The 2026 American Legion Scholastic Award is presented to:
Cadet Alayna Zepeda
The next national award is the Daughters of the American Revolution Award. Presenting this Award is Ms. Terry Tucker. This medal recognizes a cadet who ranks in the top 25% of their AFJROTC and high school classes. The cadet must demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character, adhere to military discipline, leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training. The 2026 Daughters of the American Revolution Award is presented to:
Cadet 1st Lieutenant Zachary Schneider
The next national award is the Order of the Daedalian Award. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This medal recognizes a third-year cadet in the top 10% of AFJROTC and top 20% of their school class. The Order of Daedalians is a fraternity of commissioned aviators from all military services. It is named after the legendary figure, Deadalus, and was organized by World War I commissioned military pilots who sought to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, love of country and those high ideals of self-sacrifice which place service to the nation above personal safety and position. This award is offered to encourage the development of these traits in Junior ROTC cadets and to interest them in a military career. The 2026 Order of the Daedalian Award is presented to:
Cadet Captain David Reyes Vargas
Our final and highest-level National award is the Air Force Association Award. Presenting this award is William Walker. This award recognizes a cadet in the top 1% of the squadron in academics, leadership, and professionalism who demonstrates positive attitude, outstanding personal appearance, initiative, judgment, courtesy, and growth potential. The 2026 Air Force Association Award is presented to:
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Hannah Peralta
UNIT AWARDS
The next award is the Superior Performance Ribbon. This is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of Air Force Junior ROTC. It is presented for a single or sustained performance of a superior nature. Only 10 percent of the cadet corps receive this ribbon. The 2026 award winners are:
Alayna Zepeda
David Reyes
Kimberly Mirada
Zachary Schneider
Hannah Peralta
Alfredo Flores
Maia Cloukey
The next award is the Leadership Ribbon. This is awarded for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet. These cadets have consistently displayed outstanding leadership abilities above and beyond expected performance. The 2026 award winners are:
Alayna Zepeda
Kimberly Mirada
David Reyes
Zachary Schneider
Leonel Ramos
Maritere Morelia
Midoris Solano
The next unit award is the Outstanding Cadet Ribbon. The recipient must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence. The 2026 award winners are:
First Year Cadet: Maia Cloukey, Second Year Cadet: Abylen Guzman, Third Year Cadet: Zachary Schneider, Fourth Year Cadet: Alayna Zepeda
The next unit award is the Outstanding Flight Ribbon. The ribbon is awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight. These flights were considered for this ribbon for criteria such as Dress and Appearance, Physical fitness, Drill and Ceremony, and Ful Participation throughout the school year. If I call your name, please step forward.
The 2026 Outstanding Flight for Fall semester is: Echo Flight
The 2026 Outstanding Flight for Spring semester is: Delta Flight
Our final award is the Distinguished AFJROTC Cadet Badge. Presenting this award is Principal Ratliff. This award recognizes one outstanding third-year cadet selected at the end of each school year. The recipient must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and maintain consistent academic and military excellence.
The 2026 Distinguished AFJROTC Cadet Badge is presented to:
Cadet Lt Col ZACHARY SCHNEIDER
Following the Awards Presentations was the Squadron Change of Command Ceremony as C Lt Col Alayna Zepeda turned over the command to C Lt Col Zachzry Scheider. The Cadets then adjourned to the field to take part in the Washington Post March, the Parade Formation, Presentation of Command, the National Anthem, the Pass-In-Review ending with the U.S. Air Force Song. Assisting with the Drum Line for the formations was Adrian Loucel, Luis Chavez, Geo Ramos, Jay Mendoza, and Isaiah Altamirano.
This very professional Awards, Change of Command and Pass-In-Review Ceremony is a yearly tradition and a great example of the quality of the Vista High School Air Force Junior ROTC CA-953 program.
