Capable Commander
JHS JROTC Student Exemplifies Servant Leadership
By Amy Morgan
Founded more than 110 years ago, The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) has had a long history of training America’s next generation of leaders through its high school programs. Although sponsored by the United States Armed Forces, it’s so much more than a possible steppingstone for a military career. JROTC is better described as a character development and citizenship initiative for youth.
One recent shining example of JROTC’s strengths is Johnson High School senior Christian Gonzalez. Christian serves as JHS Battalion Commander – the highest position as a student. His duties include overseeing the strategic planning and execution of activities to ensure his battalion’s success. Recruitment was Christian’s first task once he assumed the mantle of leadership this summer. He organized a newcomers’ orientation for incoming students to share the JROTC traditions and showcase opportunities to join their co-curricular teams. “This gave them a sense of community and boosted desire to join the program,” Christian said. He may have patterned the week’s activities after the summer camp he attended at West Point. Since Christian has taken command, he’s increased Johnson’s number of new cadets by 23%, with current enrollment at 116.
While Christian hopes to pursue a military career, he noted that JROTC is a nationally recognized program that develops student leadership and character. Christian was named the NEISD’s junior class Cadet of the Year in May 2024, beating peers in an Olympic style competition that included giving an impromptu speech, panel interview, test of knowledge, physical challenges and marching skills. “I felt so honored,” Christian said. Part of his subsequent duties included being tapped by NEISD’s Colonel to give the inaugural address and serve as master of ceremonies at the opening of the district’s new 62-foot rappel tower. The tower, located at Camp Henson, home to the 5th Brigade Raider teams, provides new opportunities for cadets to build self-confidence as they confront and surpass challenges, Christian said.
“The view from the tower can’t be beat,” he exclaimed. High school Raiders develop physical fitness and team building skills as they run, rappel, and overcome obstacles. Christian has been a member of JHS’s Raider team since he moved to San Antonio his sophomore year. He also serves as Team Captain for the Varsity Armed Drill Team – a group who march, spin and throw demilitarized rifles in a complex routine. He’s traveled with the team for the past two years to national competition.
This recent fall Christian planned JHS’s Veteran’s Day ceremony honoring service members in the community. He recruited retired Marine Antonio Santana to share the mission of his non-profit, Frontline Strong, which provides free mental health services to veterans. Christian was moved by Antonio’s statement encouraging people to take time to listen, “We are all strangers but can learn something from each other.”
Christian also represented JHS at Texas Boys State, a government and leadership program where 1000 boys gather to craft and operate their own state government. Because Christian was sponsored by the local American Legion Post, he was able to attend without expense. He credits his JHS AVID teacher, Mrs. Garcia-DuBravec, for “her invaluable guidance and wisdom in everything I have pursued.”
The second of four boys, Christian hopes to attend West Point to commission as a U.S. Army Officer and follow his father’s legacy of military service. He already has secured a Congressional Nomination from Texas Senator Ted Cruz. A young man with humility, gratitude and ability — leadership and character developed, indeed!
