WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A military career often takes service members thousands of miles from home, but for Master Sgt. Deana Heitzman, that journey recently came full circle, bringing her back to her Ohio roots.
Heitzman, the public affairs superintendent for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, traded her daily duties for a score sheet at a recent Air and Space Forces Association regional junior reserve officer training corps drill competition at Tecumseh High School – her alma mater. With an eye honed by years of military service, she evaluated the crisp movements and discipline of cadets from 14 local high schools.
“Unlike regular high school sports where they have paid and trained umpires’ referees, etc., AFJROTC relies upon the expertise of military professionals to perform as judges,” said Maj. James Couch (ret), AFJROTC senior aerospace instructor, “Without our volunteers, it would be impossible to have events like these and because it’s an all-volunteer force, we appreciate the support that we get from the surrounding areas.”
For service members, opportunities to reconnect with their hometowns can be rare, making the chance to mentor young people from her own community a profoundly meaningful experience for Heitzman.
“Coming back to where I grew up and being able to volunteer meant everything to me,” said Heitzman. “This program really helped shape my path, and it feels good to give back to the people and organization that poured into me early on. I wouldn’t be in the military today without my high school AFJROTC program and my instructors.”
The AFJROTC program is designed to develop character, leadership, and citizenship through aerospace science and Air Force values. The competition saw cadets executing a series of complex drill formations, their success depending on teamwork and precision, all under the watchful eye of Heitzman and other evaluators.
"Being part of a team teaches you that every role matters; one misstep shows how your actions affect the mission and teaches accountability. The cadets' dedication to not let their teammates down directly supports the AFJROTC goal: to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation," said Couch.
The teamwork shown by the individuals gave Heitzman a chance to reminisce on her past.
“This brought back so many great memories for me,” Heitzman said. “I was on drill team for four years and seeing that same precision and pride in these cadets was special. What stood out most was their discipline and how they supported each other.”
While the cadets left the meet with various trophies, Heitzman left with a different kind of victory: the satisfaction of investing in the community that shaped her and inspiring those who may follow in her footsteps.
“At the end of the day, this was about more than judging a competition,” Heitzman said. “It was about giving back and showing these cadets what’s possible if they choose to pursue a path in the military.”