I grew up in the Tenderloin, Sunnydale projects and then Bayview/Hunters Point. Growing up in these neighborhoods, I did many things I regret. I had no direction in life but JROTC gave me one.
Sergeant Major Wellman - my teacher during my years in JROTC told me I was going to college. No male in my family has ever gone to college and I wasn’t either. With Wellman’s perseverance, I became the first male in my family to attend college. JROTC gave me direction, leadership, and discipline. I’m pretty sure I would be in jail had I not changed. I needed JROTC.
As a gay, African-American male, I have always felt accepted and nurtured in the JROTC program. It was one of the most inclusive places at school.
I learned the importance of taking ownership and giving back to my community. They NEVER tried to recruit me to enter the military. I was pushed toward college.
There is a waiting list throughout the United States for the JROTC program. If we lose this program that’s been in San Francisco for 90 years, it will be lost for a very long time. There is NO replacement program.
I urge you to preserve the JROTC for those of us who need it.
