Background 

In order to assist in stimulating interest in the Junior ROTC program for high school students as well as subsequent service in the military services, the Development Committee of the corporation began studying the possibility of implementing an awards program during 2004. Working in conjunction with the Senior Instructor at East Bay High School, Gibsonton, Florida, members of the committee set forth a rather unique program which was approved by the Senior JROTC Instructor and the MFST Board of Trustees at their December meeting. Initial implementation was programmed for the East Bay High School awards ceremony on 5 May 2005.

Local Program for Hillsborough County Florida

At the time of its implementation, the Board did not envision using its awards program on a national level. The plan was to add a new Hillsborough County school, as often as circumstances warranted, in the belief that the corporation would be able to generate sufficient new funds to allow for such a gradual increase. To this end, it was decided that the MFST would present the selected cadet from each class with a certificate, a medal, and a cash award. The freshman and sophomore awards are presented for outstanding achievement along with $50 and $75 checks respectively. The junior and senior awards are presented for outstanding leadership along with $125 and $250 checks respectively. Furthermore, the graduating senior will receive an additional $750 if he/she enlists in the military service and completes advance individual training, or enrolls in a college level ROTC program.

Riverview High School was added to East Bay High School in 2006, while Joe E. Newsome High School rounded out the program in 2007.  Bloomingdale High School was added in 2008.  In addition, the "LTC Joseph Grezaffi Memorial Saber" was presented to the outstanding graduating four-year cadet at Joe E. Newsome High School in April.  And the COL Ron Buchart Air Force sword was presented to the outstanding senior cadet at Bloomingdale High School.

2008 Awardees

Riverview H. S.	Bloomingdale H.S.

National JROTC Program

Having posted notification of the JROTC programs initiation on the Web Site, the Board of Trustees received an inquiry as to whether or not it might consider implementing a National Program. In April 2006, the Board elected to do so. The National Program is essentially the same as the Hillsborough County program with one exception: the MFST does not provide cash grants. However, the individual schools may and the MFST does recognize the special standing of such cadets by automatically qualifying them to apply for its competitive scholarships in their senior year of high school if they so desire.

During 2008, four high schools participated in the national JROTC Program:  Memorial High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio, Lincoln High School, Warren, MI, Kathleen High School, Lakeland, Florida.  The picture below is of the four cadets who were awarded the medals at Lincoln High School.

Currently, the cost of the four medals and certificates plus shipping and handling is $38.60. Participants will also incur additional costs for the four certificate frames as well as the engraving of the four medals. If your school desires to participate in this program, it is requested that a check for the medals and certificates made out to the “MFST” be forward to the corporation with your “Acceptance Certificate.” Click here for the Program Acceptance Certificate.

For a complete picture of both programs, please see the Extract of the MFST By-laws dated 11 April 2006 by CLICKING HERE.