By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program has had plenty of reasons to celebrate over the past few months.

Since September 2015, the ROTC program, under the direction of retired Lt. Col. Douglass Crabb, the unit has received praise from the nation’s Department of the Air Force, and has proven its success at a recent statewide drill and physical fitness championship.

During a Feb. 8 Alabaster Board of Education meeting, School Board members honored the unit and its leadership for its recent achievements.

“You are doing a great job representing our city and our school,” Alabaster School Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers told Junior ROTC members during the presentation.

In late September 2015, the THS unit received the results of its most recent evaluation, during which it received stellar reviews.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, your staff and the entire cadet corps on receiving an overall assessment of ‘Exceeds Standards’ on your recent unit evaluation,” Air Force Col. Bobby Woods Jr. wrote in a letter to the THS unit. You should be proud of this accomplishment. Achieving a rating of Exceeds Standards is no small feat – it takes a team effort and lots of hard work.

“Both of these attributes were evident throughout the course of this assessment. (Evaluator) Maj. (John) Bailey was extremely impressed with your program, from the dedication and commitment of your fellow instructor to the professionalism and dedication to service displayed by the cadet corps,” the letter read. “Your program defines the term ‘successful unit,’ and establishes the benchmark for others to follow.”

In late January, the THS Junior ROTC unit competed in the U.S. Army’s Alabama State Drill Championship in Montgomery, during which 20 high schools showcased their physical fitness and drill expertise.

During the competition, the THS unit placed fourth in the Armed division, earning high marks in every area.