As previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper, Klein High School's Air Force JROTC is one of 10 units in the U.S. and the only one in Texas to be selected for conversion to the newest branch of the armed services, the Space Force. Units chosen for the Space Force JROTC conversion needed to be in good standing, close to space facilities and be top performers.
"It's an absolute honor to celebrate this momentous occasion and bear witness to this beautiful display of patriotism," KISD Superintendent Jenny McGown said in a statement. "Klein ISD has a longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation in education, and Klein High's JROTC unit being tapped as the first and only Space Force program in Texas is one of the reasons why our district is so remarkable."
The ceremony was attended by an array of students, parents, community members and military guests, including Lt. Gen. John E. Shaw, tho serves as the deputy commander of the U.S. Space Command.
"I'm honored to witness this historic conversion to the Space Force JROTC," Shaw said in a statement. "It's exciting to see these cadets be part of this inaugural detachment as ultimately we don't know where they may end up—either in the Space Force or another branch of the military, or even another field entirely—but the lessons and experience gained from this conversion will further their success for sure."
Lt. Col. Timothy Lambert, who serves as the senior aerospace science instructor at Klein High School, lauded the historic occasion.
"I'm so proud of the cadets today," Lambert said in a statement. "It's been a culmination of events for the students to be recognized, and it's a great opportunity for them to see how their hard work and dedication is paying off for all they do."
