AFA Swamp Fox Chapter Honors Cadets and Educators

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Swamp Fox Chapter—supporting the South Carolina community—honored the Lakewood High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program, whose cadets demonstrated excellence, servant leadership, unity in the community, daily discipline, and tenacious teamwork on April 30, at the inaugural Joint Sumter School District AFJROTC awards ceremony.

Cadets from Lakewood High School captured first place in the Carolina Sword of Excellence Competition—a historic state-wide event designed to recognize the very best AFJROTC cadets in South Carolina. The Carolina Sword of Excellence celebrates exceptional leadership, character, academic achievement, and service, and embodies the highest standards of integrity and excellence while providing a substantial monetary incentive for participants.

“This competition recognizes the next generation of leaders,” said James Crawford, a Swamp Fox Chapter Advocate who led the competition and joint Cadet of the Year selections. “The cadets from Lakewood High School demonstrated the discipline, teamwork, and character that embody the very best of AFJROTC.”

The Carolina Sword of Excellence serves as a visible reminder of the significant role AFJROTC programs play in developing responsible citizens and future leaders. Organizers noted that the competition reflects a growing commitment by veterans, educators, community leaders, and AFA members to invest in youth leadership development.

Crawford also presented Cadet of the Year honors to Cadet Gabriel Grooms from Crestwood High School; Cadet Vanessa Barahona-Barradas from Sumter High; Cadet Brandon Gerecke of Lakewood High; and Cadet Noelle Benoit of Manning High School.

During a separate ceremony, Maj. Gen. Arthur Rooney, USAF (Ret.), and William Lamonte presented the Carolina Sword of Excellence’s third-place award to the cadets of Socastee High School AFJROTC Unit SC-872 in Myrtle Beach and recognized their dedication, competitive spirit, and commitment to excellence.

The AFA Swamp Fox Chapter also congratulated the 2026 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) of the Year, Tech Sgt. Madilyn Nichols. The recognition reflects Nichols’ dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment demonstrated in service to the community. Through outstanding leadership, excellence in aerospace education, cadet development, and emergency services, Nichols’ unit has set a remarkable standard for others to follow.

The Swamp Fox Chapter remains proud to support AFJROTC and CAP programs throughout its area of responsibility and continues to advocate for opportunities that encourage leadership development, citizenship, and service among America’s youth.

The Swamp Fox Chapter also celebrated excellence in education in Timmonsville, S.C., with the presentation of the 2026 AFA South Carolina Teacher of the Year Award to Ben Johnson of Florence, S.C.

Col. David “Bush” Hanson, USAF (Ret.), president of the AFA Swamp Fox Chapter, presented the award during a ceremony recognizing educators who inspire students and advance excellence in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, aerospace, and leadership education.

The AFA Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators whose efforts exemplify the values of service, excellence, and innovation. Through this recognition, AFA continues its mission of supporting education and developing future aerospace leaders.