General Information - Wayne High School

Air Force JROTC Earns Distinguished Unit Award

Wayne High School’s Air Force JROTC program earned the 2025-26 Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) from Headquarters Air Force JROTC, one of the highest honors a unit can receive. The recognition highlights the program’s outstanding leadership, service and dedication to both the school and community. This is the program's first DUA since 1997.

JROTC was not at all what I expected…I learned so many things and will be forever grateful.

– Cadet Brandi Pineda

Captain Scott Thomas

Contact Information: 260-467-6455 Courses: JROTC I-IV

Capt. Scott R. Thomas was born in Indiana and enlisted in the Air Force in 1991. He attended Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas with follow on technical training as an Air Transportation Specialist. He remained enlisted for 12 years until he applied for his commission as a Technical Sergeant. In February of 2003 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant within the Transportation Officer Corps. Capt Thomas then became one of the initial officers to form the newly created Logistics Readiness Officer career field. During his career Capt Thomas has served in a multitude of leadership positions as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in Charge of Aerial Delivery, Deployment Training, and Deployment Operations. In addition, he has also led as a Contingency Planning Officer, Channel Cargo System Director, Installation Deployment Officer, a Flight Commander, and a unit Operations Officer. During his almost 22 years Capt Thomas held various overseas and stateside assignments, he deployed in support of combat, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations in Kosovo, Romania, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Capt Thomas’ military education includes several leadership courses as both a NCO and Officer. In addition, he has training in Instructor Fundamentals and Classroom Teaching, Hazardous Cargo Certification and Movement, Fabrication and Rigging for Aerial Delivery, Aircraft Load Planning, War Reserve Materiel, Fuel Management, Material Management and Distribution.

Capt Thomas' formal education includes an Associates in Applied Science in Transportation from the Community College of the Air Force; Associates of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; and a Masters of Business Administration with a minor in Logistics from Trident University International.

Capt Thomas’ awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 5 devices, Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 devices, National Defense Service Medal with device, Kosovo campaign medal with device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with device, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with device, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Capt Thomas has also been recognized as a top performer receiving leadership awards such as the John L Levitow award, the USAFE Transportation NCO of the Year, Instructor of the Year Award, DLA Lance P. Sijan Award nominee, and One of Ten DLA Persons of the Year Award for 2011. In addition, Capt Thomas was also selected as the 2016-2017 Cy-Fair High School, Teacher of the year.

Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Wepner

Contact Information: 260-467-6455 Courses: JROTC I-IV

Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Wepner

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Jeffrey C. Wepner is the Aerospace Science Instructor for Wayne High School AFJROTC IN-941. Chief Wepner retired from the Air Force in December of 2011 as the Command Chief Master Sergeant, 42nd Air Base Wing, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He was responsible to the 42nd Air Base Wing Commander for expeditionary readiness, professional development, effective utilization, and mission effectiveness of the base’s enlisted Airmen. He was responsible for the quality-of-life for more than 4,685 assigned military and civilian personnel on Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex.

Chief Wepner joined the Air Force in 1985. He served in leadership assignments across the network operations career field. His experience includes serving as an Air Force Technical Advisor to the Air National Guard, and he served as Superintendent for an Air Expeditionary Group.

Curriculum in Action & Career Exploration

Hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom
Annual field trips to military installations and community partners
Opportunities to visit USAF bases and learn about military careers, roles and lifestyles
JROTC Engineering Days with RTX Corporation to explore STEM, engineering and technology pathways
Experiences designed to expand knowledge, explore interests and connect learning to real-world careers

Leadership, Service & Community Engagement

Opportunities to serve local schools, charities and food banks
Volunteer experiences that build teamwork, leadership and civic responsibility
Annual Red Cross Blood Drive supporting the community and saving lives
Meaningful service opportunities that allow cadets to make a positive impact

Teams, Competitions & Cadet Activities

Wide variety of teams and activities available for all cadets
Cyber Security Team
Aircraft Modeling
Rocketry
Marksmanship
Orienteering
Drill Teams (marching)
Physical Training (PT) Team
Academic Bowl focused on SAT/ACT-style competitions
JROTC Honors Society
Opportunities for every cadet to explore interests, build skills and compete

Teamwork Experiences

Robotics
RC Aircraft
Aircraft Model
Rocketry
Orienteering
Unarmed Varsity Drill
Junior Varsity Drill
Armed Drill
Exhibition (STEP) Team
Color Guard
Flag Team
Physical Training Team
Academic Bowl Team
Cyber Patriot Team – Cyber Security

Accomplisments

JROTC Distinguished Unit and Outstanding Organization 6 of 10 past years
Community Service Hours: over 2,000 hrs
Red Cross High School Scholarship Recipient
Lilly Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Northeast Indiana Honor Flight Supporter & Participant
Kitty Hawk Honors Society: Academic Tutors in JROTC covering high school courses
Academic Bowl Participant – 10 Years

Additional Information

The Cadet Guide
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