For 58 remarkable years, one Airman dedicated his life to service, transitioning from an active duty senior non-commissioned officer to a beloved Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) instructor. Senior Master Sgt. David Weissgerber, now retired, concluded his distinguished career in July, marking 35 years of inspiring cadets at Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan, after 23 years of active duty. His journey exemplifies dedication and the profound impact of mentorship within the Air Force community, especially within programs like AFJROTC that emphasize character development and citizenship, values visually represented through the Air Force Junior Rotc Uniform.
Weissgerber’s philosophy, simple yet powerful, resonated deeply with his students: “Do your best! Nobody is perfect, but if you give your all to whatever you are doing I don’t believe anyone can fault you.” This straightforward approach encouraged cadets to embrace their individuality and strive to be exemplary figures, a principle mirrored in the pride and discipline instilled by wearing the air force junior rotc uniform. This uniform is more than just clothing; it’s a symbol of commitment, belonging, and adherence to the high standards of the Air Force, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among cadets.
His Air Force journey began in 1962 when the St. Louis native enlisted as an airborne communications repairman. His initial assignment at Kadena Air Base laid the foundation for a long and impactful career. Retiring from Wheeler Air Force Base, Hawaii, in 1985 as a munitions superintendent, Weissgerber’s active duty was marked by unwavering commitment. David Richerson, chief of instructor management division at Headquarters AFJROTC, aptly described Weissgerber’s tenure: “The word dedication isn’t strong enough to describe this,” highlighting the unprecedented 35 years he served as an AFJROTC instructor, possibly the longest in the program’s history.
Weissgerber’s connection to Okinawa deepened over his career. “I spent 17 years assigned to different organizations on Okinawa and another two years in Thailand,” he recounted. “My only [state-side] assignment, other than [Air Education and Training Command], was McConnell Air Force Base just outside of Wichita, Kansas. I married a lady from Okinawa and this island feels like home to me.” This deep-rooted connection to the community where he served underscores his commitment, both professionally and personally.
His transition to instruction was sparked by a desire to continue serving and a newfound passion for teaching. After retiring from active duty, an article about AFJROTC instructor openings caught his eye. His prior experience teaching underwater search and rescue to Explorer Scouts in Hawaii had ignited a passion for guiding teenagers. “This was my first exposure to teaching teenagers, and I enjoyed it,” Weissgerber explained. This curiosity led him to a fulfilling second career in education.
Initially hired by a private school, Weissgerber’s enthusiasm for teaching flourished. In 1993, he returned to Okinawa to establish the AFJROTC program at Kadena High School, a role he cherished for decades. “I enjoy being with the cadets,” Weissgerber stated. “I like giving the students, both cadets and non-cadets, a feeling of hope and the idea that they can change the world through their actions.” He witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the AFJROTC program, observing how it instilled values of citizenship, responsibility, and leadership in young individuals, qualities visibly embodied when cadets proudly wear their air force junior rotc uniform.
Reflecting on his 35 years as an AFJROTC instructor, Weissgerber emphasized the camaraderie and shared passion among instructors from all service branches. “I have yet to find one that doesn’t absolutely love his or her job,” he shared. “When work is fun, it isn’t work. That describes AFJROTC for me.” He considers his time in AFJROTC to be even more rewarding than his active duty career, recommending it to retiring officers and NCOs as “the best kept secret in the Air Force.”
The AFJROTC program’s core mission is to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” This mission is achieved through a curriculum focused on citizenship, community service, personal responsibility, and character development. The air force junior rotc uniform plays a crucial role in this process, acting as a constant reminder of the values and expectations of the program. It symbolizes discipline, respect, and the proud heritage of the Air Force, helping cadets embody these principles in their daily lives. For those interested in learning more about AFJROTC or becoming an instructor, resources are available at https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/AFJROTC. Through dedicated individuals like SMSgt Weissgerber and the enduring values represented by the air force junior rotc uniform, the AFJROTC program continues to shape future generations of leaders and responsible citizens.
