History of FL-034

Air Force JROTC began at Rutherford High School in the fall of 1968. The first instructors were Lieutenant Colonel Richard Atchinson and Senior Master Sergeant James Doyle. The former Bay County School Superintendent, Larry Bolinger, was a member of the original cadet corps.

In 1981, the Rutherford unit was placed on probation for one year by the United States Air Force because enrollment dropped below 100 cadets. In 1982, Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Galloway replaced Sergeant Doyle who retired and in 1982 Major Robert Webb replaced the retiring Colonel Atchinson. Major Webb remained one year at Rutherford and was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Walter Matthews in 1983. A third instructor, Senior Master Sergeant Donald Duval was added to the staff in the Fall of 1985. With the addition of the third instructor, ninth grade students from Everett Middle School were admitted to the program, which increased enrollment to approximately 200 cadets. In 1986, Senior Master Sergeant Doug Wall replaced Sergeant Duval. At the end of the 2002-2003 school year, Colonel Mathews, Chief Galloway, and Seargent Wall all retired. Lt. Colonel Sean P. Aland, Senior Master Sergeant Gill G. Garcia, and Master Sergeant Larry Sharp replace the retired instructors at the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year.

In 1987, FL-034 recorded an enrollment of 230 cadets. That was the largest in history. Enrollment remains around 200 each year since 1985. 

In 1986 and 1988, FL-034 was designated an Air Force Meritorious Unit. In 1989, FL-034 was named an Air Force Honor Unit and has maintained this status every year since then.

Today, the Rutherford AFJROTC unit boasts of an electronic weather station linked to the Automated Weather Source, as well as a direct weather satellite receiving capability. The unit has three flight simulators and cadets may take the Private Pilot Ground School and FAA written examination. Instructors are FAA, USAF and state certified.

The Rutherford Aerospace Institute is one of Rutherford High School's original PEP Programs and continues to excel with all former students graduating from high school. Senior cadets have the opportunity to enroll in RAMSAT and work the last semester of their senior year at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Today, over 200 cadets continue the Rutherford tradition of Integrity, Honor, and Excellence.