Inside the halls of Akins High School, unit TX-20025 has developed a reputation for service that sets it apart. While the uniforms and drills might suggest a strict military focus, the heart of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is built on a foundation of family and leadership.
The unit follows a structured chain of command designed to maintain discipline and success. At the helm is Cadet Colonel Tran, the Core Commander, who leads the JROTC program. Working alongside her is Advisor Cadet Colonel Eynalith Nava, the previous year’s commander, who now focuses on mentoring the next generation. Supporting the staff’s daily operations is Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Devin McDonald, who ensures directives are executed efficiently.
While instructors Col. Kerry Lewis and Chief Master Sgt. Andre Davis provides oversight, the program remains strictly cadet-led—a defining feature that forces students to take ownership of their roles.
A Hidden Support System
For those outside the program, JROTC can appear to be all about structure and rules. However, Cadet Col. Anh Tran says the most meaningful aspect of the unit is the support system that exists behind the scenes.
“At the end of the day, we are like a family, we are like friends,” Tran said. She emphasized that during personal or academic hardships, the JROTC room serves as a sanctuary for students to be heard and understood.
“On your hard days… you can come here and just take a break from school. We are here for you,” she said.
Real-World Application
The leadership skills cultivated in the program are often put to the test in high-pressure environments. Cadet Colonel Nava recalled her experience at the Cadet Leadership Course (CLC), a summer camp where she served as a Cadet Training Instructor for approximately 400 peers. Nava realized that the mentoring and communication skills she was teaching were the same ones she had mastered through her local unit.
“CLC is basically about 400 cadets going to this camp to learn about leadership skills,” Nava said, noting that she found herself teaching “a lot of the skills that I was taught in JROTC… like leadership skills, communication skills, and a lot of mentoring too.”
For Cadet Chief McDonald, the program’s value lies in its ability to teach “life skills” that aren’t found in a standard textbook. He credits the program with his growth in maturity and responsibility.
“JROTC taught me a lot of life skills that no other class would teach me,” McDonald said, specifically citing “how to talk to people… how to communicate with people and how to lead people.”
The Instructor’s Perspective
Davis has watched these student leaders evolve firsthand. By placing them in situations that require critical thinking and quick decision-making, he helps them navigate the complexities of authority. “Being a leader is something that’s really hard and not programmed,” Davis said.
Davis said one of the most difficult lessons for young leaders is learning to separate personal emotions from professional responsibility. He noted that he has seen Tran, Nava, and McDonald grow through their ability to “make decisions on their feet” while upholding the program’s core values: integrity, service before self, and excellence in all they do.
Beyond the Classroom
As the unit continues its mission, it remains clear that TX-20025 is doing more than just training cadets—it is creating the leaders of tomorrow. Chief Master Sergeant Davis often reminds cadets to
“Make your story to tell,” Davis said. It’s a message that reflects the program’s emphasis on accountability, growth, and self-leadership. For students at Akins, JROTC is not just a class—it is the foundation of who they choose to become.
