KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Dobyns-Bennett High School Air Force Junior ROTC (TN-20062) has earned the Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) for the 2024-2025 school year, the 17th consecutive year to receive such honor. The DUA is the highest level unit award for the AF JROTC awarded by Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Headquarters, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.
This award recognizes personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, contributions of the instructors as mentors, and the support of the school and local community. This award places Dobyns-Bennett in the top 40 percent of the 828 AF JROTC units in the world; enrollment includes more than 107,000 cadets.
"Since the program began 17 years ago, the strong support from Kingsport City Schools, school administrators, and the community has created an exceptional learning environment for students," said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Ramsey, US Air Force (Retired) and Dobyns-Bennett Aerospace Science Instructor. "The program’s historical success is also a result of the high-quality instructors and the extensive experience they bring, all of which have contributed to making it truly distinguished."
In addition, Chief Master Sergeant Melanie Blankenship, US Air Force (Retired) and Dobyns-Bennett Aerospace Science Instructor has been named a 2025 Air Force JROTC Outstanding Instructor Award recipient. This award honors instructors who go above and beyond each day and their exemplary contributions and impact on their cadets, school, and community.
“With an already distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Chief Blankenship has continued her commitment to service for the past eight years by creating a learning environment that supports every student," said Lt. Colonel (Retired) Ramsey. "She is deeply driven to help each cadet build confidence and become citizens of strong character, prepared to face life’s challenges beyond high school. Her mentorship extends far beyond graduation and her door is always open. You know you have a truly exceptional instructor when former cadets continue to seek her guidance long after they’ve left the classroom."
For the 2024-2025 school year, 110 D-B Cadets have performed 46 service events totaling over 1,497 hours and have supported the community with color guards, ushers, event assistance and clean up projects. All first and second semester D-B Cadets will receive the DUA Ribbon for their uniforms, the guidon (or unit flag) will have another streamer added to their honors and D-B will retain its designation as an Honor Military School for the 2024-25 school year.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Dobyns-Bennett AF JROTC program has engaged more than 19,000 students, many of whom have gone on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
####