"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, and Marine Corps, or attend prestigious institutions such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. For more information on the program, contact Lt. Colonel (Retired) Kevin Ramsey at [email protected] or Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Melanie Blankenship at [email protected].