Budget cuts and declining enrollment have forced Charlestown High School to close its Air Force JROTC program at the end of this year. The program has been a fixture at Charlestown’s parades and other patriotic events since moving from the Umana Barnes HS in the 70s. JROTC is a citizenship program which teaches leadership and discipline in a military structure. The program has been an important link between the school and the Charlestown community, providing a school presence through numerous hours of community service.
Major Brian Chaisson (third from left), the JROTC commander shown with this years ROTC members, says the program has always had the support of the Charlestown community and school Headmaster Will Thomas, but difficulties meeting the enrollment numbers set by the Air Force led to the decision. This will be the third of Boston’s JROTC units to close, leaving nine programs remaining. Charlestown would like to thank all the AFJROTC cadets.