by Shelby Keesee

Colonel Robert Benning walks around the classroom, detailing his freshmen on the captivating history of the earlier days of flight. 

“John Montgomery’s 1911 glider was called The Evergreen…” begins Benning.

On a day at JHS, one may stumble upon Benning and pass by without a second thought. If not, they would most likely assume he’s just a typical bald man wearing military-like outfits.

However, this isn’t the case.

At first glance, no one would comprehend he’s not only spent 11 years at JHS teaching JROTC, served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force active duty, but has also majored in physics.

“They have a lasting impact because in some ways, we end up having friends for life.”

Colonel Robert Benning, JROTC Instructor

“I came into the Air Force and I had a four-year obligation. And so it was kind of, ‘I’ll do four years and get out.’ But it was about that eight or 10-year point where I kind of decided, ‘You know, I really like what I’m doing, I’m being successful, I think I’ll stay in.’ So, it was just always, always, wanting to serve my country,” stated Benning.

Benning’s first teaching opportunity was in the Air Force’s active duty.

“When I was in the Air Force, I got the opportunity in the Air Force on active duty to teach or instruct,” Benning stated. “I was in charge of training.”

Benning undeniably enjoys teaching and working with others.

“But this job, yeah, it’s teaching in the classroom. But to me, it’s so much about mentoring our youth,” said Benning. “And that’s what keeps me coming back each year. It’s being able to work with the high school students.”

Using team building exercises in the classroom, Benning attempts to increase mentorship within his students.

“My favorite thing about Colonel is he’s a mentor, he’s a life coach, he extends outside of ROTC, he helps you with every aspect of life,” stated Cadet Evan Cooper, a senior. “Academics, personally, just anything you ask him, he’ll be there for you.”

Cadets report Benning has improved their leadership skills.

“I’ve learned more leadership strategies through what he’s kind of like, taught and what he’s talked about with me over,” said Cadet Dylan Wibbels, a senior. “He seems like he likes to do right by the world, and he sticks to his moral compass.”

His students also report Benning having an impact on their daily lives, ranging from how his students go about their day, to a different, more positive view on how the world works.

“As a person, he is a big influence on my morality,” Cooper said. 

Not only does Benning have a great influence on his students, but he is often described positively by them. 

“I would describe him as calm, stern, collected and very intelligent,” said Cooper. “I think he’s a model example of what a man should be.”

Because of the mutual impact and likability between Benning and his students, after the students graduate, Benning keeps contact with them.

“What other things that we do is after kids graduate, we try and keep touch. Especially those that go into the military. So anytime they’re in town, we’ll take them out to lunch or dinner, and I try and keep that correspondence with as many of my students as possible,” Benning stated.

Benning’s favorite part of his job is seeing the successes of his students after graduation when an enduring impact has been made on them. He deeply enjoys the connections that are shared between the students and himself.

“They have a lasting impact because in some ways, we end up having friends for life.”