By C/1SG Jireh Cruz
For Variety
TINIAN — The 2025–2026 school year marks a significant milestone for our Senior Army Instructor, CPT Joseph A. Santos, as he celebrates 30 years of service as a JROTC instructor. For the Tinian High School Stallion Battalion, this anniversary represents three decades of leadership, discipline, and unwavering dedication to cadets and their growth. As one of his students, it is truly an honor to recognize the impact CPT Santos has made on our program, our school, and the many cadets whose lives he has influenced.
What makes CPT Santos’s journey especially meaningful is that becoming a JROTC instructor was not something he originally planned. As he shared, “I didn’t really pursue being a JROTC instructor.” In the summer of 1995, he received a phone call from LTC Finkenkeller, the Director of Army Instruction for American Samoa Army JROTC at the time, offering him a position at Leone High School. CPT Santos later recalled telling his wife that it would be “just a two-year experience.” Thirty years later, that two-year plan has quietly turned into a master class in commitment, proving that sometimes the best missions are the ones you did not expect. That decision has since turned into a lifetime of service to students across American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI.
Throughout his career, CPT Santos has taught at several schools, including Leone High School, Tinian High School, George Washington High School on Guam, and once again at Tinian High School, where he continues to serve today. Despite teaching in different places, he believes one thing has always remained the same. “Students are the same everywhere,” he explained, adding that they want to be challenged and empowered. This belief is reflected in how he leads the Stallion Battalion, consistently holding cadets to high standards while giving them opportunities to grow.
When asked about his greatest accomplishment, CPT Santos did not focus on personal recognition. Instead, he stated, “My greatest accomplishment has been the success of all my students.” Watching cadets mature from their freshman year to graduation and then pursue college, careers, or service has been the most rewarding part of his work. This perspective is evident in his leadership style, as he measures success by the progress and character of his cadets rather than by awards.
CPT Santos’s dedication has also been recognized beyond the classroom. He was named JROTC Instructor of the Year for the Fourth ROTC Region, an achievement that reflects his excellence as both an instructor and mentor. Even with this recognition, he remains humble and consistently credits his cadets and fellow instructors for the program’s success.
CPT Santos believes JROTC offers much more than uniforms and drill. “Personal accountability and leadership are what I hope each cadet gains from being in the program,” he said. He explained that uniform wear teaches responsibility and attention to detail, while drill helps cadets develop confidence and leadership skills. “As a cadet progresses from individual drill to squad and platoon drill, the cadet then goes from being responsible for themselves to being responsible for others.” Through this structure, many cadets gain the confidence to step forward and lead.
Even after thirty years, CPT Santos continues to find motivation in his students. “I get my motivation from the students themselves,” he shared. He described experiences such as cadets completing the Raider Challenge, organizing a Military Ball across islands, and coordinating large-scale events as examples of what students can accomplish when they are trusted, guided, and held accountable.
Looking ahead, CPT Santos hopes that more Army retirees and veterans will see JROTC as a meaningful way to continue serving their communities. “Service and patriotism do not end at ETS or retirement,” he said. He emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation and helping them understand the value of service. Reflecting on the future, he shared, “My time is coming to an end, and I would like to see my replacement standing at the door.”
His message to current and future cadets is simple yet powerful. “Give JROTC a try when you get to high school,” he encouraged, reminding students to “put the cell phone down once in a while and step into the real world.” He also referenced the Army’s well-known slogan, “Be All You Can Be,” explaining that it means striving for excellence and always giving your best effort. “If you can honestly say that you did your best, then no one can ask for anything more. Just do not lie to yourself.” CPT Santos also expressed gratitude to the administrators, teachers, staff, and fellow instructors who supported the JROTC program throughout his career, as well as to his wife, Rosa, whose support made his service possible. Most importantly, he thanked “all the students who have been a part of my life’s journey,” hoping he was able to guide them along the way. On behalf of the Tinian High School Stallion Battalion, we thank CPT Joseph A. Santos for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our school and our cadets. His influence will continue to be felt long after his time in the classroom ends. Thirty years of service later, his legacy stands as a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose and commitment. And thirty years later, our beloved Captain still keeps us motivated, dedicated, fired up, & hyped up. HOOAH!
