Ridgeland Crest

Ridgeland JROTC

JROTC Crest

About the Panther Battalion

Motivating young people to become better citizens through service, resilience, and excellence.

Program Overview

The Panther Battalion began as an Air Force JROTC unit and transitioned to Army JROTC during the 2025—2026 school year. We focus on leadership, citizenship, and physical fitness to prepare cadets for challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Motto: Virtus Per Adversitatem — Strength Through Adversity

Structure: Companies Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta; competitive teams include Raider, Rifle, Drill, Saber, Color Guard, and Fitness.

6
Elite Teams
4
Companies
100+
Active Cadets
2025
Army Transition

Meet the Instructors

Major Jenna Turnipseed

Major Jenna Turnipseed

Senior Army Instructor responsible for program oversight, academic instruction, and mentoring cadets toward leadership success.

Sergeant First Class James Warren

Sergeant First Class James Warren "Smoke"

Army Instructor with 22 years of service as a 13F Fire Support Specialist, focusing on field training, leadership development, and cadet mentorship.

Battalion Structure

Alpha Legion

Alpha Legion

Break Your Limit

Company Commander

Cadet Braxton Kolwyck

First Sergeant

Cadet Shelby Rouse

Bravo Company

Bravo Company

MASCOT AND MOTTO TBD

Company Commander

C/SFC Brayden Callahan

First Sergeant

C/1SG Brody York

Cobra Company

Cobra Company

Strike Hard, Strike Fast, Touch Grass

Company Commander

C/SGT Serinity Elders

First Sergeant

C/PVT Jakeem Byrd

Delta Company

MASCOT AND MOTTO TBD

Company Commander

C/SSG Fisher Grisham

First Sergeant

C/SSG Nathaniel Flowers

Army Values

Loyalty

Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers.

Duty

Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care.

Respect

Treat people as they should be treated. Create a climate of fairness and equal opportunity.

Selfless Service

Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

Honor

Live up to all the Army values. Face fear, danger, or adversity with courage.

Integrity

Do what's right, legally and morally. Choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.

Personal Courage

Face fear, danger, or adversity with moral and physical courage to do what is right.

Cadet Leadership

BN CDR

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel David Stahlheber

Battalion Commander

Leads the entire battalion, sets the example for all cadets, and makes sure the unit runs smoothly. Responsible for overall mission success and representing the program to the school and community.

BN XO

Cadet Major Brayden Edwards

Battalion Executive Officer

Second-in-command of the battalion. Helps the Commander by supervising the staff, keeping projects on track, and making sure every section is working together.

CSM

Cadet Command Sergeant Major River Hanson

Senior NCO

The senior enlisted cadet. Focuses on cadet discipline, motivation, and morale. Works closely with the Commander to guide NCOs and represent the enlisted voice.

S-1

Cadet Staff Sergeant Callee Cagle

S-1

Keeps records on cadets, such as promotions, awards, attendance, and rosters. Helps make sure everyone gets recognized for their achievements.

S-2

Cadet PVT Colt Doolittle

S-2

Helps keep track of safety and security for the battalion. Assists with information needed for events, inspections, or competitions.

S-3

Cadet Captain Cameron Rogers

S-3

Plans and organizes battalion activities like drill, ceremonies, and training events. Makes sure cadets know the schedule and are prepared.

S-4

Cadet Staff Sergeant Morgan Nicholson

S-4

Manages uniforms, equipment, and supplies. Keeps track of what the battalion owns and makes sure cadets have the gear they need.

S-6

Cadet Staff Sergeant Ramen Nelson

S-6

Handles the battalion's technology and communications. Helps with computers, radios, presentations, and making sure information gets to cadets.

S-8

Cadet PVT Piper Essary

S-8

Manages the battalion's money and fundraising efforts. Helps plan and track how funds are raised and spent to support cadet activities.