For 23 years, Lt. Col. Jonathan Watson served in the Army and traveled the world. He also had the opportunity to teach at the United States Air Force Academy as a young captain. But these days, you can find him at Jones High School as a JROTC instructor.

  • Army officer Jonathan Watson lifted Jones High JROTC program
  • Watson challenges students to succeed
  • He was honored last month at Veterans of Influence awards luncheon

He said he wanted to give back to the community.

Through his teachings, he has brought back the JROTC program at Orlando's Jones High School to its full glory. In an effort to enhance the Student Learning Environment, Watson teamed up with several school organizations on campus ranging from the Student Government Association, Women’s Volleyball team, Jones High School tutoring program, among others, to bring positive exposure to the JROTC program.

This collaboration also resulted in increased student participation in extracurricular activities.

“I hope my impact with students is in the decision-making area. I want to help students learn to make better decisions, so they can make their most positive dreams come true,” Watson said.

He instructs, he drills and holds students accountable to succeed in life whether they choose the military or not.  

"I think that our greatest assets or our greatest credentials in our community are students. Our students, they are our future," he added.

In an area where not a lot of positive stories come out, Watson is making a difference in these young lives and even though he can be tough at times, it's appreciated.

“At first I was like 'Oh no, I don't like this,' but it changed me and made me look at things differently, well he did. I want to go to college first then go the military,” Aja Williams said, a senior at Jones High School. 

Another senior of the Orlando high school spoke about the opportunities that the program provides.

“Not a lot of kids get this opportunity and it's always important to take advantage of your opportunities. So that's why I feel blessed to have this class,” said Dontarvio Dunning.

Watson and other veterans were honored last month at the Veterans of Influence awards luncheon.