MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Six AFJROTC cadets from across the nation competed in the inaugural 2026 Patriot Games, a national competition celebrating America's next generation of leaders, athletes, and champions.
The event took place August 9-11 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, and brought together outstanding student-athletes from across the United States, territories, and tribal nations.
Representing the Air Force Junior ROTC program are:
- Cadet Daniel Ballinger, Beebe High School, representing Arkansas
- Cadet Tamar Bowers, Liberty High School, representing Tennessee
- Cadet Hank Davis, Harrison County High School, representing Kentucky
- Cadet Hannah Davis, Harrison County High School, representing Kentucky
- Cadet Teagan Peterson, South Fargo High School, representing North Dakota
- Cadet Gabriel Van Sickle, Abraham Lincoln High School, representing Iowa
The cadets’ selection for the Patriot Games is a testament to their hard work and dedication both inside and outside the classroom. They joined an elite group of young Americans in a competition that showcased athletic excellence, leadership, determination, and character.
The Patriot Games was formed as part of the nationwide Freedom 250 initiative, which commemorates America's upcoming 250th birthday. Competitors, ages 14-17, faced a series of physical challenges.
Events incorporated elements of football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and other athletic disciplines. This created a unique, all-around test of skill and resilience.
For AFJROTC, the competition represented more than athletic achievement. The values emphasized during the Patriot Games closely mirrored the principles developed through the AFJROTC program, including character, leadership, teamwork, resilience, service, and excellence. Selecting these cadets highlighted the program's success in developing well-rounded young men and women who excelled both in and out of the classroom.
Seeing our cadets step up and compete at the Patriot Games is the embodiment of our core mission: developing citizens of character with the resilience and leadership needed for the next chapter in American history said Colonel Michael Power, Director of Air and Space Force Junior ROTC. “They truly represent the highest ideals of our program and we are incredibly proud.”
The action reached audiences nationwide. The ESPN App streamed competition coverage throughout the event, which culminated in a primetime ESPN on ABC special on Aug. 13. This broadcast gave millions of viewers an opportunity to watch these remarkable young competitors showcase their talents on a national stage.
As the Patriot Games made their debut, AFJROTC proudly celebrated Cadets Ballinger, Bowers, Hank Davis, Hannah Davis, Peterson, and Van Sickle for earning the opportunity to represent their schools, communities, states, and the AFJROTC family. Their participation demonstrated that AFJROTC cadets continued to distinguish themselves among the nation's best young leaders and athletes.
The entire AFJROTC community is proud of these outstanding cadets as they return home from the Patriot Games. To read more about the Air Force Junior ROTC program, go here.