Woodbridge High School JROTC leader builds training course

When Woodbridge High School junior Tanner Ketchledge looked at his JROTC Raider Team’s training routine, he saw something missing, a key obstacle that could mean the difference between success and struggle in competition. So, for his Eagle Scout project, the Raider Team commander decided to build it himself.

The vertical wall obstacle, a signature challenge in Raider competitions, had always been something the Woodbridge High cadets could only experience on game day. Now, thanks to Ketchledge’s leadership and determination, the team can practice year-round on two newly built vertical walls, each 4.5 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide, located right on school grounds.

“We get to practice now,” Ketchledge said. “Now that we’re using them with my team, we’re really happy with it.”

But the project didn’t stop there. Along with the training walls, Ketchledge took the opportunity to give back to the school by repairing and repainting seven worn picnic tables. He organized his fellow scouts on a Sunday afternoon, guiding them through measurements, reviewing 3D models, and overseeing construction. Because Eagle Scout guidelines prohibit the candidate from performing manual labor, Ketchledge focused on leadership — coordinating, delegating, and encouraging his team throughout the four-hour build.

“It helped especially in a leadership way,” he said. “Leading people, assigning tasks, and keeping everyone on track was challenging, especially with younger Scouts, but I got the hang of it.”

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Osborn, Woodbridge’s JROTC instructor, said he wasn’t surprised by Ketchledge’s initiative. “Tanner is a very determined individual,” Osborn said. “When he puts his mind to accomplish something, it usually happens. He’s respectful to the cadets on his Raider Team and ensures every student feels appreciated and respected.”

Ketchledge said Osborn’s mentorship played a vital role in bringing his project to life. “He really helped me get everything aligned and gave me ideas,” Ketchledge said.

The months-long process of planning, modeling, and securing approvals taught Ketchledge patience and persistence. “It took a long time, but when it was finished, I felt so relieved,” he said. “It was amazing.”

Now, as he prepares for his Eagle Board of Review, the final step toward earning Scouting’s highest rank — Ketchledge is already thinking about his next mission: serving his country as a nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy.