Advisory Board Members
LtCol Blake Jackson
USMC
LtCol Jackson holds the unique distinction of having competed at the Nationals as a cadet commander with Rahway High School's MCJROTC program in New Jersey. He attended Norwich University before commissioning with the Marine Corps in 2005, embarking on a distinguished career that has taken him through multiple deployments, commands, and two Master's degrees. Deeply committed to mentoring and youth leadership development, he has served for many years as a Head Judge for the National High School Drill Team Championships and as cadre at the Nationals Drill Camp. He currently serves as the Defense Resource Manager, Joint Staff J-8 at the Pentagon.
MSG Kevin Mixon
USA
An Alabama native, MSG Mixon joined the Army in 2007, specializing in Human Resources while serving with multiple commands. His career progression led him to become a Drill Sergeant and ultimately a Drill Sergeant Leader, where his passion for training and mentorship flourished. For many years, he has been instrumental in judging at the National High School Drill Team Championships, serving as Head Judge and providing expert training guidance. His extensive contributions to the Nationals Drill Camp over multiple years have been deeply enriching to both the program and his own professional development. He currently serves at the Pentagon on the staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
MSG Larry Badia
USA, ret.
A Long Island, New York native, MSG Lawrence Badia entered the Army in 1977 and served for 21 years as a military policeman and combat medic. Upon retiring in 1998, he immediately joined Francis Lewis High School in Queens, New York, where he transformed a relatively unknown inner-city Armed Drill Team into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Patriot Guard earned multiple National Championships at the National High School Drill Team Championships and maintains its unquestioned status as one of the finest drill programs in the country. Known for pushing leadership and motivation while embracing every challenge, MSG Badia also served as a valuable cadre member at the Nationals Drill Camp.
MGySgt Andrew Johnson
USMC, ret.
An Arkansas native, MGySgt Johnson joined the Marines in 1986 and served 28 distinguished years on active duty. Among his notable assignments, he served as both Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor for MCRD San Diego, culminating his career as the MARFORPAC de facto Command Inspector General (CIG). Following retirement, he served as a Naval Science Instructor for three years within the Navy JROTC program. MGySgt Johnson has generously volunteered as a head judge for MCJROTC Nationals on numerous occasions and has served as Head Judge at the National High School Drill Team Championships since 2008, while also being a leading force at the Nationals Drill Camp for many years.
CDR Armando Solis
USN, Ret.
Through decades of distinguished service at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, CDR Solis built a dynasty—guiding his program to ten consecutive Navy National Championships and five Armed & Unarmed Division Overall titles at the National High School Drill Team Championships, with four earned consecutively. As the first Navy program to win a NHSDTC championship, his unwavering commitment to exactness and precision set the standard for excellence in competitive drill. For many years, he has also been a cornerstone of the Nationals Drill Camp, mentoring countless cadets and instructors with his legendary attention to detail.
MSgt Ken Madden
USAF, Ret.
Following more than 20 years of distinguished Air Force service, including 15 years as a Military Training Instructor, MSgt Madden brought his expertise to Texas as a JROTC instructor. He led John Jay High School to National Championships in both armed and unarmed categories before founding the program at Brandeis High School in San Antonio, where he guided his cadets to multiple National Championships. For over a decade, he has been an invaluable member of the cadre at Nationals Drill Camp, sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation of competitive drill teams.