Story by guest contributor CACC 1st Lt. Jennifer Brofer
California Cadet Corps

July 10, 2024

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Two California Cadet Corps (CACC) leaders, CACC Capt. Charlie Wallis and Capt. Richard Floyd, have recently been recognized for their outstanding dedication to students, earning them the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year at their respective schools. Their journeys to the classroom and the CACC, however, are as unique as the positive impact they have on their Cadets.

Wallis, a former Army medical service officer who served on active duty from 1988-1994, has spent the past 30 years mentoring young people. After witnessing the positive impact of CACC on a former student, he championed the program's introduction at Rosamond High Early College Campus when their Air Force JROTC program ended. 

“As demonstrated by Captain Wallis’ selection of Teacher of the Year for South Kern Unified School District, he has distinguished himself as a caring and dedicated educator who is unequivocally committed to the students he teaches,” wrote CACC Col. Michael Smith, Executive Officer of the California Cadet Corps, in a nomination letter on Wallis’ behalf. “I have witnessed him mentor young Cadets to be able to define and overcome challenges in the Cadet Corps’ ‘leadership laboratory’ environment in a manner which instills confidence and a sense of meaningful achievement in the Cadets whom he mentors.” 

Wallis said he finds his inspiration in his Cadets themselves. "I honestly think they have more of an impact on me," he confided. “They’re the inspiration to me.” 

Wallis cherishes stories of former Cadets thriving in the military or pursuing higher education, a testament to the program's transformative power. "You gotta step back and watch the Cadets fail and succeed, and learn and grow," he reflected, confident in the program's ability to shape well-rounded young adults.

Floyd, a former U.S. Navy information systems technician who served on active duty from 2001-2004, found himself unexpectedly at the helm of a fledgling CACC unit at Union Mine High School in El Dorado, Calif. 

"I'd never heard about Cadet Corps," he admitted, "but the stars aligned," and he soon found himself passionate about the program. In just two years, he's grown the unit to 45 Cadets, witnessing firsthand the "lightbulb moment" when a student grasps a concept or overcomes a fear. His military background informs his leadership style, but it's the sense of accomplishment in his students that truly motivates him. "There's always room for growth," he tells his Cadets, a philosophy he embodies in his leadership style. 

“Capt. Floyd is an engaging educator who is skilled at encouraging and inspiring students,” read his award nomination submitted by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeff Moore, Senior Advisor for the California State Military Department, Counter Drug Task Force. “[He is] a leader who strives to connect to students to help them achieve their highest level of academic success.” 

Both Wallis and Floyd were nominated for Teacher of the Year by colleagues who recognized their exceptional contributions. Floyd received his award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6604. Wallis is currently in the running for the State Teacher of the Year honor.

Their dedication extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, with Floyd leading Cadets through challenging physical training exercises and obstacle courses, and Wallis fostering a supportive environment where Cadets can connect and learn from each other.

These CACC instructors represent the very best of what the program offers. Their unique backgrounds and unwavering commitment to their students make them more than just teachers – they are role models, mentors, and champions who are leaving a lasting impact on the lives of California's future leaders.