Commander Robert Martinez and Jr. Vice Commander Joe Ramon from Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 2059 in Kirby, Tx. presented the Teacher of the Year Award to MSG (RET) Joseph Dudley.
He is entering his fourth year at Karen Wagner High School as an Army Instructor in their JROTC program. He coached the JROTC Unarmed Drill Team, the Armed Drill Team at Nationals in Richmond, VA in 2018-2019 & 2019-2020, and the Color Guard at Nationals in Daytona Beach FL, last school year in 2020-2021. The program continues to stay competitive in Orienteering, Physical Training Team, Academic and Leadership, Sabre Team and Marksmanship Team.
Since he has been there, every year he schedules a field trip to the Ft Sam National Cemetery to teach his Cadets the importance to honor our fallen Veterans, He was instrumental in the program’s fundraising events, which raised over $75k in three years (Gold Card Sale/ Meet the Thunderbird/ 1st Annual JROTC Parent Booster Car Show) and every year he helps raise money for the San Antonio Make a Wish foundation.
He not only volunteers with his church, but every year he sets the example of Selfless Service, spending his free time at the San Antonio Food Bank and volunteering at the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner (which feeds thousands of people in our city and surrounding rea). In December, he volunteers with Wreaths Across America at FT Sam Houston Nation Cemetery, ensuring every Veteran receives a wreath at their grave site.
He mentored 10 Cadets and helped them receive ROTC scholarships within the State of Texas (St. Mary’s, Texas State, Prairie View A&M, UTSA and Texas Southern). He also mentored 20 Cadet to graduate in the top 10% of their class and received over $725k in scholarship money for various colleges and universities.
Commander Martinez said, "MSG (RET) Dudley was selected as the VFW Post 2059 Teacher of the Year, because of his dedication and commitment to helping young students achieve academic success and become better citizens."