Loudoun County High School Naval Science Instructor Recognized by the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR

May 21, 2026. At the end-of-year awards and recognition ceremony for the Loudoun County High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, Naval Science instructor Gunnery Sergeant Dennis Gaitens, United States Marine Corps (Retired) was presented the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship medal by the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR. The medal was presented in recognition for setting an outstanding example of military bearing, professional deportment, and sage counseling of cadets in the program. During his tenure at Loudoun County High School the Corps of cadets has improved every year, to the point where they are now competing, and winning in multiple categories at the national level.

The audience of Cadets, parents and supporters of the LCHS NJROTC program gave him a standing ovation when the award was announced.

Presenting the award for the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter were: Barry Schwoerer-President, Mark Sink-Vice President, Ken Bonner- Virginia Society SAR 1st VP and Vice President General International Division SAR.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter serves Loudoun County and parts of surrounding counties. The chapter has eighty-four members and was recognized as the best Medium sized Chapter in Virginia for 2025. To learn more about the chapter visit our website at: johnchampe-sar.org/