Role of an Instructor
The instructor is a key figure responsible for the guidance, education, and mentorship of cadets. Their role is multi-faceted, encompassing various responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the AFJROTC curriculum and the development of cadets into responsible citizens and leaders of America. Instruct
Meet the Instructors
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gherardy
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gherardy
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gherardy
Lt Col. Juan Gherardy serves as the Golden Valley High School's AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. He assumed this position in Aug 2025 after his retirement from the United States Air Force. While on active duty Lt Col Gherardy served as an Acquisition Program Manager and Foreign Area Officer, and also held special duty assignm
Lt Col. Juan Gherardy serves as the Golden Valley High School's AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. He assumed this position in Aug 2025 after his retirement from the United States Air Force. While on active duty Lt Col Gherardy served as an Acquisition Program Manager and Foreign Area Officer, and also held special duty assignments as senior ROTC instructor and as a Regional Director for Admissions for the United States Air Force Academy. He is experienced in teaching college-aged students in both English and Spanish on Air Force related curriculum and has extensive experience advising high school students on career development and providing guidance on educational benefits and resources. He is passionate about mentoring and empowering students to enable them to reach their desired academic and professional goals.
Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Master Sergeant Winston Cagadas
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gherardy
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor: USAF (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gherardy
Golden Valley High School, California, Instructor, 2022-Present
Highland High School, Palmdale, California, Instructor, 2020-2022
Mira Mesa High School, San Diego, Instructor, 2017-2020
Cathedral High School, Cathedral City, Instructor, 2009-2017
USAF, Material Management, 1988-1996
USAF, Non-Prior Service Recruiter,
Golden Valley High School, California, Instructor, 2022-Present
Highland High School, Palmdale, California, Instructor, 2020-2022
Mira Mesa High School, San Diego, Instructor, 2017-2020
Cathedral High School, Cathedral City, Instructor, 2009-2017
USAF, Material Management, 1988-1996
USAF, Non-Prior Service Recruiter, 1997-2000
USAF, MEPS Liaison, 2000-2002
USAF, USAFR Officer Accessions Recruiter, 2002-2006
USAF, USAFR Health Professionals Recruiter, 2006-2008
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Northeastern Illinois University
Associate Degree, Financial Services, Oakton Community College
Associate Degree, Logistics, Community College of the Air Force
Technical Certificate, Accounting, IVY Tech
Certified Emergency Care Instructor, CPR/AED and First Aid, EMS
Certified Personal Trainer, National Personal Training Institute
License CA Life Insurance # 0B79341
License CA Realtor ID # 02032569