Retired Lt. Col. Tom Krupp, left, and retired Master Sgt. Larry Lee, right, have earned 2026 Kentucky JROTC Instructors of the Year honors. Photo courtesy retired Army Col. Tim McDonald, Kentucky state director of Army instruction.
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Directorate, in coordination with the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 7th Brigade, is proud to announce the 2026 Kentucky JROTC Instructors of the Year.
Retired Lt. Col. Tom Krupp, senior Army instructor at George Rogers Clark High School (Clark County), has been named the 2026 Kentucky Senior Army Instructor of the Year. Retired Master Sgt. Larry Lee, Army instructor at George Rogers Clark High School, has been selected as the 2026 Kentucky Army Instructor of the Year.
These prestigious awards recognize outstanding leadership, instructional excellence, mentorship and dedication to developing cadets through the JROTC unit. Both instructors were selected following a competitive evaluation process that considered professional achievement, commitment to cadet success, community engagement and overall program impact.
“The instructors selected for these honors exemplify the very best of Kentucky JROTC,” said retired Army Col. Tim McDonald, Kentucky state director of Army instruction. “Their commitment to leadership development and cadet success continues to strengthen programs across the Commonwealth and inspires cadets to become responsible citizens and future leaders.”
As Senior Army Instructor of the Year, Krupp is recognized for exceptional leadership of the George Rogers Clark High School JROTC unit, where he has played a key role in developing cadets’ leadership skills, discipline and civic responsibility. His contributions have strengthened the program’s reputation for excellence and cadet achievement.
As Army Instructor of the Year, Lee is honored for his dedication to cadet mentorship and instruction at George Rogers Clark High School. His ability to connect with cadets and foster growth in leadership and character has had a lasting impact on students and the school community.
The two instructors have also led the George Rogers Clark High School JROTC Raider Challenge Team to three consecutive National Championships at the U.S. Army’s Raider National Championships.
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