BOE approves naming of JROTC building after Knud Salveson

‘He’s really the best of the best’- Brandon Johnson on Lieutenant Colonel Knud Salveson

TOP PHOTO: This recognition of Flag Day was spearheaded by Lt. Col. Knud Salveson (below), one of his many community contributions.

From Eagle I and WLAF’s Charlie Hutson, here’s a look at the building that will soon have the Colonel’s name on it.

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- It was approved by BOE members on Thursday evening to name the CCHS JROTC facility the LTC Knud Salveson JROTC Building.

At the start of the meeting, Campbell County High School JROTC Instructor Major Michael Lester addressed the board on this agenda item, asking them to “reconsider naming the building after one individual” when JROTC “is considered a team effort.”

“It is known that the backbone of the Army and its success of its units is the NCOs and Soldiers that make it happen, in this case, NCOs and Cadets.

JROTC is a Cadet led program. We teach and emphasize Teamwork, Group effort, selflessness and the good of the unit and community. We teach this for humility, that no one man nor woman is irreplaceable and that everyone is trained to take the place of the next. This is done for succession of command, so the unit is still successful and keeps always moving forward.

Our building was designated on 20March2012, as the Campbell County Comprehensive High School ROTC Building. All persons involved in its conception, the Director, BOE members, County Commissioners and instructor’s names reside on that plaque, because it took a team to make it happen.

We feel that naming the JROTC building after one person conflicts with what we teach the Cadets and emphasize in the military, one team one unit one fight.

Six instructors have served and over 3,500 Cadets have been a part of this program. That is a lot of effort from a large team, and this is why JROTC continues to achieve, grow and succeeded at everything we do.

I personally think this is an awesome idea that recognizing instructors, coaches and teams other of other than primary sports should occur, they are some of the most successful and should be the face of the school system. JROTC, Track, Fishing, Tennis, Golf, Soccer and even CTE to name a few.

Why not honor these coaches, teachers, instructors and teams in a wing, down a hallway with a plaque of achievements and a photo so the kids can see the past and what others did before them. Just like outside the gym as we have done with sports teams of the past like past directors and members you have on your wall now.

We feel this would be more meaningful to all those involved over time with each program, team, etc. and provide inspiration and context to their contribution to future students of Campbell County High School. We wish you would take that into consideration before attempting to name that building after one individual when we are considered a team effort,” Lester said.

The vote to name the JROTC building after Knud Salveson was approved unanimously.

Board of Education Member Brandon Johnson spoke at the close of the meeting and said he was excited about the building being named after Lt. Colonel Salveson.

“So many folks don’t realize the work that he put in for over two decades in our school system … not only does he have a very distinguished military career, not only has he changed the lives of thousands of cadets, including myself, that went through his program, but he continues to serve this community with his 911 displays and so many other things. He’s really the best of the best and I just really appreciate the board approving this tonight and it’s something that I think will stand for generations,” Johnson said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-10/11/2024-6AM)