Nation’s First Female JROTC Battalion Commander Honored in Bangor

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Bangor High School JROTC Honors Nation’s First Female Battalion Commander

Sandra Harvey, Class of 1975, is recognized for shattering a 50-year-old glass ceiling in a ceremony celebrating Bangor's deep military history.

Photo Courtesy of WABI-TV Bangor

History was made again at Bangor High School, home to the country's oldest Army JROTC program.

The school recently celebrated a newly discovered piece of its storied past, honoring the nation’s very first female JROTC Battalion Commander.

Sandra Harvey, a graduate of the Class of 1975, was officially inducted into the high school's Distinguished Veteran’s Honor Roll during its fourth annual ceremony.

The recognition came about through a chance encounter.

Harvey revealed she was speaking with the current Lieutenant Colonel, Darryl Lyon, at a lacrosse game when she asked if he knew his program had the first female cadet commander.

His surprise was her confirmation.

“Yeah, it was me,” Harvey recalled saying with a laugh.

The year she began high school was the first year young women were permitted to join the JROTC, a groundbreaking moment for both the school and the nation.

Sharing the stage with Harvey was the current Rams Battalion Commander, C/LTC Alexis Blue, who spoke about the importance of Harvey's legacy.

“It’s a huge honor to finally meet the first female Battalion Commander,” Blue stated, reflecting on the significance of a woman holding the highest position in the battalion.

“It’s just really amazing to think about how big of a step this program took,” she added.

Harvey, who pursued a career in education instead of enlisting, emphasized the lasting impact of her JROTC experience.

“All of the things I learned in ROTC made my life successful,” Harvey explained.

She noted the skills she gained contributed not to military service but to her community in other meaningful ways.

The ceremony was a powerful bridge between generations of Bangor leaders.

Also honored posthumously in the Class of 2025 were Captain Michael Luosey and Lieutenant Colonel Robert Gallupe.

Bangor, Maine, continues to be a community deeply connected to its military and educational heritage, celebrating pioneers who paved the way for future success.