Retired Col. Jeffrey L. Gaylord receives American Legion education award

On Aug. 23, 2025, the American Legion Americanism Division honored retired Col. Jeffrey L. Gaylord with its 2025 National Education Award, recognizing his long-standing commitment to advancing educational excellence through JROTC programs.

Gaylord began his JROTC career in June 2016 as senior Army instructor at Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tenn., before transferring to Blackman High School in Murfreesboro in January 2020. In July 2024, he assumed the role of director of Army instruction for Rutherford County Schools, where he oversees JROTC initiatives districtwide.

The award was presented by Americanism Division Chairman Mark Avis during the American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla. In accepting the honor, Gaylord expressed gratitude to the American Legion and credited the success to the dedicated JROTC instructor teams, exceptional cadets and supportive school administrators who, he said, “see the value of investing in educating our youth to be the leaders of the future.”