21-04-2025
Former Citronelle High School ROTC instructor 1SG Steven Middleton left lasting impact on students
Citronelle, Ala. (WKRG) — We first met First Sergeant Steven Middleton three years ago as we presented a Golden Apple Award while he led his Citronelle High School JROTC students in training on the rappelling wall at Fort Whiting in Mobile.
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Fast forward to April 3, as Middleton was being honored by his students and school, he was clearly a different man.
'Actually, it wasn't slow. I started noticing symptoms in July. In November I was diagnosed with ALS. I lost my ability to walk in December,' said Middleton.
Middleton said it was described as a particularly aggressive form of ALS- also known as Lou Gehrig's disease- a nervous system disorder that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. We took the opportunity to catch up with Middleton about his years of service, including more than two decades in the Army National Guard and then as a JROTC instructor.
He told us, 'I had a good time. I enjoyed serving my country, I enjoyed serving the people of Alabama. But I think JROTC was better- I enjoyed that more because I got to influence young people. Not to join the military, but just to be better citizens.'
The disease took Middleton's life just a few days after our interview. The timely ceremony where he was honored was bittersweet for those he worked with.
Lt. Col. Chevelle Thomas said, 'First Sergeant Middleton served Mobile County Public School's JROTC program for 13 years. That's over a decade, and that's a lot of time to make an impact on a lot of children's lives.'
Citronelle High Principal Robert Bruister said, 'What an emotional day here on campus. We wanted to bring him back to show him we love him, we support him, and we're going to fight with him.'
Middleton said if the disease hadn't caused his untimely retirement, he would have remained with the JROTC program.
'The kids have taught me stuff- probably just as much as I have taught them. Being around them kept you young, and I just enjoyed coming to work every day.'
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Our condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of First Sergeant Steven Middleton. We're proud to recognize him for Serving Those Who Serve.
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