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Volume 9, Issue 2. UAA/AFROTC Detachment 001 Unofficial Newsletter November

The Flightline is an unofficial cadet newsletter published in the interest of personnel at Det 001 University of Alaska Anchorage.

Minimalist or Exceptionalist
By: Lt Col Douglas Smith

Are you a minimalist or exceptionalist (I know ―exceptionalist‖

is not a word, but go with it)?

In the article from the last Flight Line, we talked about the Air
Force core values. We talked about how important they were,
we gave examples of a few entities that have them, and we
defined them with a short description. Now, let’s apply these to
the minimalist and the exceptionalist.

I’m going to ask you to choose an answer to the title and give
you a few simple truths about each answer as they apply to the
core values. For the purposes of our discussion, here’s the
difference between the minimalist and the exceptionalist. A
minimalist does just enough to get by. An exceptionalist
performs at the highest level by fine-tuning all aspects of their
performance for maximum effectiveness.

Here are the simple truths:

Integrity…A minimalist knows about integrity, and may follow it, but is probably willing to cut
corners when nobody is looking. An exceptionalist knows integrity is critical to their success.
They know they should never compromise it. They know they will face situations where nobody
will be able to see, but they realize they can’t cut the corner.

Service before self…A minimalist is in it for ―number one.‖ They make decisions within the
military to ensure they get the most benefit possible for themselves, only doing what it takes to
ensure they look good. An exceptionalist is involved because there’s something bigger. God,
country, fellow man…you pick it…but they are looking out for everyone else, first. The
decisions made are for the betterment of the whole, not the benefit of the individual.
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Excellence…A minimalist knows excellence might be the ticket to bigger and better things, so
the minimalist might really put forth effort to be successful because that will beget the next job,
the coveted award, or the higher rank. However, the minimalist also knows they only have to
look good enough to cover themselves, so they don’t need to worry about being excellent at
everything—just the visible stuff. The exceptionalist, on the other hand, is so focused on
ensuring the unit is successful that excellence is a byproduct. They know excellence is the result
of focused energy and talent and will do the job well because it needs to be done—not for their
benefit, but for the benefit of those around them.

Which one are you?

Questioning vs Asking Questions

By: Maj Richard Maze

We are told in the military we are not to question our

boss’s decisions as long as they are not immoral,
unlawful or unethical. But what exactly does that
mean--not to question? I’ll answer this by looking at
two responses to the same scenario. Let’s say Lt Col
Smith has decided he wants to start having PT at Goose
Lake instead of the Elmendorf gym.

I can find no valid reasons for not having PT at Goose

Lake, but I know I don’t want to have it there. Maybe
it’s further from my house so I’ll have to get up earlier.
Maybe I don’t like PT in the cold outdoors and prefer
the warm gym. Whatever MY opinions may be, they are not valid concerns. Nonetheless, I
begin to question the boss’s decision because I don’t like it. In this situation I should be trying to
figure out how to implement his vision, not ―question it.‖

On the other hand, let’s say I know some pertinent information about running PT at Goose Lake.
First, maybe a student was killed by a moose at the Goose last week. Second, construction is
being done on the path and we won’t be able to run around the lake or the grounds don’t open up
until 0900. I must bring these limitations to the boss’s attention and begin to ―ask questions.‖
Sir, did you know about the moose incident there last week? Do you know the running path is
under construction? Do you still want to have PT at Goose Lake or would you like me to find
and alternate outdoor location?

Here is the takeaway. The next time your boss comes up with an idea remember you shouldn’t
―question it.‖ Instead, you should ―ask questions‖ to ensure the boss has all information and that
you understand the vision. Armed with this information, you’ll be ready to make things happen.
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From the Wing Commander: Never Give

Up
By: Timothy Boldt

In 1999 I graduated High School and almost

immediately enlisted in the Air Force. I
spent close to eight years on Active Duty
but realized I wanted to become an Officer
and earn my commission after only about a
year. It was a long wait until my enlistment
was up and in 2007 I joined Det 001. I was
given some great positions in the Wing from
the start and quickly moved up the chain.
Being a pilot in the AF was what I dreamed about. This was a long term goal I had ever since I
was a child and finally I was close. One day during my AS300 year, Lt Col Smith called me in
his office with bad news. It turned out that I was just barely too old for this rated position. My
world crashed instantly and I began questioning why I had worked so hard and if it was worth it.
I honestly had thoughts of giving up and quitting the program. Through the advice and
mentoring of friends and family and some deep soul searching, it finally clicked…Being an
officer and a leader was first, not becoming a pilot. I dug deep, chose a different career path, and
internalized it. Life is what you make it. I could easily have given up, but I didn’t and none of
you should either if things don’t go 100% to plan. Never give up!

An Afternoon with Chief Tapanna

By: Cadet Ian Shepard

It is rare that one gets the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of the 4 most senior chiefs in
the Air Force. Recently this opportunity was made available to the 1st Cadet Wing. Chief
Master Sergeant Robert Tappana is the Command Chief Master Sergeant of Air Education and
Training Command and has much to share of his experiences. Because only Cadet Amico and I
were able to attend, I will extend to you some of the pearls he shared.

The number one item that Chief Tapanna stressed was the importance of feedback. You cannot
expect your people to get any better if you don’t help them out. You must cover what the
mission is, what the work hours will be, and clearly spell out your expectations. However, he
also talked about avoiding the urge to provide all of the answers. Give your people the tools they
need to succeed but if you micro manage too much you do not provide enough opportunity for
learning. Instead, ask ―How are you going to fix this?‖
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Some of his other observations of common lieutenant mistakes include:

- Assuming you know the answer because you are in charge

- Not willing to let anyone know you don’t know
- Doing everything your senior NCOs tell you
- Not gathering information or listening to other’s views
- Waiting for a perfect decision; there is none
- Burning out your people today, you will need them again tomorrow

Chief Tapanna finished off our session by stressing the importance of reading. Read books on
leadership, read books on different parts of the world, but read often and throughout your career.

These informational sessions will prove invaluable to your growth as an officer and a leader. I
highly recommend that you make every effort to take up similar opportunities in the future.

Excellence In Nothing. Self Before Service. Integrity Last.

Reshaping Your Core Values
By: Cadet Matthew Sargent

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Do you hold these values
close to your heart? Some Airmen sadly do not. Where is the excellence of the Airmen–from the
highest-ranking commander to the lowest ranking Airmen–in the five nuclear units that have
failed their Operational Readiness Inspections? Where is the integrity of those Airmen who
have forced the Air Force into centralized Physical Fitness testing by cheating on their Physical
Fitness Assessments? Where is the selfless service of those that duck out of deployments
because it isn’t convenient to their lifestyle at the time?

Conversely, there are those that hold the ten

words of the Core Values as gospel. What is it
that allows these Airmen to build a foundation
of integrity, service, and excellence day in and
day out? Is it dedication to the Air Force? Is
because they feel obligated? Is it because they
have had the Core Values pounded into their
head from the day they entered service into the
Air Force? Perhaps the real answer lies in the
moral assessment technique by which these
Airmen live. Sure, some of these Airmen are
dedicated or obligated. Some had to learn the
hard way and have them beaten into to their
heads by force, but all of them share something in common, just as those who lack one or all
three of the Core Values have something in common: a value system.
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What is a value system? It depends on each person, but to a large percentage of people it is the
abstract ranking system that determines what they hold in high regard. It is a calculator that is
pre-programmed into our brains through evolution aqnd
our culture. It processes calculations at the speed of light
and goes largely unnoticed by the masses. Think about it.
Besides reading this article what do have going on in your
life? What are you concerned with? What is a priority at
this moment? Work? Family? Money? School? Love?
ROTC? Without really noticing it your value system began
placing those items into some sort of listing. Your morals
are ranked by a similar system that is constantly updating
the rank of your morals based upon your priorities at the
time. If school is a priority but time is tight the quality of
your homework, studies or a term paper goes down. Each
item is ranked, then re-ranked depending on what happens
to be going on in your day-to-day life. This makes it easy
to let certain moral fibers slip down the chain. So how
does one edit and play around with an abstract brain
function? How does one alter a value system in order to
dictate how they will live their life? Determination.

Ask any Air Force member what integrity is and invariably

the answer will be ―Doing what’s right when no one’s
looking.‖ While I don’t doubt this as a true answer, I don’t
believe it’s the most correct. Integrity really is up to each
individual person. What you think integrity is and what I
think it is are both correct. This holds true for service and excellence as well. But I challenge
you to really think through what your definitions are. Are you satisfied with the standard
textbook answer? What would your reply be if you were called upon, in a public forum, to
answer the question: ―What is integrity?‖

While thinking of your answer to the above question think about your value system. Remember
that not everything can be priority number one. Nor can everything be dead last. Find what is
important to you. Through determination, make it happen no matter the setbacks, consequences,
trials or tribulations. That is integrity. When something arises that causes your value system to
crash down upon you, deal with the situation and then reboot your value system. That is service
before self. And when you achieve a goal or deadline or fail to reach an objective or target,
think about what has placed you in that situation. What did you do well? What do you need to
work at? What can you do better? If what you did wasn’t first-rate, how can you make it that
way next time? That is excellence in all that you do. 
 

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To Honor With Dignity

By: Cadet Emily Miner

To Honor With Dignity. This is the motto of the USAF Honor Guard, and it has m any different
meanings to everyone. To me it means being able to give one
more display of homage those who selflessly gave so much for
us. This occurs in every detail and performance that we do,
from presenting the colors and honoring our country and
everyone who has stood and fallen for it to drill team
performances that honor the men and women who have fallen
for our country.

Throughout each semester the members of the Drill Team and

Color Guard spend countless hours practicing and perfecting
the skills they learn for the five to ten minutes that the
audience sees them. The time flies by, with each member
helping another if they have questions or cannot remember a
correct move. The learning environment is slightly relaxed
with a shade of seriousness which helps many cadets feel free
to ask for clarification of routines and moves.

Though the motto is not always in every member’s eyes and

minds during practice, it becomes apparent as soon as they
walk out onto the stage and all eyes are upon them. There is an
air of excitement and nervousness as the detail gets in
formation. We are excited for this opportunity, but afraid that a
mistake might occur that everyone will notice. Although most presentations and performances go
smoothly, there are usually only a handful of people at most who know if a mistake was made.
They forget about it quickly though, and some come to thank the team for what they are doing.
We always learn from our mistakes and after every detail and performance we get a better idea
of what our weaknesses and strengths are so we can continue to work towards perfection every
week.

While, to many cadets Honor Guard is just a fun extracurricular ROTC activity, it means a lot
more than that. Honor Guard is a chance to represent the military men and women, and in our
case, the airmen, who defend our country and put their lives on the line so that we can keep our
country free and full of opportunities for everyone. So the next time you see a cadet or an airmen
who has just performed a detail with an Honor Guard team make sure you thank them for
representing and honoring the people who serve and defend us every day because many of you
will eventually be the people that they are honoring.
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Spreading the Excellence

By: Cadet Jaron Sandusky

The McCloud Squadron continues to

ride a wave of momentum that doesn’t
show any signs of slowing down. If
someone asked me what is the one thing
I took away from Arnold Air Society
and what separates it from the rest of
the AFROTC corps, I would say it is
pride. The pride, professionalism, and
dedication that our active members
share has helped keep me motivated and
in the last year has greatly distinguished the McCloud Squadron.

In fact, back in the Fall the idea arose that we were doing so well, we should take over all of
Area XI, which is composed of seven Arnold Air Society squadrons in the Northwest United
States, over 200 active members in all. I have to admit, I had my reservations about taking on the
task. There were questions about whether or not our squadron was large enough, and whether or
not our location would be an issue, among other things. The debate went on, and only two days
before the Area Conclave, where the next Area Staff would be selected, I was approached to run
as the commander by my fellow active members.

So just what convinced me to take the job? One word, pride. Had it been another group of cadets
who asked me, I may very well have said no, citing that our squadron was not ready at the time.
However, many of these active members I had gone through the candidate class with, and I knew
just how motivated they were. I could tell they were not only very adamant about it, but were
thoroughly convinced the McCloud squadron could pass on a new level of excellence to the rest
of the region. After seeing that, I accepted, knowing full well that if we were selected I would
have a staff of sharp and driven cadets who would
get the job done, and get it done right.

When the time came to choose the new Area XI

Staff, the McCloud Squadron was voted
unanimously to take the position. This marked a
very exciting time for us, for the first time the
McCloud would be handling AAS affairs for the
entire region. I consider myself very honored to be
selected as the commander. As the National
Conclave in Seattle approaches, where we will
officially take over Area Staff, I am spending more and more time planning, determining where
we can improve, and how we can be the best area in the nation.
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This next National Conclave is shaping up to be a very exciting one. It takes on new meaning for
me and is a very important time for AAS Squadrons everywhere. I am looking forward to
interacting with many other squadrons and figuring out news ways to make our organization
better. Of course, it also presents a great opportunity to enjoy ourselves in a major city,
celebrating the group’s achievements over the past year and toasting to a new one. I thank the
McCloud Squadron for giving me this opportunity and many others in the last year and a half, I
would not be the cadet I am today if it wasn’t for AAS!

AAS Candidate Class Fall 2009: The Phoenixes

By: Cadet Darren Canlas

The time is 1329, exactly sixty seconds before the Fall 09 Candidate Class began. Sixty seconds
may not seem like much, but to us Candidates it was one of the most chaotic sixty seconds of our
lives. Few can comprehend the amount of stress
each one of us was feeling: the increased heart
rate, the sweaty palms, the constant reciting of
warrior knowledge in our minds, the fixing of
our uniforms, the cold droplets of sweat trickling
down our necks, factors which all contributed to
the atmosphere of the situation in which we had
all signed up for. But who were we to complain?
We all wanted this.

The time is now 1329 and fifteen seconds, forty-

five seconds until our inevitable doom. As we all
scrambled to get into formation, a plethora of complications had arisen. Who is first element
leader? Who is our guidon bearer? Where is the guidon? Does everyone have their Candidate
Training Manuals? How are we standardizing our physical training gear? Who is our time hack?
Does everyone know the warrior knowledge? Does everyone have their Candidate Pins? Are the
Actives in a good mood? After finally getting into formation, even more complications arose.

The time is now 1329 and forty seconds. The last twenty seconds usually consisted of a constant
―storming‖ phase.
―Cadet Candidate, make sure you swing your arms when you march.‖
―I do swing my arms when I march!‖
―Safety Officer, make sure you give us water breaks!‖
―The Actives are going to get mad at us, suck it up!‖
―Cadet Candidate, make sure to call the room to attention!‖
―Do it yourself!‖
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Constant quibbling right before Candidate

Class was definitely not productive, but under
the present circumstances, it was almost
unnatural not to. Each of us had something to
say, but with twenty seconds on the clock we
had no time to waste. We had to organize,
regroup, plan, and execute, our lives almost
literally depended on it.

Strangely enough, the last ten seconds seemed

to be the most peaceful. We never really
understood the saying, ―The calm before the
storm‖ until now. It might have been acceptance of our fate or just a bizarre coincidence,
nevertheless we all knew it was our time to shine, our chance to prove that we were Arnold Air
Society material. It was during those last ten seconds that we recollected ourselves and looked at
each of our fellow Candidates. What an indescribable feeling it is to look at the person to your
left and your right and just know that they have your back, and that they are willing to do
whatever it takes to help. Although we had all joined the Candidate Class for various reasons, we
all had the same goal: to become Arnold Air Society active members. At the corner of our eyes,
we see the actives swarming the room, appearing as if out of thin air. We all look at the time,
seven seconds left. We all look at each other one more time, and nod. This was our time. Five
seconds, four seconds, three, two, one, go time.

Something Bigger: Joining AFROTC

By: Victoria Gralian

It is somewhat odd, I feel like in the past couple of months I have done and accomplished more
than ever before. My life is so much more stressful now, however, I feel like I am a better
person. I have dreams of serving my country, traveling the world, and being a part of something
bigger than myself. I never would have had these aspirations had I not joined the Air Force
Reserve Officer Training Corps.

ROTC is very difficult and days do come when I really do not want to get up at 0500 hours for
Physical Training or stand out in the cold for a Color Guard Detail. I never have been pushed so
much in my life but somehow I keep finding the motivation to get up and keep going because
there are so many great things that come with these challenges. Never in my life have I met such
exceptional people or had such amazing opportunities presented to me. Being able to be so
involved in the community has really made me appreciate ROTC. From my very first day I knew
that I had made the right decision.
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I was sitting in the Aviation Center break room on a late Friday morning, watching all of the
AFROTC cadets running around performing their duties, falling into formation, and proceeding
into the auditorium for their leadership laboratory. As I sat at a table, with a pile of homework
waiting in front of me to be finished, I found myself wanting to be a part of this amazing
program. I wanted to serve my country, I wanted to travel the world, and above all, I wanted to
be proud of myself, and have a sense of honor for what I was accomplishing. Several minutes
later I found myself in the AFROTC offices talking to one of the members of the AFROTC
cadre.

"Excuse me sir I was wondering if it was too late to join the program."

"Not at all, go sit down in the auditorium for lead lab, come talk to us afterwards."

Since that Friday morning I have been pushed like I have never been pushed before. The
program sets high standards for those who are
strong enough to become officers in the United
States Air Force. This year, and the years to
come will no doubt be some of the hardest and
most trying in my life, and I wouldn't trade them
for anything.

I, along with my fellow first year Cadets, still

have a very long ways to go until we commission.
The looming "Cone of Death" scares me to death
and I would be lying if I said that I have not had a
nightmare or two about it. We have so many
adventures to go through like Field Training
Preparation, facing the hot days at Maxwell, and
our years as POC, but they will be extremely
fulfilling, and for those who make it, the rewards
will be great.

Moving from LA to AK
By: Cadet Brittany Collins

Being born and raised in Los Angeles, moving to a place like Alaska is something that was not
only unexpected but people really thought I was crazy. I can't even begin to explain how many
questions my friends and family had about where I was going to live, they questioned if I would
wear anything but flannel shirts, if I was going to bring home a big burly man that hunts bear for
a living, if we really lived in igloos, and my Aunt even asked me if there would be cell phone
coverage. Everyone was really starting to scare me with these questions because quite frankly,
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for all I knew the "Seawolf Shuttle" could have been

a pack of moose we rode to classes. The most
reassurance came from my Mom when she said,
"Well at least you will be really close to Hawaii . "
After I found a globe and broke it to her that Hawaii
and Alaska are really not as close as they look on
those flat maps you get in grade school, I knew I
needed to get out. Escaping the bubble of Los
Angeles, California was something that I knew was
right for me and Alaska was the perfect adventure.

I arrived in Anchorage on August 21s t, and my

coach picked me up from the airport and dropped me
off at my new home away from home, the Mac
apartments. For all of you that have been to the Mac
apartments, you may agree that an igloo would have
been more exciting. That was the last thing on my
mind though; I dropped my bags and began to
wander around campus. I was so overwhelmed by the mountains and trees, I felt like I was in a
whole new world, and I loved it. I had never taken breaths that felt so fresh and clean or seen
streams that you could not only see to the bottom but you could reach in and almost touch the
fish that swam freely through. I couldn't believe that this beautiful of a place existed and that it
was my new home, but the excitement had only just begun. I asked one of my roommates where
I could grab a bottle of water and she kind of looked at me weird and said, just grab a cup and
drink from the sink. I was a bit skeptical at first, drinking from the sink in LA means you are
getting a substance that looks like water but taste like pipes, I was ecstatic to find that the sink
water was actually better than bottled water! I couldn't wait to call and tell everyone at home,
they again reassured me I was insane. The more I learned about Alaska, the more I loved it and
that still holds true today. I never imagined myself living anywhere but in the concrete jungle of
LA, but now I can't imagine ever living there again.

I moved to Alaska as a naïve city girl that had never even seen snow and quickly adapted with a
new appreciation for what the world had to offer.

Mr. Ursprung: An Interview

By: Cadet Ian Shepard

We all see Mr. Ursprung working in the detachment office at the aviation center. Chances are he
has helped you out with something you needed, and for many of you, he has probably saved your
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rear on a room you forgot to reserve or supplies you waited until the last minute to request. And
he does all this with an ever present smile.

Recently, I took the time to sit down with Mr. Robert Ursprung and find out a little more about
how he came to be where he is today.

Ian Shepard: How did you get to be here at Det 001?

Robert Ursprung: I was working at a university in Oregon doing similar administrative work
but not with ROTC. I wanted to find more growth opportunities and Alaska
was perfect because I have family here. So, I applied for the job and took it.

I.S: I understand you were

enlisted at one point in your
life. What did you do for the
Air Force?

R.U: I was enlisted in the Air

Force for almost 23.5
years and I worked as a
supervisor in Personnel
Administration and
Training.

I.S: During that time, what are

some of the duty stations you
were assigned to?

R.U: I was in Greenland, an

isolated site in Nevada near Nellis, Malmstrom, Selfridge with the 1st Fighter Squadron,
Wurtsmith with Air Defense Command…

I.S: Do you have a story of interest regarding experience with an officer?

R.U: The commander at Wurtsmith had a standard practice that anything in his inbox at 1600
on Friday went straight into the trash can. His thought was that if it was important, you got
it into him early. He ended up pinning on 3 stars in his career.

I.S: What is your favorite part of this job?

R.U: The cadets. They are always a challenge; you never know what you’re going to come up
against. There is always something happening, whether I’m encouraging a cadet,
counseling them, or consoling them. It’s a job where I am always glad to come to work in
the morning.
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I.S: Do you have any words of wisdom for our cadets?

R.U: Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to take up that challenge, take the chance. Not
everyone will make it, but if you don’t try, you certainly won’t make it.

I.S: As you have been here from the start, can you give us a brief history of Det 001?

R.U: The detachment came into being in June of 2000 and the first cadets started in the fall.
The first couple of years were marred with growing pains and experimentation. We were
trying things different from established detachments but we were also trying to learn from
them. The Air Force also had an 18 month program at this time so many of our cadets
were prior enlisted. I believe our largest year was our second and we commissioned 23
Lieutenants. Soon after, the Air Force dropped the 18 month program.

The detachment continued to prosper improving with the expertise of each successive
detachment commander; Lt Col Burnes to Lt Col Strohm to Lt Col Gilliland to Lt Col
Smith.

Next time you go in the detachment office to speak with one of the Officers or the NCO’s, take a
moment to say ―thank you‖ to Mr. Ursprung for all he has done and all he continues to do for the
Air Force and for Detachment 001.

Senioritis
By: Cadet Brandon Amico
―A few months away,‖ and
―these next few months couldn’t
go by any faster‖ have been said
by this year’s senior class and the
nine senior classes before us here
at Det 001. Nothing could be
truer for me or my senior class,
but a saying that I heard when I
was wrestling that comes to mind
is ―Are you counting the days, or
making them count?‖ Most days
I am counting down the days but
working to make each count;
however, this semester I feel that
I have been doing a lot more
counting than usual. How could
a cadet in their last semester of
their senior year not begin to
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countdown to the day that he or she has been

working so hard to get to: commissioning.
And even though that time—in the moment—
seems to be moving by slowly, time in the
rearview mirror seems to be flying by!
Every year I have watched cadets turn into
2nd Lieutenants and think to myself, ―Man, I
can’t wait until my day comes.‖ The first
commissioning ceremony that I went to was
Cadet Gallardo’s and that was two and a half
years ago. Even then I counted years, but
today I count months, and soon I will be
counting days. Finally it will be hours, then
minutes, then showtime.
As I get ready to enter the world as a brand new Air Force Officer, I can’t help but look back on
my college and ROTC career. A wise professor, in an effort to get students to come to class,
once said, ―You only do college once and even though class might seem daunting now, believe
me you are going to miss it when you are done.‖ It is not just class that I am going to miss; I will
miss the entire ambiance of college. I am going to miss people, classes, no classes on Monday,
and most of all I will miss the library; however, I will not miss midterms, papers, finals, and late
night Thursdays preparing for ROTC.
CSAF Gen. Schawtz said he is jealous of all senior cadets because we all have the great pleasure
of beginning something great: a career in the USAF. Even though all of us are extremely excited
to commission and begin our Air Force careers, the day will be bittersweet. As each of us go off
to our different jobs--security forces, communications, special ops, and piloting--we are all
deeply saddened at the fact that it is ending. We are sad because relationships that have been
built through some of our toughest times, like FTP and late night Thursdays, will come to an end.
Although we know we will run into each other down the road, maybe I will call in danger close
fire from one of the pilots somewhere in Afghanistan, we know that something great is coming
to an end. So as we are counting down the days, we need to remind ourselves to make each of
the last few days we have with each other count and enjoy them to the fullest.
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Spring 2010 Semester in Photos

Cadet Stites, AS200 Cadet Elmore, AS100

Cadet Weissenfluh, AS200

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Above:Cadets in Training/Resource Squadron plan to

beat Army at the Commander’s Cup
Below: Cadets play water polo against Army ROTC
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Cadets Miracle, Sei bold, Pettit,

Peyton, Whiteman, Oh and Lee lock
it up for Leadership Laboratory

Cadets Miracle, Villafranca and

O’Brien practice Reveille and
Retreat, just in case they get a Color
Guard position at Field Training
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Congratuations to the
graduating seniors!
Cadet Boldt
Security Forces
Malmstrom AFB, MT

Cadet Amico
Air Liason Officer,
Hurlburt Field, FL

Cadet Shepard
Pilot
Laughlin AFB, TX

Cadet Eva
Pilot
Vance AFB, OK

Robina Gibson
Communications
Kessler AFB, MS
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Humor Corner

You know you're a Air Force ROTC cadet when....

- You’ve told your friends you can't go out because you have PT in the morning
- You use acronyms when talking to your friends, and they stare at you blankly in confusion
- You thought 300 was an awesome movie and now some of your flights use lines from it for
their chants
- You dream of your future days in the “Real Air Force”
- You couldn’t gain the freshmen 15 due to weight standards
- You can have whole conversations with other ROTC members, and the people at the table
next to you will have no clue what you are talking about
- You know the meaning of FT, COB, POV, LLAB, TDY, and many more
- You didn't study for a test because you were preparing a briefing, feedbacks and
counseling, memos, or doing other endless paperwork all through the night
- You have, or know someone who has, passed out in formation
- You’ve puked after or during a warrior run
- You know that “sound off” is not a command for people to speak their mind
- You occasionally find yourself humming cadences
- You walk in step with other people while not in uniform and usually without realizing it
- You get quiet and locked on the TV when Air Force commercials come on
- “Hydrate” is the magical word for taking a break
- You get called by your last name more often than by your first name
- You take war-related and tactical video games very seriously
- You “run off” injuries
- You go to the gym because you have to get ready for the PFA
- You know that 9am classes are not early, probably since you’ve been up since at least 0500
- You’ve been voluntold to do something
- 3 words: Attention to Detail
- You love Top Gun, even though it is about the Navy, and often quote such movies
- You’ve gone shopping for sunglasses, and asked yourself “are these in regs?”
- You’ve asked someone about something they are wearing to see if it is “authorized”
- Butterbars aren’t just a food
- You know what it’s like to be a part of something great and that you’ll be part of something
even greater in the future
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Last Laughs