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Volume 9, Issue 1. 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.

Core Values
By: Lt. Col. Douglas Smith
We can’t be airmen if we don’t live
Core Values (say it these values. If we violate these
with a long, drawn-out values, we might be asked to leave.
breath…). What are Second, they are the magnetic north for
they? Are they our own, individual moral compass.
needed? Who else has Third, they help us ensure the
a set? What should we decisions we make and efforts we
do with them? expend are appropriate and are done
for the right reasons. Finally, and
Perhaps you are new to hopefully not often, they help us if we
the military, or perhaps lose our focus. They allow us to
you’ve been around a transform the bad to good, or the
bit. Regardless, the mediocre to the excellent.
Air Force has a set of
core values which are Who has them? Here’s a quick
critical to our existence sample. UAA has four: intellectual
as members of the vitality, collaborative spirit,
service. It’s relevant to inclusiveness and equity, and finally,
have a solid leadership. The Navy and Marines
understanding of the have three: honor, courage, and commitment.
core values, why we have them, and what we are The Army has six: loyalty, duty, respect,
to do with them. selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal
courage. And, Zappos (the online shoe
First, what are they? They are values we as company) has 10: deliver WOW through
members of the Air Force must inculcate service, embrace and drive change, create fun
(there’s that word again) into our being. and a little weirdness, be adventurous, creative
Integrity, service before self, and excellence in and open-minded, pursue growth and learning,
all we do are the values we are to live by. build open and honest relationships with
communication, build a positive team and family
Are they needed? That’s easy…of course. spirit, do more with less, be passionate and
There are a few reasons. First, they tell us what determined, and be humble. Do you notice
it takes to be an airman in today’s Air Force. anything about the types of organizations who
have them? They are all a group of
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professionals accomplishing a mission (yes, selling shoes is a mission…).

We probably don’t need to discuss what they mean, so let me leave you with the litmus test for being an
airman:
Integrity – would I do this the same way if someone was watching?
Service – am I doing this only for me? Or, is it for something/someone else?
Excellence – am I putting my all into this?

I welcome you into an elite group of professionals.

A few words from the Wing King

By: Ian Shepard

Hello fellow cadets. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Wing

Commander for the fall 2009 semester. The semester is coming to a
close and now is the time to reflect on the amazing things we have
accomplished this semester. I have enjoyed seeing each one of you
grow and prosper. However, it is not over yet. With the few weeks
that we have remaining, let's continue to give 110% and finish off
strong. The success and greatness of this Wing does not belong to
me, but to you, the cadets. You are truly what makes Detachment 001 SECOND TO NONE!!!

An Interview with Lieutenant Colonel Smith

By: Danny Canlas

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Smith was born in 1967 in Orlando FL. He is a military brat, who has
moved all over the place. However, if he had to call a place home that would either be Montana or
Alabama. Lt. Col Smith enjoys any outdoor activity, and his favorite food is pizza.

Q: How do you feel about becoming a Detachment Commander?

“I love being a cadre member. It is a great job. This is not the operational part of the Air Force,
however, you, the cadets, are. Our mentoring is critical, and becoming a great officer is critical. The
success here cannot be measured. We hope to instill that desire for excellence. We need the right
people in AFROTC jobs, to develop the next generation. If we don’t train cadets, then the active duty
side will eventually suffer. I am tickled pink for the opportunity to affect the next generation.”

Q: What positions did you hold when you were a cadet?

“I was very involved in Arnold Air Society. We were Region (Area) Staff my junior year. I was also
the Squadron Commander my senior year. “

Q: Do you have any advice for our new cadets?

“STICK IT OUT. It takes more time to develop a mature decision. Don’t make a decision that you
will regret. At the age of a college student, chances are, your world view has not yet solidified. Each
year your will mature more and more. Your decision at 18 may not be the same at 22. Give it more
time. To choose your path requires a lot of thought and maturity. The amount of work you put in
will be directly proportionate to success.”

September 11th 2001: You Are Not
Forgotten
By: Seth Grove
On September 11th, 2001, America would be
forever scarred by the attempts of terrorism
that brought a nation to its knees. Fortunately
for us, they underestimated the will of the
American people and our ability to come
together in times of duress. Eight years later
that strength still remains and the American
people will never forget that dreadful day.
The Lieutenant General David J. McCloud
Squadron is an Arnold Air Society Squadron
within Air Force
ROTC. Arnold Air
Society is a
professional,
honorary, service
organization that
focuses much of
its energy on
bettering the
community.
The Lieutenant
General David J.
McCloud Squadron is based out of AFROTC
DET001 at the University of Alaska
Anchorage.
Around the nation, citizens have been doing
their part to memorialize those who died
during the attacks on that day; Air Force
ROTC’s DET 001 Arnold Air Society is no
exception. For the second year in a row now,
the Lieutenant General David J. McCloud
Squadron has had the privilege of putting on
the “9/11 Memorial Run” to commemorate
the men and women who died in the Twin
Towers, the Pentagon, alone in the fields of
Pennsylvania, and those fighting to ensure it
doesn’t happen again. Our mission for this
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event was to keep the American Flag in
constant circulation around a military
installation for a full 24 hours from Friday,
September 11th, at 0846 to Saturday
September 12th, at 0846.
The second annual “9/11 Memorial Run”
would prove to be even more rewarding than
the first. Running in groups of two or more
for half hour blocks of time, we persisted
throughout the day and night, cold and rain,
to ensure that the American Flag did not stop
moving and was handled with pride and
dignity. When it became too dark to see, we
were accompanied by support vehicles and
used flashlights to light the way. When we
got fatigued or tired, we pushed on. Back
at headquarters some cadets stayed up for
a grueling 24 hours straight to ensure that
everything ran smoothly. But this event
could not have been done without some
outside help as well. The University of
Alaska Anchorage activated their first
Army ROTC program this semester and we
were thrilled to have them join us in our
memorial run.
Cadets from the Detachment who
volunteered and ran in the event were met
with support from folks on and off the base.
This year, the Lieutenant General David J.
McCloud Squadron was able to get more
media coverage than ever before. The day’s
events were widely publicized through base
and local newspapers, interviews with local
radio talk shows, and even the local evening
news. On base, we were cheered on and
motivated by both peers and active duty
members. Whether it was in the form of a
honk from a passing car or a salute from a
pedestrian, the people of Alaska proudly
showed that America has truly not forgotten
9/11.
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Advice from “The Man” really amazing to watch young cadets

By: Bina Gibson develop their leadership and life skills.
Though LLAB and squadron meetings may
It seems like just yesterday I had graduated high seem tedious or overwhelming, it’s these
school. Believe it or not, college happens just as experiences that you’ll remember for the
fast as high school. It really feels like I just got rest of your Air Force career and your life.
back from Field
Training though
I’ve been back for
over a year. What
went the quickest
were my GMC
years. I thought I
had all the time in
the world before I
went to Field
Training. Little
did I know two
years melts into
what felt like
mere days,
especially once I
received my Field
Training
allocation. Hours
flew past and
before I knew it, I Don’t waste any opportunity presented to
was on a plane bound for Alabama. you; there is a wealth of knowledge
available to assist you in virtually any
Though there are 15 weeks in a semester and we situation. Though we might seem
all can’t wait until they’re done, it goes by so fast. pompous, unapproachable or just
Four years (or more for some of us) disappears downright scary, our purpose is to help
in a flash. I honestly can’t your training in any way
believe I’m in my senior we can. So don’t let us
year of college and real life down, we’ll be in charge
is finally going to happen of you again someday.
in a handful of months.

Though everything has

happened right before my
eyes, some of the best
college memories I’ve had
have been from ROTC.
Being a senior cadet really
is all it’s cracked up to be.
Besides revealing all of the
accumulated knowledge
and power built up from
years of training through
blood, sweat and tears, it’s

Operation Air Force
By: David Duncan
I had the opportunity to
visit sunny Charleston Air
Force Base, South Carolina.
Charleston Air Force Base
is one of the busiest Air
Force bases in the world.
There are four active duty
airlift squadrons and one reserve squadron
stationed in Charleston, or “Chucktown” as some
people fondly call it. There are over forty C-17s
assigned to Charleston Air Force Base, but the
whole time I was there I never saw more than
eight on the runway at once. The missions of the
squadrons ranged from supporting Presidential
trips (Banner missions) to dropping off Navy
Seals for classified missions.
I was allowed to choose up to three squadrons to
shadow while I was in South Carolina. I chose to
shadow a C-17 pilot, a Security Forces officer,
and a maintenance officer. I spent roughly a
week and a half shadowing maintenance and the
airlift squadron, and a few days shadowing
Security Forces. Unfortunately I do not have
nearly enough space in this article to tell you all
the great experiences I had in South Carolina, so
I will tell you just a few of the things I got to do.
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My favorite job was to shadow the 14th
Airlift Squadron. On my first day I helped
plan a low level mission for a pilot’s check
ride. Here I learned how much detail goes
into a planning process, no matter how
mundane it may seem. Then they took us
up on the flight. We went almost
immediately into the low-level pattern,
which meant dropping a huge cargo
airplane to an altitude of roughly three
hundred feet above the ground. As if that
was not fun enough, we started to spot
anti-aircraft guns (school buses were anti-
aircraft guns for this exercise) and then do
sixty degree banks to “jink” away from
“enemy” fire. We also picked up Security
Forces from Moody Air Force Base,
Georgia and got to see them jump out of
our perfectly good airplane.
Security Forces back in Charleston made
sure I received some on the job
experience. I spent my first day guarding
the gate and checking identification. Then
my second day I went on multiple ride-
alongs with the on base patrol cars. The
Security Forces in Charleston also put on a
special training exercise in the South
Carolina backcountry for airman
preparing to deploy “downrange.” There I
had the fun experience of learning what
happens when you enter a protected area
uninvited. To top it all off I assisted in the
arrest of a woman who had a warrant out
for her arrest.
My summer trip was a great experience. I
learned a ton about the Air Force that I
never knew before. I highly recommend
signing up for Operation Air Force when
the opportunity arises, and if you want to
hear more about my Professional
Development Tour (PDT), please come ask
me.
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Life After Field Training position in the wing or a team member

By: Hannah Toomey learning the ropes
as a new cadet. We
Field Training was a huge learning no longer just
experience, there’s no doubt about attend LLAB; we
it. But despite its tolling four weeks directly affect its
of intense leadership evaluations, I planning and
think I’ve learned more about execution. On top
leadership from the first couple of our respective
weeks of this semester as an AS 300 wing positions, we
and squadron commander. I’ve also also have our AS
discovered that being a POC is a 300 class,
process; it’s not just a title you have Leadership and
after pinning on the Prop and Management.
Wings.
Major Maze’s AS
As a GMC, your focus is on 300 curriculum is
understanding of the military and extensive. From
Air Force basics, progressing into preparation stress management skills to reading
for Field Training. It’s also an environment leadership anecdotes from senior officers
designed to help you find your strengths and and to classroom discussions on cadet
weaknesses and to learn how to function as a wing leadership, it covers a lot of ground,
member of a team. but it is all invaluable to
However, once you everything we do in the cadet
enter the POC the wing and for our future as Air
game changes. Force officers. Plus we get to
You are no longer evaluate leadership styles and
solely a member of skills in movies such as Kung Fu
that team; you’re a Panda.
leader and
influencer. As Because there are only six cadets
squadron in our class, we are all very close.
commanders in Although being POCs, students,
our first POC and managing all the other facets
positions, Cadets of our lives is difficult, we can
Sandusky, Canete, always fall back on one another,
Sargent and me are whether it’s a study group or our
each responsible own AS 300 class MWR. Being a
for maintaining 20 new POC with outstanding peers,
cadets’ dress and I look forward to the best year
appearance, yet.
attendance for PT and Leadership Laboratory
and keeping up morale. We also ensure that our
cadets have tools to do their job, whether it’s a

Moving Towards Field
Training
By: Matt Stites
“Hut, toop, threep, fourp”
moves through my head
like days in the semester. I
can almost count the days
go by before Training Day
1. I have been told that our
first year in Air Force
Reserve Officer Training
Corps (AFROTC), was a
simple “get your feet wet”
experience, and our second
year was a time to turn it
up.
I am now in my second year of AFROTC; Field
Training Preparation Flight (FTP). When I first
joined Detachment 001, FTP was what all
Aerospace Studies 200 cadets go through in their
second semester. After the second year of
AFROTC comes Field Training; this is like Basic
Training. FTP Flight is what helps the AS 200’s
get ready for the rigorous training that they are
about to face. Surprisingly, FTP started the first
semester of my 200 year.
I and a few other cadets played our first year a
little different. I wanted to look sharp, so I found
a way to help me accomplish this: Arnold Air
Society. Arnold Air Society is a fast way to get
your training; I learned everything from warrior
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knowledge to marching
flights. This training route
helped me with a semi-
smooth transition from my
Aerospace Studies 100
year to my AS 200 year.
The one thing I learned
about AFROTC is that you
will meet a lot of people
who join, and you see a lot
of people leave. The rumor
has it that the attrition rate
of AFROTC is 50%. This is
100% true about the AS
200 class during my AS
100 year. As an AS 200 cadet, now I have
seen over ten cadets drop the program,
but at the same time, over ten new cadets
have joined. This is a great experience
because you get a chance to help the new
AS 200’s catch up.
Being a new AS 200 cadet is probably not
the easiest process. They have only one
year to catch up to our two year
experience. Helping the new cadets is
really easy when they want to learn. This
is a chance to see the motivation of
AFROTC really come out. I myself have
been motivated about AFROTC since my
new student orientation program.
If you are a new AS100 or AS200, my only
piece of advice to help with the upcoming
years is motivation. AFROTC is not just a
club or a class, it truly is a lifestyle. Work
hard at whatever comes your way. Ask to
help as much as you can throughout the
Detachment and accomplish whatever
someone asks you to do. Don’t be afraid to
be competitive. By following this advice, I
have had an amazing adventure through
AFROTC and I hope to continue it.

European Odyssey
By: Brandon Amico
This summer I had a chance of a lifetime to go to
Europe, I call this trip my European Odyssey. The
two countries I went to were Turkey for 16 days
and London for 6 days but this article will be about
my trip to Turkey. My trip to Turkey was a
required study tour with the 49th State Fellows.
Yes, this program requires that its members go to
Turkey. This was my second trip to Europe but I do
not remember my first trip because I lived in
Europe when I was 0 - 6 months. The one
experience that I learned the most from was the
change of culture, and how people viewed America
from the outside looking in vs. the opinion of an
insider.
The itinerary for Turkey was four days in Istanbul
(old city), overnight train to Ankara, two days in
Cappadocia, one day in Konya, two days in Kalkan,
one day in Pamukkale, one day in Selcuk, one day
in Canakkale, and two days in Istanbul (new city).
The heads of the Fellowship chose Turkey because
it is so rich in history. Some fun facts about the
country are that the Republican form of government
was founded in Patara, which resides in Turkey,
Troy is on the coastline, and there are better
preserved ancient Greek ruins in Turkey than there
is in Greece. 97% of Turkey is in Asia and only 3%
is in Europe, yet they might be in the EU within a
decade.
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All were fantastic cities but my two favorite
places were Istanbul (old city), and Kalkan.
Istanbul (old city) was filled with ancient
buildings dating back to the 1300s. The most
noticeable buildings are mosques. It is
interesting that most people associate the
mosque, Aya Sofia, with Istanbul, which was
not actually built to be a mosque. It was
constructed under the emperor Constantine,
when the city was still Constantinople, to be
a church of Christ. Kalkan was in my top
two places because it is located right on the
Mediterranean Sea. While we were in
Kalkan we took a 4 hour boat tour and saw
underwater ruins, swam, and I even got to
fish. Yes, I did say "I'm on a boat", the
Mediterranean isn't SeaWorld, it’s as real as
it gets! During my visit in Turkey I came to
understand how different microbes affect the
body. Many days were spent wishing I had
some good old American Taco Bell while I
was only eating bread and water.
The most important thing that I learned was
the difference in culture. At first it was the
little things that I noticed such as different
outlets, call to prayer at 0545, and "squatty
potties" (holes in the ground). One of the
coolest things was always being served first.
In America, women are served first, but in

Turkey, men are served first. Obviously the big
difference in culture was the fact that Turkey is
predominantly a Muslim country. Yet one could
see a woman in a tank top, next to a woman in a
business suit, by a woman in a scarf, and next to a
woman in a full on headdress. It was also quite the
experience to see an outside opinion of America,
because I always grew up thinking America to be
the best. Our tour guide Aysa gave us her opinion
of America while we were visiting a palace; she
compared us to the Roman Empire. She believed
that America is in constant search of power, and
this is why we have military bases all over the
World.
The Beginning
By: Kim Hovdesven
Air Force ROTC is like a whirl wind, picking up
everything in its path, consuming you and your
time. Or at least that’s how I’ve felt during the
last few weeks since I joined. There is constantly
something that needs to be worked on,
participated in, or perfected. With classes,
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Lead Labs, physical training, squadron
meetings, and many more activities, we
are all kept more than adequately busy.
Although receiving this fountain of
information, rules, and regulations, we
have had extremely helpful POC’s lead us
through our problems with enormous
amounts of patience. The “you can do it”
attitude is always present, whether you’re
at PT with your arms shaking under you
during pushups or during Lead Labs when
the influx information seems to expand
your brain to maximum capacity. We are
constantly being pushed to learn more, do
more, and be better. Cadets are challenged
mentally and physically but that makes
every victory more rewarding. AFROTC
creates leaders, and in 4 years, the
confused AS 100’s of this year will be
those leaders, as hard as that is to imagine
now. Anyone can do the minimum and get
by in this life; it takes a special kind of
person to try to achieve excellence daily.
That is exactly what we are all doing to
aspire to accomplish. Keep it up 100’s!
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TD-05, Oh No. Me: “No sir!”… After that

By: Cody Vandegriff response I could see the
excitement grow in the
The single position that CTA’s eyes as he knew
I did not want and was he had an easy target to
terrified of performing tear into…but at the
at Field Training (FT) same time, and more
was SQ/CC. I had heard importantly I saw the
rumors of Squadron faith my SQ/mates had
marching at FT, in me drain because
something that I had their leader was not
never seen or done prepared…and from
before, but I thought to that moment I knew I
myself “Why learn had to redeem myself.
it?...what are the odds
that I will get selected CTA: “Oh well, make
for that position?..” For something happen!”
those of you who know
me…good luck is most Me: “Yes sir!”
definitely not one of my I immediately called on
inherent traits…and as luck, or fate would have it the Squadron for aid, and within 2 minutes
I was selected to be SQ/CC for Echo and Foxtrot (with their help) we were on our way, and
flight on training day 5 (TD-05)…which was within 5 1/2 minutes (you become very
right when Maxwell 1 (our FT encampment) was time oriented at FT) we were marching
entering “Squadron Concept.” Though internally like champs! By simply remaining calm
terrified of hearing my first position in my and cool under pressure and utilizing the
Flight/Squadron, I expressed no emotion as the expertise of the whole team I was able to
39 faces of my squadron mates stared down the immediately regain my positive stance as
hall at me with a “sucks to be you” expression on SQ 3’s leader.
their face. This was the first impression I would
cast upon my entire SQ, and I knew that any bit Just by examining this one leadership
of fear or arrogance that I exuded from my dilemma, you can see many of the traits
expressions would ultimately result in them that are needed to succeed at FT; such as:
losing faith in their newly appointed leader. utilizing the team (you aren’t always going
to have the answers), make a decision (a
TD-06… good decision now is better than a great
CTA (Cadet Training Assistant): “Cadet decision tomorrow), maintain your
Vandegriff, lets get this Squadron moving!” bearing (appear confident, not arrogant or
nervous), don’t let the pressure affect
Me: “Yes sir!” decision making or bearing (easier said
than done), take responsibility for your
CTA: “Do you know how to SQ march?!” actions, adapt to your environment, and
communicate clearly. These traits are just

a few among many traits that you’ll have to be
aware of while at FT.
If you’re interested in learning more about how
to succeed at Field Training, now is the time to
ask!! Myself, C/Sargent, and any other POC for
that matter are great resources to tap into to
begin preparing for the rigors of FT. In addition,
keep an eye on Blackboard for a document that
C/Blahut and I will be publishing called “The
Keys to Success at FT,” which contains tips so
valuable that we should actually be selling it!
Just kidding…sort of…
Moving to Alaska
By: Chad Eva
Ever since my wife and I discovered that she was
going to be stationed at Elmendorf Air Force
Base in Alaska we immediately began to think
about all the experiences that awaited us. She
was excited because she would
finally begin her nursing career as
a new 2nd Lieutenant, while I was
excited to hunt, fish, hike, and
take another step closer to
becoming an Air Force Officer.
Arriving in Alaska was a relief
since we had driven
approximately 4,800 miles.
Details about the trip will have to
be discussed in another interview
due to the extent of experiences.
Leaving North Carolina and my
old detachment left me with a knot in my
stomach. Not only would I have to care for a
new wife, I would have to make new friends, find
a place to live, learn a new town, and adapt to
the differences in the ways of a new detachment.
At the freshman orientation it didn’t take long
for cadets to introduce themselves to me.
P a g e | 11
Although some thought I was an AS 100
class cadet, I accepted it and allowed the
cadets to give me instructions. By doing
this I could see how the AS 200 and AS 300
level cadets instructed one another. I was
amazed at their professionalism. From
this I determined that their leadership has
taught them well and that they are high
caliber cadets.
My thoughts of the 400 cadets were
correct. Each cadet introduced
themselves, acted in a professional and
courteous manner, and displayed great
leadership characteristics. These
naturalistic observations supported my
thoughts on why the AS 200’s and AS 300’s
were so sharp.
The hardest part for me was that I did not
know anyone. Being the new guy in a new
environment, I observed cadets nervously
trying to learn names, personal
backgrounds, and their
hobbies. I could definitely feel
the forming, storming, norming
and performing stages pass by
each time I interacted with my
peers. Two weeks had passed
before my own nerves had
started to settle down.
Leaving my family and friends
did give me a sour taste but in
the end it has allowed me to
grow as a leader, meet many
new friends, experience Alaska,
and realize that many new opportunities
and experiences are available outside of
one’s comfort zone.

AAS National Conclave 2009
By: Jaron Sandusky
In about 8
months time I
have gone
from an
aspiring
member of
the McCloud
Squadron to
its vice commander. During that time I have
been afforded many great opportunities;
however, none have matched attending the
annual Arnold Air Society National Conclave.
Held at the beautiful Sheraton Hotel in
downtown Phoenix, Arnold Air Society
Squadrons and Silver Wings Chapters from
all over the nation converged on this
location from April 9 to April 13. As I and
seven of my fellow Arnies (Cadets Canlas,
Falasco, Shepard, Vandegriff, Amico,
Toomey, and Ebben) entered the main
conference room for the first day of
business, it looked like a giant sea of blue,
countless cadets waiting for the official start
of NATCON. It was a remarkable
opportunity to meet cadets from all over the
country. In a state like Alaska, it is easy to
feel isolated and cut off. After going to this
conclave, I came to realize we are not alone
at all; there are cadets like us from all over the
nation with countless points of view. It was a
valuable experience hearing what some of them
had to say. Indeed, it was more than simply a
meeting to shake hands and network. There
were numerous resolutions to vote on; from the
new Joint National Project that every squadron
must participate in, to the location of the next
National Conclave (The 2010 National Conclave
is set for Seattle). The National Conclave also
P a g e | 12
presented an opportunity to hear from the
AAS and Silver Wings Leadership as well
as distinguished guests on how to make
our organizations run more smoothly and
how to better ourselves as leaders.
Anyone who tells you that it was all work
and no play could not be more wrong.
Once the meetings were over, downtown
Phoenix offered a wide bounty of places to
go and things to see, and the McCloud
squadron took full advantage of them.
From hiking a local trail, to going to a
Diamondbacks game, to just walking
around town at dusk taking in the scenery,
there was never a dull moment. I even
took some time out to lay by the hotel pool
and work on my tan (needless to say it was
a short lived success). As if this wasn’t
enough, it was all topped off by a formal
banquet where we were given the honor
and privilege of hearing a speech from
General Norton A. Schwartz and meeting
the AFROTC commander, Colonel John
McCain. By the end of it all, I had a
renewed sense of pride to be in AAS and in
AFROTC. I look forward to the next
National Conclave and can only hope it will
be as fun as Phoenix.
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AAS Candidate Class

By: Amber Weissenfluh

“Come on Cadet Weissenfluh you should join the Candidate Class; it’s not that bad.”

“Well I don’t know, I am kinda busy with school

work,” I replied.

“So are we. Come out this Friday it will be worth it.”

“Ok, I’ll give it a shot.”

That was a short version of the conversation I had

with two fellow cadets that I went through the
Arnold Air Society Candidate Class with. I had no
idea what they were getting me into. Right after that
first candidate class I asked the two cadets that
convinced me to go why in the world they told me to.
With one word to sum it up, to me, the first candidate
class I went to was insane. Even after a month of three hours every Friday of Candidate Class, I was
not about to quit. The pressure was on between classes, ROTC, Candidate Class, and wanting to
have a little bit of a normal life; I was hurting, as was my fellow candidates. We started with thirty
and ended with eight.

Now, hopefully I have not scared anyone by this article; this is not my intent. Now comes the good
stuff; Initiation Day! Oh yeah, we did it! We made it through! We all got our pins and fourrageres
and we knew we made it. That was the best day of my life last year in ROTC.

After Candidate Class, life was great. We were able to come to Arnold Air Society meetings, the
9/11 Memorial Run, hike
Mountain POW/MIA, and
other great opportunities.
All through Candidate
Class we were told to be
“the tip of the spear or
leave.” Now, I actually
feel like the tip of that
spear. Looking back I will
no longer say that
candidate class was
insane. I learned so much
and made some amazing
friends. I pushed myself to greater lengths than I ever thought I could be pushed to. From now on, I
refer to the Candidate Class that I went through as insanely awesome.
 P a g e | 14

Oh The Memories.

Wing Staff
showing us
what they
have.

GMC Takeover.
Look out it is
our turn to call
the shots.
 P a g e | 15

Charlie Squadron Cadets Seibold, Amico, Boldt, and Eva

showing some love to overseeing the food cooking to make sure it is
the camera. up to par and enjoying the Flattop scenery.

Det 001!!! Second to None!

 P a g e | 16

Attempting to be stealthy, so we RPS! The Battle of

can take down the Cadre and all Battles.
some POC’s!

Squadron Commander vs. Squadron Commander. Who will be the victor?

 P a g e | 17

Humor Corner... Come and Get Some Laughs.