Local ASU AFROTC cadet is only one of 35 selected for 'Operation Air Force' in USA
Alabama State University Air Force ROTC detachment 019 student Laken Watson was one of only 35 AFROTC cadets from across the country selected to participate in an Air Force program titled, "Operations Air Force."
The two-week program is designed to give cadets the opportunity to experience first-hand almost everything an operational Air Force base has to offer. Cadets experience life on an Air Force base through the use of tours, hands-on experience, and by shadowing Air Force personnel.
“Representing Det 019 was truly an honor and privilege, especially being the only one from my Detachment who experienced 'Ops AF' this summer,” Watson said. “It’s a great feeling knowing that when someone asks where I am from, I can always speak so highly of Alabama and the ROTC Program that I call home. There were cadets from all over the country, and now each of them has a little piece of Montgomery, Alabama and Det 019 to take back with them.”
The cadets participated in the program at different Air Force bases around the country. Their placement was based on their career interests. Watson was placed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Ga., which specializes in special operations and combat rescue, which is where she wants to serve.
“Being that I was interested in Special Operations Careers, Moody AFB was the perfect fit for me,” Watson said. “The men and women we had the privilege of meeting are solely driven on the mission of rescuing others and keeping our nation free. It is a goal of mine to serve proudly alongside them in the near future.”
Watson, one of Det. 019’s star cadets, boasts a 4.0 GPA; 100 on AF Fitness Test Score; and was awarded an Air Force ROTC 3.5 year scholarship last semester. She said that the Ops program inspired her to continue to work hard for those she will help protect in the future.
“I highly encourage this program to continue, so that future cadets can build relationships with others from around the nation, gain important knowledge on officership and leadership, and hopefully become even more inspired to carry out the mission of the Air Force,” Watson said.
Det. 019 commander Lt. Col. Ann Graham, said she was extremely proud of Watson for participating in the program.
The Ops Air Force summer program is a great opportunity for cadets to experience day-to-day operations on a base, as well as network with their peers from other AFROTC detachments,” Graham said. “Cadet Watson is one of our brightest cadets, and I am grateful that she was selected for this opportunity.”
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, August 23rd 2017 at 6:39PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
