Over 100 awards were bestowed upon cadets at the OH-881 AFJROTC’s 27th annual awards ceremony on May 6, 2016. Cadets were rewarded for excellence in Citizenship, Drill Competition, Appearance in uniform, Leadership, and many other categories. Of the many honors awarded, C/1st Lt. Alexander M. Woosley and C/Colonel Caleb M. Linder won the top two honors of the evening.
Woosley, a junior, was honored with the “Distinguished AFJROTC Cadet of the Year and Badge.” The annual National award recognizes one outstanding third-year cadet of high moral character who demonstrates positive personal attributes, outstanding military potential, and maintains consistent academic and military excellence.
For Woosley, winning the award is confirmation that he is headed in the direction to reach his current goals, “This award means a lot. It definitely shows that my hard work has been paying off. Next year I want to be Squadron Leader and after high school I want to go to the Air Force Academy. So I’m doing stuff now that will get me to where I want to be next year.”
Linder, a senior, was honored with the “Air Force Association (AFA) Award and Medal.” The national award is given annuallyto a Third Year cadet who displays a positive attitude, outstanding personal appearance, a courteous demeanor, and positive personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self-confidence. The cadet must also rank in the top 5% of their AS class and in the top 10% of their academic class.
Winning the AFA Award reflects the dedication Linder has to duty and service. Linder says, “The AFJROTC has given me a lot of opportunities to gain leadership experience and be put into leadership positions. That experience will help me reach my goals after high school.” Those plans include Linder entering the prestigious United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. in June. Afterwards studying at the four-year academy, Linder will be commissioned as an officer into the U.S. Navy.
Tecumseh’s AFJROTC OH-881st cadets are encouraged in developing citizenship, responsibility, character, self-discipline and a dedication to serving their nation and community while also learning air and space fundamentals.
MSgt. Antonio G. Ruiz (USAF, Ret) and Major James D. Couch (USAF, Ret) are advisors for the OH-881st AFJROTC unit.
