AFROTC DETACHMENT 825—THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

the LONGHORN AIRMAN

The Longhorn Airman FALL-WINTER 2013 Volume V Issue 3 DEFINITION OF SERVICE MOTIVATED TO PERFORM! Six ROTC cadets on their way home from fi eld training learned fi rsthand I love my job this semester. Because I about selfl ess service. Before landing at Bergstrom-Austin International Airport on 26 am business , getting to be the Uni- June 2013 Cadets Barrington, Gill, Hill, Rodriguez, and Stalford of Detachment 825 at versity Liaison Offi cer (ULO) has been a The University of Texas and Cadet Petrosky of Det 820 at Texas Tech University were chance to practice what I have learned as approached by a group of on board their fl ight who asked the Cadets to serve as a student. Furthermore, I have been able to take a job typically not in the limelight part of an honor guard for a fallen Marine they were escorting home to his family. and give it a new face. Upon arrival, the cadets were asked by the Marines to exit the airplane and form a C/Col Hoss wanted me to be the detail that would serve as a line which the coffi n holding the fallen Marine would be ULO because of my performance as the carried through on its way to the hearse. As the Marine detail carried the fl ag draped Academic Offi cer. Knowing she liked coffi n, the cadets stood silently at attention and rendered honors to the fallen Marine. my past work made me feel more moti- Joining them at planeside were the family of the fallen Marine, his commanding offi cer vated to make the job my own. Since the (a Marine ) and nearly 30 Patriot Guard Riders with their bikes adorned with beginning of this semester, I have been American Flags. As the procession departed the tarmac, the Marines—including their able to revamp the job in many ways. —came down the line of cadets to shake their hands and thank them for The accomplishment I am most proud of honoring their fallen comrade. has been developing the fi rst ever Blue The cadets walked back to the plane, exiting into the terminal as usual. Upon getting Longhorns Association (BLA) website: out of the jet way the cadets were greeted by applause from the many onlookers who www.bluelonghorns.com. My main drive had witnessed the solemn ceremony from the windows of the terminals. The cadets said for creating it was to provide donors some it was an amazing experience to be involved in such a moving tribute to one our fallen idea where their money was going and to heroes. Cadet Barrington said, “It was an eye-opening experience into what it feels like help the Detachment fi nd new donors. In to honor a fallen comrade, and to see what we are all really training and fi ghting for.” addition, the website has made it pos- ~James Barrington sible for cadets to pay for mandatory events online. I have also downloaded the PayPal app, allowing BLA to accept credit card payments in person now. As a cadet who fi nds paying for Dining Out in cash troublesome, I feel like I am making a dif- ference for many of the present cadets, as well those to come. I am pretty excited about the changes I have made, because I think they are steps forward into a more modern age. By implementing more technology into the role, I have made it easier to learn about how UT’s Air Force cadets do more than PT and study. As the ULO, the BLA has been able to raise over $500 for the De- tachment. My hopes for next semester is to help whoever is the ULO next semester Cadets Ingels, Hoss, Bates, Retana, and Guerrero, and Col Staha present a placque of apprecia- keep the technology advancements that I tion for James Mulva to UT President Bill Powers, far left. have implemented. ~David Moore The Longhorn Airman is published twice a year; it is not an offi cial publication of the USAF, AFROTC, or The University of Texas at Austin; the opinions expressed in this publication do not represent any of these entities. No state or federal funds were used to print this newsletter. The Longhorn Airman was created with Adobe InDesign & PhotoShop software. Masthead photo courtesy of the USAF, taken by SrA Natasha Stannard ~Nan Bradford-Reid, Editor AFROTC DETACHMENT 825—THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN tthehe LONGHORNLONGHORN AAIRMANIRMAN

EMBRACE THE SUCK AKA DETERMINED TO SUCCEED I wasn’t really sure what to write about when I sat down to write this Longhorn article; but with Thanksgiving weekend coming to an end, I thought it’s times like this I realize just how thankful I am for the people and opportunities I’ve had in my life. As of right now, I’m beyond thankful for being given the opportunity to strive within the AFROTC detachment at UT. This program has given me the chance to grow in so many different ways. When I started, physical fi tness was my greatest challenge. I was far behind the wing in nearly every exercise we performed and that was very discouraging with a PFA not far away. I felt exceedingly disconnected from the other cadets. My biggest challenge was overcoming the mental battle everyone goes through when pursuing a goal that is far from the confi nes of their comfort zone. Because I was the slowest and the weakest, I fell into the habit of comparing myself to others and what they could do that I couldn’t. I didn’t notice although I was physically behind my fl ight, my mental strength was on par with everyone else. I was so busy being preoccupied with what I couldn’t do, that I wasn’t focusing on what I could do and what I was good at. This was a dangerous thing to have fallen into because it takes a lot to compare your failures to someone else’s accomplishments and want to continue to move forward. I didn’t realize this until I was doing it to myself. Overcoming this challenge was a full-on battle of the wills. I had to force myself to think “As long as I can keep going …it doesn’t matter how far behind I am… I refuse to give up, and that’s all that should matter.” That in itself has pushed me through every PT I’ve struggled with and kept me positive even if I fell behind the fl ight. I can now confi dently say that my strength lies within my determi- nation and perseverance to keep going and to continue growing into that person I used to daydream of being. This program has allowed me to challenge myself and push myself to new lengths to accomplish what I’ve set my sights on. It’s shown me how hard you need to fi ght to make people see you as you would want to see yourself. Every time I want to give up and every time I want to stop, I realize just how much more I can do to keep going. Though I still struggle during PT, I can confi dently and proudly state that I feel much closer to my wingmen now. We had a “Turkey Trot” (aka Warrior Run) right before Thanksgiving break that I was not at ALL looking forward to. At 0550 we all formed up as a fl ight in the windy, 40 degree temperature and prepared to embrace the suck. I knew that I’d improved from the beginning of the year with running, but I wasn’t sure that I could actually run a full three miles non-stop. I wasn’t sure even when we started our trek down San Jacinto singing jodies and sticking close for warmth, but the moment I made it up the hill on 24th street, I knew I’d be able to get much farther than before. I can proudly say I ran a good two miles before I needed to fall out from the fl ight, and that in itself was a great feeling. All the way my wingmen supported and praised me for holding on and keeping up and I can’t express how much appreciation I felt during that time. Without the support and encouragement of my wingmen, I wouldn’t be where I am. Though one’s success depends on how much they are willing to work for it, you can’t fi ght every battle by yourself. Teamwork is essential. And for an introvert like me, recogniz- ing and respecting that alone was a task in itself. I love the person this program is shaping me into, and I can’t wait to see how much more I can grow during my time here. I’ve still got a ton to improve and learn, but I’m going to keep working hard and do what I need to and really make the most of this opportunity. It’s a wonderful experience, don’t let the challenge scare you away. Embrace it! ~ Theresa Callaway

Longhorn Airman 2 AFROTC DETACHMENT 825—THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN tthehe LONGHORNLONGHORN AAIRMANIRMAN

HONORING SERVICE LEADERSHIP LESSON With last minute notice, a small group I used to be the guy who hated to lead or command anything. I was afraid of what of cadets met outside the CLA to go to people would think of my leadership style or the sound of my voice when calling com- the airport and welcome the oldest WWII mands at D&C practice. But after I fi nished my FTP semester and fi nished Field Train- veteran, Richard Overton, back home. On ing all I wanted to do was lead, and I fi nally got that chance when I learned my job for the way to the airport, C/2d Lt. Fowler the fall semester would be GMC Flight Commander. I was really excited until day one gave us a brief biography of Mr. Overton. when I actually had to act like I knew everything like the back of my hand. It was a little Overton enlisted in the Army while in his scary at times when I was asked questions about things I did not know. Luckily I only 30s, he was at Pearl Harbor, Okinawa, and had to use the phrase “I’ll get back to you on that” a couple of times. Iwo Jima, and at the age of 107, Over- Commanding a fl ight was an odd experience until I fi nally learned to do things my ton traveled to Washington D.C. to have way. For about one and a half months I tried to do exactly what the other fl ight com- breakfast with our Commander in Chief, manders were doing because I was not exactly sure what to do. But I fi nally realized that and was now fl ying home. I could teach my fl ight the essentials of ROTC anyway I wanted so long as it follows the Once at the airport, we joined with a rules. That was when I fi nally settled down and led them the way I wanted to. My com- group of NROTC and NJROTC midship- petitive nature rubbed off on my fl ight around the time when I became comfortable as men, whose NJROTC instructor briefed the leader, and ever since then my fl ight has been performing at a high level and working all of us on how the welcoming would oc- together very well. My fl ight is doing so well that I do not need to constantly stay on cur. By that time, a huge crowd of people, them about things because they police themselves and put integrity fi rst. However, I am some with signs, had gathered by the still there to make sure that they stay motivated and stay on track. elevators to greet Overton. A few minutes The members of my fl ight helped make my job really enjoyable when I saw that they later, the arrival of Overton's fl ight was were using the information and skills I had been telling them were essential to their suc- announced: our cue to get to our positions cess. I am glad that I have been given this chance because there is no better feeling than and be ready. We created a pathway for seeing each of my fl ight members grow as people and gain the confi dence needed to Mr. Overton with cadets and midies lined become quality offi cers in the Air Force. ~Brent Gill on both sides and, when given the com- mand, we would salute. ROTC: THE EXPERIENCE We waited, with bated breath, gazing at This semester has been my fi rst time being involved in AFROTC, and it has been the elevator and expecting for Mr. Overton such a great experience! Everything about being a cadet within Detachment 825 is to step out of it. The elevator was coming rewarding. Whether I am showing up to Physical Training bright and early in the morn- down, the cadets popped to attention, and, ing to work on my fi tness with my wingmen, attending Leadership Lab to hear inspiring just as the elevators were barely opening, stories from decorated guest speakers, learning Drill and Ceremonies from my Flight a booming voice announced, "Welcome Commander, or just hanging out and studying with other cadets within the wing. I am back an American hero, Mr. Overton!" Out always learning to better myself and my abilities as a future Air Force offi cer and leader, of the elevators came an elderly woman in and having a good time doing it! The University of Texas at Austin has a kick-butt Air a wheel chair. Laughter spread throughout Force Detachment and I look forward to my continuing years within it. the crowd and that same booming voice ~Josh Montgomery shouted, "That was just a practice run, Mr. Overton made a detour to the bathrooms." Standing at ease, we talked to some of the NJROTC midshipmen and laughed a little about the practice run. Then it was time, the elevator was coming down, we popped to attention again, waiting for the order to salute. The elevators opened and I heard the command "Hand Salute.” Hands went up to salute and, out of the corner of my eye, I see an African-American man, about average height and skinny, pop out of the elevator and do a little dance. The crowd cheered for Mr. Overton as he walked to the podium near the baggage claim. The excitement of the crowd was powerful and the experience enriching. We left feeling honored to have been in the presence of the WWII veteran, Richard Overton, and empowered to serve our na- Brent Gill, left leads his fl ight in training. Josh Montgomery, 2nd left, sets the pace. tion in the world's greatest air force. ~Ellen Birrell 3 Longhorn Airman AFROTC DETACHMENT 825—THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN tthehe LONGHORNLONGHORN AAIRMANIRMAN COMMUNITY SERVICE This semester I was the Developmental Planning Offi cer, as well as the Commu- nity Service Offi cer. My job consisted of setting up service events and fundraising for Blue Longhorn. It truly proved to be an enriching experience; I had never had much experience with doing fundraising events, but I took this as a learning op- portunity and got a lot of support from my fl ight. It can be hard to convince the wing to participate in fundraising events that are completely new. Nevertheless, I felt that Getting ENJJPT was one of those mo- Maj Cooper Classroom dedication with Col our wing was able to quickly adapt to what ments I won’t ever forget. After having Staha and Mike Cooper was asked of them and they provided a lot imagined the moment for nearly four of support. What else can you expect from years as a cadet, it feels amazing to have future offi cers though? actually accomplished it. I am so stoked We were especially successful with our to train at Sheppard AFB and can’t wait fi rst Wing Pie-Off and our community ser- for what the future holds on active duty. vice event with Helping Hands foster care. My airframes of choice include an F-22, This brings me up to community service! F-35, F-16, or F-15C. Thankfully, EN- One of my favorite events this semester JJPT allows me the best opportunity at was getting together with Helping Hands. getting assigned one of these fi ghters. At We had 13 children from ages 7-12 come pilot training, you can bet I’m going to to visit our detachment for a tour. This was do be doing everything in my power to a great mentoring experience, and I know be performing at my absolute best so that Getting fi t! many of our cadets learned a lot from I can continue to accomplish my dreams. these smart and witty children; as we hope ~Tyler Chapman they learned from us. Other service events included partici- pating in the community kitchen at Caritas every Saturday, raising money for UNI- CEF, and mentoring children and tutoring them through Austin Partners in Education (APIE). As for next semester, we see a lot of provisions for projects that could be further developed, such as APIE and Keep Austin Beautiful. HOOAH community OU vs UT Honor Guard with Vince Young Contracting after Field Training. service! ~Christine Rodriguez

Capt Giannini trying to relive his glory days at Hook ‘em! Det 825’s own Hook ‘Em Jared the Academy. Thornton before the formal retreat. Veteran’s Day Retreat Longhorn Airman 4