The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Jason Gossett Air Force ROTC has worked hard this year at becoming more involved in campus life, and there has been continuous growth of the detachment. [Click to enlarge]

Students who participate in Samford's Air Force ROTC program rave about the many opportunities it has provided, and they are thrilled about the continuing growth of the detachment. 

"I absolutely love ROTC at Samford," sophomore nursing major Kelly Polo said. "I am involved in many things, but ROTC is for sure my favorite." Polo is a Samford cheerleader, co-captain of the club lacrosse team and a member of Alpha Delta Pi.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is an educational program designed to allow young men and women to achieve a commission in the United States Air Force while also pursuing a college degree. Samford's Air Force ROTC detachment has recently doubled in size with about 50 cadets in the program. One-third of these cadets are female. 

"As a female, it is interesting to be in such a male dominated organization, especially here on Samford's campus," Polo said. "As women, we are expected to be professional and are considered equals, and it really does show through ROTC's training."

Sophomore english major Caroline Milam also commented on being a female in ROTC. "I never anticipated joining ROTC, but I am so glad I decided to because it has been such a great opportunity," Milam said. "It is a great source of discipline and structure."

Milam said her involvement in AFRTOC has greatly enhanced her education, providing her with scholarships and leadership skills that will assist her in achieving her goal of becoming a lawyer.

Senior communication studies major Jason Gossett currently serves as the Samford AFROTC detachment Wing Commander.
Gossett said he is very proud of his involvement in AFROTC, and it has greatly supplemented his Samford experience.

"AFROTC has made (my education) so much more worthwhile," Gossett said. "I have learned so much through AFROTC that I could not have learned any other way. It will not only be of use in my career but also just in life. I feel it has made me so much more confident, humble and well-rounded all at the same time."
Gossett has been selected to be a pilot in the Air Force, and will be attending Air Force pilot training upon his commissioning.

Air Force ROTC is working extremely hard to get more involved in campus life. One way that they are promoting involvement is through a civilian program called Silver Wings. Silver Wings is partnered with the Arnold Air Society, an honorary service organization that provides leadership opportunities for ROTC cadets.

"Silver Wings has just started back up at Samford this year due to the hard work of its president, Marissa Mullis," Gossett said.
Along with service activities and biweekly meetings, Silver Wings has social events, such as parties and mixers with the cadets in AAS. Samford Air Force ROTC cadets strongly encourage student involvement with this already thriving program.
       

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