ASU ROTC Unit Tops in Region
August 08, 2013
Angelo State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 has been named the 2013 High Flight winner as the top medium-sized detachment in the Southwest Region for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the past seven years.
As the winner of the region, which includes 14 medium-sized detachments in 11 states from Mississippi to Hawaii, ASU’s 110-member detachment next will compete against winners of the three other regions in the national Headquarters AFROTC Right of Line competition later this year.
Detachments are selected for the High Flight honor based upon the cadets’ university activities, community participation, military preparedness and success in meeting AFROTC goals in academics, fitness and retention. Arizona State University’s detachment won in the Southwest Region’s large-sized category, while the University of Arkansas’ detachment was named the region’s best among small-sized detachments. ASU’s Detachment 847 previously won regional honors in 2007, 2010 and 2012.
“This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the cadre and staff working at the detachment,” said Lt. Col. Pedro Matos, detachment commander since July 12. “It also highlights the effort, camaraderie and determination of our cadets.”
As the largest student organization on campus, the detachment’s cadets build the annual Homecoming Bonfire, lead the Homecoming Parade and the ASU Veterans Day Vigil, and conduct a Junior ROTC Drill Meet for area high school programs. The cadet’s color guard has supported more than 40 events in San Angelo, including the flag retreat at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.
“Much of our success is because of the community, the university and Goodfellow Air Force Base,” Matos said. “Without that support, we couldn’t do half of what we do here.”
ASU cadets who successfully complete ROTC service are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Detachment 847 was formed in 1971.
More information on ASU’s ROTC program is available online at www.angelo.edu/dept/rotc/ or by calling 325-942-2036.