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Class of 2013 Commissioning

As graduation approaches each year, seniors at universities across the nation are filled with anxiety and anticipation as they leave college behind to embark on their post-graduate careers. For nineteen seniors at the University of Kentucky this spring, those feelings were amplified by their commissioning as active duty officers in the United States Air Force just a few days before graduation.

On May 3rd, 2013, the United States Air Force welcomed nineteen highly capable and motivated new second lieutenants from Air Force ROTC Detachment 290. The pride and dedication of each new lieutenant and the confidence the cadre and cadets who remain at Detachment 290 have in these individuals foreshadows their future successes. UK President, Dr. Eli Capiluto, sent his blessings to the new officers when he spoke at the commissioning ceremony, saying he was "proud of our new second lieutenants on their commissioning. Congrats and Godspeed. Thank you for your commitment and service."

While at Detachment 290, the newly appointed lieutenants completed a comprehensive four-year officer training program to ensure preparedness for the challenges of active duty service.  They excelled in all aspects of training and raised the standard of continued excellence for the cadets remaining at Detachment 290.  Cadet Colonel Nichole Nicholson, the newly appointed Cadet Wing Commander for fall 2013, says she has big shoes to fill, but the graduated seniors have left more than enough tools for her and her new staff to be successful. The cadet wing is excited to build upon lessons learned from the nineteen new officers to even more effectively develop quality leaders for the Air Force.

The cadet executive staff has prepared an exciting training plan for the fall semester with activities including the annual UK Heroes’ Day, Combat Dining Out, a POW/MIA memorial run, and a high school shadow day.  Returning cadets are anxiously looking forward to honing their leadership skills as they welcome the anticipated largest incoming freshman class in recent Detachment 290 history and train them to be officers in the world’s greatest air force.

If you’re interested in joining The Flying Wildcat team of Detachment 290, contact Lt Jeremiah Sloan at AirForce.ROTC@uky.edu or (859) 257-7115.