CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 772 at Charleston Southern University was named Southeast Region Small Unit High Flight Winner for the third time in four years.
Detachment 772, consisting of 23 cadets, was rewarded for their accomplishments that stood out among the 14 small units in the region.
Detachments are evaluated in the areas of officer commissions, academic performance, recruiting and retention, cadet activities, community service and student involvement for awards like this.
Cadets operate their own cadet wing with leadership positions such as wing commander and squadron commanders.
"The cadets learn from experience," said Lt. Col. Patrick Morris, AFROTC Det. 772 commander. "Learning from experience leads to confidence building. In order to be leaders, they have to do it. They get ownership of it."
Det. 772 is unique among AFROTC units in that most of its cadets have prior military service.
"Most of the cadets are prior military," said Colonel Morris. "They are here to prepare themselves for active duty as officers and, because we are small, each cadet gets a lot more time to lead. They are a self-motivated group of people with a tradition of high energy."
These cadets lead activities throughout the year and maximize their opportunities for military orientation.
Through their Aerospace Club, Det. 772 organizes the annual Lowcountry Drill Competition for 16 South Carolina high schools. The cadets coordinate all schedules, drill team and judge selections, scoring criteria, catering, equipment procurement and event planning for all 350 people involved in the competition.
The cadets also take part in training that exposes them to Air Force operations. That training involves exposure to aircraft such as the C-17 cargo plane, weapons demonstrations of M16 and M60 machine guns, wartime scenarios, discussions about security forces and pilot training, and Air Force base operations. They also participate in military orientation training to learn about military culture, marching, physical fitness and military knowledge.
The cadets perform as a color guard at their university's events and they simulate military logistics exercises, team training and inspections through cadet run camping trips, Habitat for Humanity community service projects and banquets. The cadets also reach out to their community twice a year through visits to the local Ralph H. Johnson Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, during which they spend time and visit with veterans and express appreciation for their service to their country.
Det. 772 cadets have a history of being top-notch heroes, according to Colonel Morris. One cadet served with Special Forces in Afghanistan and earned eight air medals. One cadet was named Airman of the Air Force. Another was named videographer of the year. Another has 10 years of enlisted military experience, and many have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
During this award period, a cadet was awarded the AFROTC Silver Valor Award because of his perceptiveness and quick actions where he saved the life of a heart attack victim.