We have two new cadets this semester; Cadet Kutz and Cadet Wallock, and we have asked them some questions about their perspective on AFROTC thus far.
Why did you
join?
C/4C Kutz: My cousin
Aaron is in ROTC and I’ve always heard him talk really highly about it. Also, I
wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I’ve always been interested
in aviation which influenced my choice of AFROTC.
C/4C Wallock: My
mother and father were both in the Air Force. My mom was a Medical Lab
Technician and my dad was a Linguist/Cardiopulmonary Technician. I was born on
Eglin AFB so I was surrounded by Air Force life growing up and was inspired by
my parents and military background. I was driven by the desire to serve my
country and to see self improvement.
How are you
liking it?
C/4C Kutz: I like it!
Everyone was super welcoming and very helpful and continues to be. I really
feel like I can go to anyone with my questions/concerns. Its a really close
knit group, especially in the IMT squadron.
C/4C Wallock: I love
it! Immediately from day one I felt really integrated and I felt like a part of
the AFROTC family. It was crazy how much support I was given from day one. Everyone
was super understanding, patient, and excited to have me here.
What
surprised you most about AFROTC? (good and bad)
C/4C Kutz: Definitely
how tight knit the detachment is. Getting up at 5:30 in the morning kind-of
drains you. I was expecting it to be intense, and it sure is, so I guess that
wasn’t unexpected. The trainers throw you into the mix right away, giving you
unexpected leadership roles and the opportunity to learn from failure.
C/4C Wallock: I was
very surprised by the intensity. I didn’t really know what to expect when I
came in so when I was handed opportunity after opportunity I didn’t really know
to handle them all. With that being said, I was taken aback by the kindness and
and helpfulness of everyone in the detachment. I assumed it was just because it
was my first week in ROTC, and everyone wanted me to feel welcomed, but even
after a month I feel just as welcome as the first day I stepped into the
armory.
What do you
like most about AFROTC?
C/4C Kutz: I like
that I can always have a group of people to depend on whether I need help
academically or someone to work out with on off days.
C/4C Wallock: I love
the family aspect of it all. I know that if I ever run into a problem, I can
turn to anyone in my wing for help.
Have you seen
self-improvement yet?
C/4C Kutz:
Definitely; I was always a shy timid guy...still am, but being thrown into
leadership roles has really helped me gain confidence in myself and my
abilities.
C/4C Wallock: I’ve
really surprised myself so far this semester. I’ve taken on leadership positions
that I didn’t know I would be able to. My self confidence has increased
tremendously and I’m not as apprehensive to delve into new opportunities.
