Irish for a Day 5K

On Saturday, 8 March 2014, 16 cadets volunteered their time at the 100% Irish for a Day 5K and 10 mile run through Twin Cities in Motion (TCM). TCM is a local organization whose mission is to, “inspire wellness and fitness throughout the entire community, donate to charity, and promote the sport of running, especially to children.” The course of the race was around Lake Harriet and/or Lake Calhoun, about 20 minutes from campus. After receiving instructions, fluorescent green vests and Caribou Coffee at 0800, the cadets were dispersed along the race course, and were in charge of preventing cars from entering the course route. The race kicked off promptly at 0900. Throughout the duration of the race (0900 - 1100) cadets enjoyed cheering on the runners (often in the form of an occasional joke as they passed, courtesy of Cadet Mitchell), observing the outlandish St. Patrick’s themed costumes, and the beauty of the lakes as well as the surrounding neighborhood.  Though the Cadets were pelted with Lucky Charms and lost some of the feeling in their toes due to the frigid temperatures, it was great to volunteer our time for such a good cause!
-Cadet Mullings

Mustache March

Midway through March marks the start of our spring break here at the University of Minnesota, and with that comes an update to the challenge given from a top spot in the chain of command. Late in February, the Air Force's Chief of Staff, General Mark A. Welsh III, issued a challenge to the entire Air Force, though mostly the men many would hope, to grow the best mustache in what has become an Air Force tradition of Mustache March. He called for full participation in his address to the Air Force Association, stating “I don’t think we’ve ever had an all-in Mustache March, have we?” Here at Detachment 415, we are honoring this challenge, and although we aren’t officially part of the Air Force wide competition, we are hosting one of our own.

During our Leadership Laboratory on 26 February, we were given the challenge and given the rules. Not any mustache would do for this competition, because many styles are wildly out of regulation for what can be grown. Regulations state that the mustache must not extend beyond the vertical planes drawn by the corners of the lips, and that the mustache must also not touch the upper lip. Such regulations result in admittedly interesting appearances to say the least. From pencils, to lampshades, to painter’s brushes, to peach fuzz, there are many ways to grow a regulation mustache, although for many the peach fuzz is not much of a choice. With such interest drawn to Mustache March this year, it is interesting to look into its origins in the Air Force.

Regulations have more or less always been in place to govern the appearance of military individuals, and facial hair is no exception. While some facial hair is permitted as described above, the limits are quite prohibitive for those that desire a more full facial feeling. Such was the case with Air Force pilot Robin Olds. Olds was well known for his flying career, one in which he earned himself the title of “triple ace,” earning each title for a victory against five enemy aircraft. In total, Olds had 16 victories spread throughout Word War II and the Vietnam War. Although his flying career is undoubtedly impressive, Olds was better known for his stylish mustache. He grew a very full, and wonderfully waxed mustache that was wildly against Air Force regulations. He grew it in part because many airmen would sport “bulletproof mustaches” as a superstition, but also as a sort of protest against the appearance standards. Mustache March is now an Air Force tradition in honor of Brigadier General Robin Olds.

Included are some of the more notable two week check up ‘staches.

Loaves and Fishes

Friday 28 February, several cadets decided to make a difference in the community.  Even after a massive ice storm, cadets chose to travel to St. Matthew's Church in St. Paul to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes.  Loaves and Fishes is a service organization with a mission of feeding those who are hungry in our community.  They run out of several different locations cooking and serving food for people who can not afford it.  Cadets went and helped the Loaves and Fishes group to serve meals.  The afternoon started with some clean up of the cooking dishes and the final preparations of the meal. Cadets then helped put out the food and dish up plates to serve those people who made the journey through the cold to have a warm meal. After the meal was finished cadets helped do dishes as well as sweep, mop and wash down the kitchen and dining hall.  Overall cadets had a really fun time and helped out the community too.

-Cadet Zastrow

Flying Gophers at NDSU

This weekend, the cadets of Detachment 415 flaunted their basketball skills during NDSU’s basketball tournament in Fargo, ND. With a team of eleven amazing players and eight enthusiastic cheer leaders, Det. 415’s team played for five amazing games (four of which were in a row.) Of those games, there were three wins and two losses, placing the cadets in second.

The first game was a close one that ended with the team down by a single point. After the initial loss, the dedicated players stepped up their game and dominated the court all the way into the finals. The second game was straight Flying Gopher domination. The third game, however initially ended in a tie. During overtime, the team managed to pull ahead and win. With that win, the great team of Detachment 415 went into the finals. During the first game against the undefeated, UND Army, the amazing cadets of Detachment 415 pulled ahead and won the first game. During the second game, both teams were in fierce competition. However, the UND Army managed to pull ahead and win.

Some highlights of the game included the non-stop three pointers by Cadet Leveille (he made over 10.) In addition, Cadet Leveille scored over 40 points (the most of any cadet), over 12 rebounds, and quite a few blocks. Cadet Wachter also gave quite a bit of trouble to the opposing teams, scoring over 27 points and having over eight rebounds. Cadets Malcolm and Brown also violated the Honor Code in the best possible way by constantly stealing the ball. Our esteemed Wing Commander, Cadet Kornhoff; ace trainer, Cadet Lamers; and Cadet Hofland all were able to not only score, but help with many assists. And, there was also some new talent from Cadets LaFrance and Hubert. Though both were relatively new to the game, they each were able to stay competitive in the game. Cadet Erickson, the coach, also cannot be left out. From the sidelines, Cadet Erickson led the team and came up with strategies that pushed the Flying Gophers to success.

Additionally, the cheer team that went along for the ride were both extremely loud and extremely proud. Many made signs between the first and second game in order to motivate the Flying Gophers. The cheer team also had a constant stream of encouragement and cheer, especially when a cadet scored. There was also a great bit of motivation from the very colorful outfits worn by Cadets Krapf and Almquist. Cadets Gulsvig and Kornhoff also brought along food, so the players and cheerers were never short on energy.

The game played over the weekend is one that will always be a great memory for the cadets of Detachment 415. The camaraderie between cadets and the rush of victory will certainly be felt by everyone for a very long time.

-Cadet Forester

Winter Commissioning

Earlier this frigid January was the event all cadets strive for, the pinnacle of the cadet career. A ceremony to mark the end of a years long, rigorous, but ultimately rewarding journey into the United States Air Force. Former cadets Peot and Larson had finally completed that journey when they were commissioned as second lieutenants on a January afternoon, earning the first of many ranks expected in their careers.

Family and friends gathered in the Bell Museum auditorium to watch as the two at the time waning cadets took to the stage from which they would return officers. Their time as cadets had passed, and they were ready to take the first step into active duty. Along with the rank of second lieutenant comes a pair of gold bars to be worn with the uniform. In attendance of the ceremony were lieutenant Larson's parents, taking part by pinning these gold bars on him. It was an exciting moment as the lieutenants received their first salutes as officers, lieutenant Peot's coming from a Navy SEAL. After the ceremony, punch and cake was served, a sweet end to an important milestone.

The ceremony was brief, not unlike the experience the incoming freshman cadets had with the now lieutenants Peot and Larson. While having only spent one semester together, it was clear to all that these two individuals were something special, a true motivation for the cadets still working toward this honor. The commissioning serves as a reminder to all that the hard work and dedication will pay off in the end, despite any struggles along the way.

Both Larson and Peot will continue to pilot training, and hopefully on to becoming pilots for the United States Air Force. We wish them the best of luck with their futures!

-Cadet Mundt

Change of Command - My Last Lead Lab

Last Wednesday was the last Leadership Lab class of the semester and the last Lead Lab of my ROTC career!  That last fact still hasn’t sunk in for me and probably won’t until I’m on my way to Oklahoma and pilot training.  The final Lead Lab of the semester always includes the change of command ceremony during which the new cadet wing commander assumes command of the cadet wing!  The ceremony is planned and executed by the AS 200(sophomore) class and lasts about 10 minutes. 

 

Other final Lead Lab staples are watching the End-of-Semester video that highlights all of the events throughout the semester and stuffing our faces with delicious pasta from Buca di Bepo!  Finally, it was time to present the gag gifts for the commissioning seniors.  It is a tradition to poke a little fun at those of us who are graduating and getting ready to commission.  It was strange to be the one on the receiving end of the gifts this year.  I can’t believe how fast my time here has flown by, but I’m excited to move on to the Active Duty Air Force!  My time in AFROTC has been a blast, and I will miss my family at the Det.  SKI-U-MAH!

 

-Cadet Larson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgM7MlsUsI0

Dining In - Fall 2013

On Friday November 15, all cadre and cadets University of Minnesota’s AFROTC Detachment 415 joined together for their annual Dining In event.  We all met at the Fort Snelling Officer’s Club in St. Paul for dinner, speakers and good times.  Dining In is a tradition of the Air Force that represents the most formal aspects of Air Force social life.  It is a very old tradition that can be traced back centuries to celebrate military victory and individual achievements. 

The night started out with an introductory social hour where cadre, cadets and our guests had chance to acquaint themselves in a new environment.  It was a great opportunity for the GMC to get to know POC and cadre in a more relaxed environment.  As expected, our special guest, Brigadier General Robert F. Cayton was very popular with all the cadets.  Everyone wanted to introduce themselves and shake his hand before the proceeds of the night began.  After a semester of hard work, it was very fulfilling to have a great time with the people you spent so much time with in the classroom and in training.  For some, it would be their last Dining-In as a cadet. 

 As the mess opened, several ceremonies and procedures followed.  We welcomed the head table with General Cayton, Colonel Hoopes, and our Cadet Staff.  Cadet Gulsvig and Cadet Hash sang a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem followed by invocation.  Our detachment’s Arnold Air Society then carried out a POW/MIA Ceremony led by Cadet Krapf.  Toasts proceeded followed by dinner.  We had a delicious dinner prepared by the Fort Snelling Officer Club.  This was our chance to reward ourselves after all the hard work at PT this semester.  Dinner was followed by opening of the grog.  Cadets prepared rhymes calling out other cadets.  They had a chance to send a rebuttal but the President of the Mess, Cadet Tietz, had the final say.  The loser was sent to the Grog to take a glass of unsavory liquids, and toast, “To the Mess!”  It was difficult to escape the wrath of the Grog this year. 

 As the Grog closed we had awards for the detachment, from the best group centerpiece to the most plates consumed at dinner that night.  We then welcomed General Cayton to the mic for his motivational speech to our detachment.  He spoke about the riveting story of Captain Lance Sijanin, a POW in the Vietnam War, and how it applied to being a leader.  Speaking for the Cadet Wing, we really took a lot from his meaningful words that night.  It was an honor to have him as our guest for Dining In.  The night closed with some final words from the cadre and cadet staff.  Dancing proceeded after to top off the successful fall 2013 Dining In.  It was a great night for our guests, the cadre and cadet wing. The night really brought a lot of people closer in our Air Force family and was truly a great night to be a future Airmen.

-Cadet Wolsky