Feature Friday

Name: Adam Howard
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Class year: 2025
Major: Computer Science
Desired Career Field: Cyber Operations
Extracurricular Activities/Sports/Hobbies: Saber Drill Team and BYX Fraternity/Cross Country/ Watching YouTube and listening to podcasts
Something unique about myself: I grew up in a Navy family but decided to be different and join the Air Force. I also play the alto sax. 
Favorite thing about being in AFROTC: I love how AFROTC is like a big family because we support each other. I have made so many lifetime friends. Also, I have had many opportunities to serve the community. Such as working security at Bama football games and even working security at Talladega NASCAR races. Also, I had the honor to lead the homecoming parade while on the Saber’s Drill Team. 
Most challenging part of being in AFROTC: The most challenging part is balancing college classes with AFROTC and waking up early at 0445. However, I have come to realize that anything worth doing requires sacrifices. In this case, serving my country in the AFROTC is worth the sacrifice of getting out of a warm bed and studying hard to succeed academically. 
What leadership opportunities have you been given as a cadet in AFROTC? I have held every leadership position in my flight group. The two most important positions are Physical Fitness Officer and Flight Commander. As the Physical Fitness Officer, it is your job to lead the flight group through PT sessions while also motivating them to perform to the best of their ability. As Flight Commander, it is your responsibility to ensure that your flight group is prepared for Leadership Laboratory (LLAB), where we learn to march in formation. Both positions have helped me develop my leadership skills and have shown me where I need to improve. 
What advice would you give a student thinking about becoming a cadet? Teamwork is imperative in AFROTC. As it says in the Airman’s creed, we are never to leave an Airman behind. We have to work together to ensure that the mission is first and foremost. This guarantees success and excellence in all we do. Service before self is our core value.