Feature Friday Cadets

​Name: Joshua Casey

Hometown: Naples, FL

Class year: 2024

Major: Criminal Justice/Political Science (double major)

Desired Career Field: Security Forces

Extracurricular Activities/Sports/Hobbies: Studying case law/volunteering with the Campus Veteran’s Association/running/watching Alabama football

Something unique about myself: After 7 years of Active Duty service, I continue to serve in the AFRC while participating in the AFROTC program

Favorite thing about being in AFROTC: Sharing my Air Force experiences and knowledge with other cadets to help them develop in the program

Most challenging part of being in AFROTC: Realizing at times that I’m no longer operationally in the NCO role when participating as a cadet

What leadership opportunities have you been given as a cadet in AFROTC?: I have been provided personnel leading rolls such as leading PT sessions and commanding multiple types of drill formations. Additionally, I’ve been given the opportunity to volunteer in a security role at campus football games w/ 25k fans in attendance.

What advice would you give a student thinking about becoming a cadet?: My advice would be to develop yourself physically, mentally, and to adopt a mentality of “wingmanship”. Anyone joining the program must know that teamwork is key. Serving in the world’s greatest Air Force has been the proudest thing I’ve ever done, and anyone looking to join the Air Force in any capacity will be making one of the greatest decisions of their lives.
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Det/CC: It’s always a pleasure to see an enlisted member pursuing their four-year degree and challenging themselves to become an Air Force officer. Cadet Casey opted to start as an AS100, so I know it has been a very humbling adjustment for him! But he has been a great asset to our cadet corps; sharing his experiences and perspectives with his fellow cadets. And not only does he set an example here, but most definitely to those at his Reserve unit and to other enlisted members as well. It’s a pleasure having Cadet Casey on our team!

Name: Rob Cullison

Hometown: Fairfax, VA

Class year: AS300

Major: Healthcare Analytics

Desired Career Field: Medical Service Corps

Extracurricular Activities/Sports/Hobbies: Running, Cooking in my Instant Pot.

Something unique about myself: Once, I ate a dozen donuts in 2 minutes and 43 seconds (as part of the Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge).

Favorite thing about being in AFROTC: The best part about AFROTC is the people. Being part of a team of people that I love to be around, all striving toward the same goal, continually motivates me to be my best.

Most challenging part of being in AFROTC: The additional time commitments and responsibilities that come with being in AFROTC are the most challenging part, but they give me an opportunity to practice managing my time.

What leadership opportunities have you been given as a cadet in AFROTC?: Between freshman and sophomore year, I was selected to be the Cadet in Charge for the Operation Air Force PDT at JB Andrews. As Cadet in Charge, I was accountable for 17 other AFROTC cadets and two 12-passenger vans for two weeks.

What advice would you give a student thinking about becoming a cadet?: I would advise that students come into AFROTC with an open mind. Cadets will have a different college experience than the rest of the students on their campus but in a good way.
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Det/CC: Cadet Cullison has been a stellar cadet with an impressive 4.2 university CGPA and 100 scores on his PFAs. He aims to exceed standards in all he does, and his passion for running shows in his performance—he had the fastest run for a male during our Fall PFAs with a 8.41 time. He has made great strides in developing as a leader and wingman, setting an example for other cadets and inspiring them to be the best they can be. It has been a pleasure watching him transform as a cadet and I look forward to serving with him soon when he commissions into the Air Force.