Air Force ROTC

By Maj. Adam Cade ’09

Detachment 875 returned to Virginia Tech from a summer of success, with 64 cadets successfully completing summer field training and six recognized as exceptional performers! Cadets also visited various Air Force bases to experience different career fields and observe operational tasks. One cadet even had the unique opportunity to spend two weeks in European Command (EUCOM) to learn about current peer adversary threats. Once back on campus, everyone hit the ground running! One week into the semester, cadets boarded a USAF C-17 for an incentive ride, piloted by a 2009 Det 875 alum and father of a current cadet. The C-17 stole the show as the first flyover of the home football season against Marshall!  

Every year, Detachment 875 pays tribute to the lives lost in the homeland attack on America on September 11th, 2001. This year, cadets hosted the grandfather of Cadet Tony Shannon-Amato, Fire Service Capt. Tony Amato, who served at Ground Zero. He shared heroic stories of great contributions from many Americans, both on that fateful day and in the following years. The next morning, Capt. Amato joined us before daylight at the annual September 11th Memorial Stair Climb. Traditionally an Air Force ROTC only event, the cadet leadership team upped the ante and invited sister service ROTCs and local first responders to participate in the event. Twelve hundred participants filled Lane Stadium, running the stairs to remember the fallen. This powerful event reminded cadets of the core values that they practice now and will work to embody as future officers and leaders.

This summer, we bid farewell to Col. Greg Lowe ‘97 and hailed incoming detachment commander Col. J.P. O’Dell, a VMI graduate and Special Operations MC-130 aviator. We also welcomed Capt. David Carlson, a maintenance officer returning from an assignment in Sicily, as our new first-year instructor.

This semester, cadets worked diligently to elevate their fitness, raising the average score on the physical fitness assessment. They really appreciate the newly renovated War Memorial Gym! Cadets also participated in an early morning warrior competition led by the Air Force Special Operations Prep Team (AFSOPT), which boosted morale, cohesion, and fitness across the cadet wing.

We also invited over 20 officers from various Air Force and Space Force career fields to share their experience about a myriad of different jobs throughout the Air Force for Career Day, which provides cadets with exposure to a variety of careers, helping to provide context for their job selections.

In November, cadets attended the American Veterans Center Conference in Washington, D.C. and heard from renowned individuals and groups, including Col. Allison Black, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Buffalo Soldiers, the last segregated U.S. Army unit. The event was filled with inspiring stories of service members who overcame the odds and surmounted adversity, becoming nationwide heroes and role models!

To close out the semester, cadets planned and executed Warrior Day, which allowed them to practice expeditionary skills, group leadership projects, and strategic wargaming. First and second year students, known as general military course (GMC) cadets, demonstrated the competencies they have learned, while junior and senior cadets, called the professional officer course (POC), instructed and evaluated them. Warrior Day is step one of a two-part field training exercise, which will culminate in the spring semester. The concept prepares GMC cadets for success at field training and provides opportunities for POC cadets to practice leadership and prepare for commissioning and active duty.

Closing the semester out with a bang, Det 875 hosted the Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton and our detachment mentor, Maj. Gen. Daniel DeVoe. Ms. Dalton arrived on a UH-1N Huey, landing at the Drillfield, and showcasing the mission capabilities to the entire cadet wing, Corps of Cadets, and local population. Throughout the day, Ms. Dalton and Maj. Gen. DeVoe mentored cadets and civilian students of the DCTC program. Ms. Dalton spoke to the entire cadet wing, addressing current DAF priorities, strategic insights, and leadership philosophy, leaving a lasting impact for our FY25 commissionees.

Lastly, please congratulate our cadre and cadets: Detachment 875 received recognition from AFROTC headquarters, earning a top 10% distinction, validating our motto, “Best Alive!”