Angelo State University’s Air Force ROTC Unit Top in the Region

For the fifth time in the past nine years, Angelo State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 has been named the 2015 High Flight winner as the top medium-sized detachment in the Southwest Region, said a press release Thursday.

According to the press release, ASU’s 46-member detachment, as the winner of the region, will compete against winners of the three other regions in the AFROTC National Headquarters Right of Line competition in October. There are 14 medium-sized detachments in 11 states from Mississippi to Hawaii.

“This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the cadre and staff working at the detachment,” said Lt. Col. Scott Partin, detachment commander since July. “It also highlights the effort, camaraderie and determination of our cadets.”

Detachments are chosen for the High Flight honor based upon the cadet’s university activities, community participation, military preparedness and success in meeting AFROTC goals in academics, fitness and retention. The detachment at Texas A&M University won in the Southwest Region’s large-sized category, and the University of Houston’s detachment was named the region’s best among small-sized detachments. ASU’s Detachment 847 previously won regional honors in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013, the press release stated.

The release also explained that the detachment’s cadets are an important part of ASU’s traditions, including building the annual Homecoming Bonfire and leading the Homecoming Parade and the ASU Veterans Day Vigil.

“The cadet’s color guard supports more than 40 events in San Angelo, including the flag retreat at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark,” the release stated.

Detachment 847 was formed in 1971, and ASU cadets who successfully complete ROTC service are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

For more information on ASU’s ROTC program, visit www.angelo.edu/rotc/ or call 325-942-2036.