ThunderHAWGS Receive Award from the Commander Southwest Region

Photo Submitted

Lt. Col. Buster McCall (left) presents the High Flight Award for best small detachment to Cadet Christopher McDonough

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Air Force ROTC Detachment 030 – the ThunderHAWGS, has received The Commander Southwest Region’s High Flight Award as the best small detachment among 36 in the Southwest Region. The High Flight Award is given to the detachment that leads the way in training, education, recruiting, and overall performance.

The ThunderHAWGS are the 63 current cadets in the Air Force ROTC program at the U of A.  Over the course of the four year program the cadets work towards commissions as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. This program is designed to evaluate these cadets’ leadership potential and train them to be the next generation of officers for this country.

Cadets must complete a 28 day field training program during the summer between their sophomore and junior year to continue in the program. Cadets who score in the top 10 percent of their group are recognized as being a distinguished graduate.

This year five ThunderHAWGS cadets earned distinguished graduate rankings, raising the detachment’s  cadet academics to 8^th in the Nation.

The ThunderHAWGS were also recognized for their partnership with community service organizations in which they helped to raise over $279,000.

Any student interested in joining the ThunderHAWGS is invited to visit Capt. Young in Memorial Hall, Room 319 or contact him at 479-575-3651 or at bcy002@uark.edu.