In the Loop
Air Force ROTC recognized as best in nation
Air Force Detachment 842 recently was awarded the Air Force ROTC Right of Line Award, the most prestigious award for AFROTC detachments. The award recognizes the UTSA detachment as the best overall large unit in the nation.
UTSA competed against some of the largest detachments in the country, including Texas A&M, Purdue, Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach, University of Colorado–Boulder, University of Washington and The Ohio State University.
In the last decade, Detachment 842 cadet enrollment has grown steadily from 142 to 226 cadets. Most of the 59 percent growth came under the leadership of Col. Lisa Firmin, who took command in 2006.
“We are excited about the growth in our program and, more importantly, in developing quality leaders for the Air Force,” said Firmin. “Our ability to compete and outshine our colleagues is due to the leadership of our staff and the willingness of our cadets to be the best.”
In 2009, UTSA was ranked first in the southwest region of 36 detachments for producing the most second lieutenants for the Air Force. At the national level, with 144 detachments, UTSA was ranked second along with Purdue University and was just behind Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach. UTSA is the largest Air Force ROTC among the six designated Hispanic-serving institutions in the country.
—Omar Hernandez