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THE EAGLE18 SEPT 2012

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THE EAGLE05 DEC 2012

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Inside this Issue:•Cadre’s Corner•One Last Interview•The Next Step•Ms. Tuttle: Detachment 027’s X-‐Factor•Thank You•“Name that POC” Activity

Where to Oind it: & 4Page 2Page 3Page 5Page 6Page 7

Cadre’s Corner

See more on Page 4

“Bottom-‐Line: Be proud of the road you have traveled. I am an ROTC product and extremely proud of it.”

Northern Arizona University Detachment 027 Fall 2012 Issue 4M

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18 SEPT 2012

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One Last InterviewBy Major John Napier

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed the past three years here with all the "outstanding" cadets and cadre. As my time at Det 027 ends, I will be entering the next chapter in my life with mixed feelings. I'm happy about what the future brings, but not so happy to be leaving the quality cadets and cadre of Det 027.

After 22.5 years of Air Force service I would say the years I spent as an AFROTC instructor were the best years of my career. Words can't describe how cool it was seeing cadets come in as overwhelmed freshman and then eventually turn into mature and responsible POC. That truly is the most gratifying part of this job.

The memories I take with me will last a long time. I will deOinitely miss cadets walking past my ofOice -‐-‐ checking the clock -‐-‐ and either saying good morning or afternoon (and still getting the part of the day wrong). One thing that I always found humorous was the level of enthusiasm of the verbal greetings as cadets passed by my ofOice. I could guess what class each cadet was in -‐-‐ even without looking to see who walked by. The freshmen had the most enthusiasm; the sophomores were the most professional as they prepared for Oield training; the juniors were a mixed bag as it seemed they hung onto their Oield training customs and courtesies but realized Oield training was over so they were a bit relaxed and casual; the seniors didn't say much as they walked by but I did get a head nod every now and then in a "whassup?" kind of way. Oh, how I will miss cadets walking by my ofOice!

That is just one snapshot of the things I'll miss. I could go on and on, but let's just say I will miss you all very much.

The future is unwritten for me, but I can tell you, wherever I end up I will look back at the time I spent here and do nothing but smile. I can also rest easy at night knowing that nothing but the best leaders are coming out of NAU's AFROTC!

18 SEPT 2012

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The Next StepBy Cadet Third Class Christina Holt

Next semester will be one of the most important for 200 and 250 level cadets. Next semester is our next step in our quest to be OfOicers in the Air Force. Next semester is Field Training Preparation, and it is our last chance to prove ourselves worthy of an Enrollment Allocation. Our future in ROTC and the Air Force will be determined next semester. All of us have put effort into our numbers; GPA, PFA, AFOQT/SAT/ACT, and commander’s ranking. We have done everything we could to stand out among our peers. Next semester we Oind out if our efforts were enough.

We will either hear the words that we have been waiting for, “You got an Enrollment Allocation” or we will hear the words that no one in the program wants to hear, “ I am sorry you were not selected for an Enrollment Allocation”. We are the only ones that can control which words we will hear.

Field Training Preparation, from what I have seen will be one of the most challenging semesters in our AFROTC career. We will all need to work together to succeed. Morale in the FTP Olights will have to be high. There should always be someone there for you to lean on when you are feeling weak. So 200’s and 250’s prepare yourselves because the next step is Field Training Preparation, then Field Training and then the ultimate goal of the ROTC program, commissioning.

My advice to all of you is to Oinish this semester out strong. Do everything in your power to improve your numbers. Work hard in your classes. Do all your homework. Study (don’t cram) for your exams and Oinals. Push yourself at PT. Workout on your own time. Eat healthy. Know your warrior knowledge. Always give 110% (more than you think you can). And help your fellow wingman, because this is it. It is the Oinal straight away of your mile and half run. If you really want to be an ofOicer in the Air Force, now is time to give this everything you got.

This will be us soon!

18 SEPT 2012

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Cadre’s CornerWords from Major Bugg I PCS’d (Permanent Change of Station) here from the Air Force Academy. A lot of cadets ask me if there’s a difference between Academy and ROTC cadets. Answer: No, not really. However, there are some subtle differences in perspectives.

Believe it or not, there are a number of Zoomies (as they are nicknamed) that are jealous of your current situation. You have privileges for which they dream. ROTC cadets don’t have to march to lunch; you wear what you want to non-‐AFROTC classes and can come and go as you please with an open campus. You might think that USAFA is open, but it’s extremely controlled…for security reasons. However, Zoomies sometimes look at their campus as a prison.

While Zoomies are forced to march, wear the uniform nearly 24/7 (actually the case for freshman) and constantly receive training/academics from not only the faculty but upper-‐class cadets and active-‐duty staff, they are rewarded with remarkable opportunities. For example, they have a Olight line for powered Olight, soaring, and jump programs, travel to various Air Force bases and around the world for speciOic programs/events and receive outstanding guest speakers from the top echelons of various industries, etc.

Some Zoomies would complain to me about how hard they have it at times, but they don’t nearly have to justify the means for the same end—ofOicer in the world’s greatest air, space and cyberspace Force! Some of you work, pay your own way for a college degree, push yourself to show up for PT (no morning PT at USAFA) and develop both the self-‐discipline and conOidence to perform on your own without the weight of the Academy staff (active duty and cadet) on you. ROTC cadets in some cases may come into active duty more eager and focused. Why? Because you haven’t been subjected to a 24/7 military grind or become less rank conscious (typical due to the amount of high indigenous and visiting rank—they become accustomed).

Bottom-‐Line: Be proud of the road you have traveled. I am an ROTC product and extremely proud of it. I wouldn’t trade any of my days at the University of Kentucky. At the same time, I tell Zoomies to stand tall for navigating the Academy’s grind and to realize the great opportunities granted because of it. Both commissioning sources have pros and cons, for example Zoomies may have more in-‐depth military training and ROTC grads may have a more diverse life experience. However, in the end each commissioning source produces outstanding ofOicers and we all work together as active-‐duty ofOicers to lead the AF to Oly, Oight and win in air, space and cyberspace!

18 SEPT 2012

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Ms. Tuttle: Detachment 027’s X-FactorBy Cadet Fourth Class Courtney Owen

Ms. Patty is always one to lend a helping hand to each person who enters the Det. Everyone from Olustered incoming cadets to the Cadre; Ms. Patty is someone every person in Detachment 027 can count on—even if she modestly denies it. After a short conversation with Ms. Patty, it becomes apparent how dedicated she is to her job—according to TSgt Bonner “she keeps great records and continuity books so (Patty quote) ‘in case I get hit by a train’ (she always says that) than anyone in the detachment can pick up exactly where she left off with step by step instructions”. Although no amount of booking and instruction could teach all that Ms. Tuttle does outside her job description.

NAU hired our loveable secretary to assist with AFROTC about three and half years ago. Ever since, she has become great friends with all members of the Cadre as well as the cadets, saying, “it’s hard to see them go” whether it be graduation, transfer or retirement. The AFROTC cadets are very important to Ms. Patty; she said she looks forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays just to see us cadets! We owe it to her to always be polite, cheerful and keep up on our academics; Ms. Tuttle’s main advice to all cadets is, “Do NOT overdue participation in ROTC and neglect academics!” Her compassion toward those in the Det is irreplaceable; TSgt Bonner was correct in saying “she goes above and beyond the role of a typical administrative assistant”. She always thinks of ways to make the det feel more at home.

Ms. Patty is someone you can talk to anything about, even things outside of ROTC. Sports, Oishing, animals, pitching but be careful with politics! TSgt. Bonner’s favorite thing about Ms. Patty is “She is a very staunch conservative and she isn’t afraid to let everybody know about it”. Of course, it’s this openness that makes Ms. Tuttle so easy to talk to! I was almost late to LLAB listening to all the interesting stories our administrative assistant has—everything from pets to moving to baseball and even some funny instances with the Cadre.

Lt. Colonel Doan worded it perfectly, “Ms. Tuttle is Detachment 027’s X-‐Factor, our Secret Weapon! Most, if not all, AFROTC detachments have solid active-‐duty AF cadre (though ours, at least Major and below, are the best in my opinion). Few detachments, if any, however, have a university team member like Ms. Tuttle. Ms. Tuttle is a woman of impeccable character and tremendous patriotism. She is incredibly smart, trustworthy, enthusiastic, loyal and committed to our Mission of “Developing Quality Leaders for the AF”. Ms. Tuttle deeply cares about the well-‐being and development of each individual student and this passion is at the core of everything she does. Whether you know it or not, she is your Wingman and advocates and get things done for you daily. Ms. Tuttle does so much more and is so much more valuable than her job description. I’m thankful every day that Ms. Tuttle’s part of our team and I know you are too!”

18 SEPT 2012

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Thank YouCadet Third Class Christina HoltI did not apply to be Public Affairs OfOicer, and to be honest I was disappointed at Oirst when I found out my position. Coming in to this semester I had never even read an issue of The Eagle. However, now as this semester comes to an end I am so glad that this was my position. My job has deOinitely grown on me (teaching me that good things can come from things that may disappoint you at Oirst). Being in charge of The Eagle has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my college career, and I have learned so much that can apply into many different aspects of life.

This is the last issue of The Eagle that I will be in charge of. I hope that you all have enjoyed The Eagle this semester as much as I have enjoyed making it for you all.

This being said, I could not have done it alone. I have had many people help me with The Eagle this semester. The Eagle would not have been possible without all the help and support I received.

The following is a list of people that I cannot thank enough for helping me with The Eagle this semester:

And for those of you who actually read The Eagle, Thank you.

• Lieutenant Colonel Doan

• Cadet Kuehn

• Major Bugg

• Cadet Owen

• Cadet Wood

• Cadet Cummins

• Cadet Bingham

• Cadet Luch

• Lieutenant Dufour

• Cadet Irvine

• Cadet Kryder

• AAS Candidate Class

• Cadet Renard

• Cadet Enbody

• Cadet Herbert

• Captain Fleshman

18 SEPT 2012

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“Name That POC” ActivityMatch each POC to the clue that corresponds to them.

1. Arguably the loudest person in the wing

2. “It’s another beautiful day to be an American...”

3. Excused from PT for almost the whole semester

4. Smeagol (or Gollum) from Lord of the Rings

5. Works at WAC

6. The person you hate most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 0615 & 0715

7. Is the reason you now hate marshmallows

8. AAS Candidates and Cadet Hakala’s favorite POC h. Cadet Bishop

a. Cadet Enbody

b.Cadet Nagel

c. Cadet Brandon

d.Cadet Turner

e.Cadet Herbert

f. Cadet Westphal

g. Cadet Luch

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