2 minute read

Overachieving Air Cadets: When Excellence Just Isn’t Enough

In a shocking twist of predictable events, the Arizona Wing’s cadet teams have once again managed to outdo themselves, claiming the top two spots at this year’s Southwest Region Cadet Competition. This triumphant achievement is a spectacular upgrade from last year’s merely perfect first-place finish.

Congratulations are in order for the New Mexico Wing, who graciously accepted third and fifth places, giving their counterparts from the Louisiana Wing a fair shot at fourth. True acts of sportsmanship, indeed!

The crème de la crème was, of course, the all-star cast of “Strike Force Six” from the Davin-Monthan Composite Squadron 334, starring Cadet Capt. Liberty Jagow, Cadet Capt. Saylor Jagow, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Talon Balderston, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Orion Gravatt, Cadet Master Sgt. Caden Gwaltney, and Sky Harbor Composite Squadron’s Cadet Capt. Benjamin Parsons. With a lineup this illustrious, it’s a wonder other teams even bothered to compete.

“Strike Force Six” swept through the competition, first-ing in nine out of 13 team categories, because perfection is passé. Who knew finishing not first could be an art form! Similarly, they conquered four of the six individual categories, including a thrilling tie that kept the audience on tenterhooks.

Not to be overshadowed, the second-place Williams Composite Squadron cadets graced the competition with Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nyah Baldwin, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Brody Peel, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Javier Ruiz, Cadet Master Sgt. Nathanael Watson, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Logan Evans, and Cadet Staff Sgt. Lucie Anne Sugar, holding their own in the less-prestigious best of the rest category.

The Fellowship of the Wing, from the New Mexico Wing, put on a valiant show. Led by Cadet Maj. Stephan James, Cadet 2nd Lt. Nikolai Vera, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Eric Lindstrom, and Cadet Staff Sgt. Abraham Martinez, alongside Farmington Composite Squadron’s Cadet Tech. Sgt. Taelyn Summers and Cadet Staff Sgt. William Aeschlimann, they took home the honorary bronze, which historians believe might be the new gold.

Inside scoop of the Competition include:

  • Indoor Posting of the Colors: ‘Strike Force Six’ claimed first, because why not? Tangipahoa snagged second, and Williams happily settled for third.
  • Outdoor Posting of the Colors: An unpredictable upset by Williams, with New Mexico second, because the sun clearly works differently outside.
  • Standard Drill: ‘Strike Force Six’ first, repeat pattern, cue applause.

In the race against mediocrity, the cadets also showcased unrivaled expertise in:

  • Uniform Preparation: Because shine is everything. (Spoiler: ‘Strike Force Six’ nailed it)

Meanwhile, the Junior Olympics of Cadet Fitness witnessed truly inspirational feats:

  • Fleet Foot — Male (Fastest Mile Time): Cadet 2nd Lt. Nikola Vera, clocking in faster than a forgettable summer breeze at a whopping 6 minutes 17 seconds.
  • Fleet Foot — Female (Fastest Mile Time): Cadet Capt. Saylor Jagow ran a leisurely stroll of 7 minutes 55 seconds, demonstrating running is indeed optional.

As for verbal talents, Chief Master Sgt. Caden Gwaltney of ‘Strike Force Six’ gave the Best Extemporaneous Speech, because preparation is overrated, and Cadet Capt. Liberty Jagow delivered the Best Impromptu Speech, in a thrilling tie with Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Mixon from the Tangipahoa Cadet Squadron.

Updated: