CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Sept. 25, 2008 -- Caleb Daughhetee, a junior history major from Charleston, Mo., and a cadet in the Air Force ROTC Professional Officers Corps at Southeast Missouri State University, was recognized by Air Force leadership as a distinguished graduate (Top Gun) of his flight at Air Force ROTC's Field Training.

"This is the first time in my 14 years in ROTC that I have seen a cadet from Southeast Missouri State University win this prestigious award," said Vance Pawielski, communications coordinator for Air Force ROTC at Southeast.

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is a supplemental academic leadership program designed to prepare university students to become Air Force officers. This past summer, based on meeting several core requirements, Daughhetee was chosen through a nationwide, selective process to attend Air Force ROTC Field Training held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

ROTC Field Training, summer camp as it is affectionately called by the cadets, is actually a four-week intense orientation program which includes survival training, junior officer preparation, physical fitness and familiarization with the function and organization of an Air Force base and its agencies. The purpose of this training is to further develop their leadership potential and to give the Air Force the opportunity to evaluate the cadet as a potential officer.

In small seminars, cadets engage in group discussions, problem solving, and simulation activities that require maximum individual participation and group cooperation.

“This student-centered approach to learning encourages logical thinking, imagination, and sound judgment – all important attributes of an Air Force officer,” Pawielski said.

Southeast awards four-semester hours of elective credit for this training.

Last semester, Daughhetee was selected for the highly competitive Air Force ROTC’s Commanders Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition and fees, room, books, and a monthly stipend up to $500.

“His leadership skills, GPA, dedication and participation in cadet corps activities contributed to his selection for the scholarship," Pawielski said.

Daughhetee recently signed a contract making a commitment to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force as a second lieutenant after his graduation in May 2010.

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