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AFROTC Unit Tops in Nation

October 30, 2015

Angelo State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 has been recognized for excellence by the U.S. Air Force with the 2015 Right of Line Award as the top medium-sized detachment in the nation.

Earlier this year, Detachment 847 was named the High Flight winner as the top medium-sized detachment in the Southwest Region. It was the fifth time in the past nine years the detachment had won the regional honor.

As winner of the region, which includes 14 medium-sized detachments in 11 states from Mississippi to Hawaii, ASU’s 46-member detachment was measured against winners of the three other regions in the AFROTC National Headquarters Right of Line competition.

Detachments are selected for the High Flight and Right of Line honors based on the cadets’ university activities, community participation, military preparedness and success in meeting AFROTC goals in academics, fitness and retention. ASU’s Detachment 847 previously won regional honors in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

This marks the second year in a row for ASU’s ROTC detachment to receive national recognition. In 2014, then-Cadet Dylan Meador of Wall was named the national USAF Cadet of the Year. Meador received his commission as an Air Force second lieutenant in May and was selected for pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base.

Lt. Col. Scott Partin Lt. Col. Scott Partin The cadets, under the command of Lt. Col. Scott Partin, are an important part of ASU’s traditions, building the annual Homecoming Bonfire and leading the Homecoming Parade and the ASU Veterans Day Vigil. The detachment also conducts an annual Junior ROTC Drill Meet for area high school programs. The ASU color guard supports more than 40 events in San Angelo, including the flag retreat at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.

ASU cadets who successfully complete ROTC service are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Detachment 847 was formed in 1971.