Cadet Honored In Pentagon Ceremony�
(May 17, 2011) |
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Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Academy Cadet Christopher J. McCool and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz stand for a photo during the 2010 U.S. Air Force Cadet of the Year ceremony May 12, 2011, at the Pentagon. Cadet McCool earned the honor for demonstrated excellence in military skill, academics and athletics in an Air Force commissioning program. U.S. Air Force photo
by Andy Morataya |
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WASHINGTON (AFNS - 5/13/2011) -- The newest name engraved on the
Millennium Sword of Friendship in the Pentagon is that of a student
at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., who was
presented with the 2010 U.S. Air Force Cadet of the Year Award here
May 12.
During a ceremony hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff
Gen. Norton Schwartz, Cadet Christopher J. McCool garnered the
recognition for demonstrated excellence in military skill, academics
and athletics in an Air Force commissioning program.
The Air
Squadron, a private British organization, established the award in
2000 to pay tribute to the U.S. military for its support of the
United Kingdom over the years. The group presented the sword to the
Air Force that same year, as a symbol of the enduring
British-American partnership.
In his remarks, General
Schwartz lauded |
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Cadet McCool's myriad achievements. |
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"Aristotle once said that we are what we repeatedly do,"
General Schwartz said. "Cadet McCool has consistently
excelled as a scholar, as an athlete, and in the military
aspects of his training."
General Schwartz said the
award does not just recognize the past accomplishments of
Cadet McCool, who will be commissioned as an officer on May
25.
"This award is really about promise and
potential," the general said. "The United States Air Force
will benefit from the promise and potential of this young
leader in just a few weeks."
Cadet McCool, who holds
a 3.97 grade point average, distinguished himself as wing
athletic non-commissioned officer, element leader and wing
director of operations at the Academy, according to his
award citation.
He oversaw the largest intramural
sports program in the country, involving more than 3,200
cadets. Cadet McCool was also selected to attend Harvard
University in Cambridge, Mass., to pursue a master's degree
in public policy.
The cadet spoke of his teachers and
teammates in describing his journey to success.
"I'm
definitely grateful for the many people who have helped me
along the way," Cadet McCool said. "I don't understand why
I'm here ... because the things I've done are the same
things that several other cadets, not only from the Academy
but from other commissioning sources, do on a daily basis.
It's been an honor and a privilege."
Representing the
Air Squadron, Marcus De Ferranti expressed gratitude to the
Air Force and to Cadet McCool for inspiring future
generations.
"We pay regular thanks to individuals
who give inspiration through their actions, their example
and their excellence to future generations," Mr. De Ferranti
said. "On behalf of the Air Squadron, I'm very proud to
present him with the sword today, and I hope he'll keep in
touch with us for at least a generation."
The Air
Squadron was founded in London in 1966 by a group of friends
who shared a passionate interest in flying light aircraft.
Organization officials also award cadet-of-the-year honors
to the top cadet at Royal Air Force Cranwell, training site
for RAF officers and cadets of the South African Air Force. |
By USAF MSgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
Copyright 2011 | |
Reprinted from
Air Force News
Service
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