BY: Allison Stewart
With Veteran’s Day just around the corner, it is important to reflect on our nation’s military.
Dedicating their lives to ensure our safety and freedom, our veterans protect the livelihoods that Americans tend to take for granted. This upcoming Veteran’s Day, make it a priority to reach out to those who have served our country and say, “Thank you!” Simple gratitude holds great power.
As we thank our military, it is also important to reach out to those who are currently serving or are preparing to do so. At AUM, there are two ROTC programs: Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC) and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Both are dedicated to preparing aspiring leaders for military service .
Unfamiliar with AFROTC? College students who want to be commissioned officers complete the AFROTC program during their academic career. Freshmen and sophomores begin in the General Military Course (GMC). After completion, cadets must complete a summer Field Training program. Once they complete Field Training, they move forward to the Professional Officer Course (POC). Field Training is only one of the steps to moving to POC— individuals must also meet or exceed certain qualifications regarding physical fitness, high academic standing, and more.
Savannah Cowart and Derek Paul are Warhawks in AFROTC. They both completed Field Training over the summer, which allowed them to move into the Professional Officer Course (POC).
As the Physical Training Officer for their detachment, Savannah plans weekly workouts.
Savannah is in her third year at AUM. She is majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. Savannah’s favorite thing about her major is the constant challenge. She explained that she has a love/hate relationship with her studies for sure, but appreciates how there is always an “interesting element.” It keeps her from being complacent. Additionally, she enjoys how biology is connected to other fields of science, such as chemistry, so it makes for a well-rounded major. Once she finishes at AUM, Savannah would like to go to graduate school. She is interested in pursuing physical therapy.
This semester, Savannah’s biggest goal is to create a balance between work, her personal life, and school. She is a tutor at the ISL. Paired with the responsibilities of AFROTC and her personal life, Savannah’s planner is surely booked. Instead of letting her responsibilities weigh her down, Savannah uses them as motivation for her future goals. In other words, she knows how to kick butt.
As for AFROTC, Savannah values the foundation of wingmanship. Her fellow cadets are more than friends — they are family. She never expected it to impact her in the way that it has. Her leadership and people skills have advanced greatly over the past three years. Overall, Savannah loves seeing a glimpse of the bigger team she will be a part of with the U.S. Air Force.
When asked what advice she would give to an incoming cadet, Savannah replied, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” She compared AFROTC to a four-year long interview. She explained that you are there to develop as a leader. This means that you must learn from your failures and strive to set yourself apart.
Some of Savannah’s hobbies include running, watching Netflix, and hiking with her dog, Evan. One day, she hopes to visit Seattle, Hawaii, Italy, and Greece. As for her favorite jams, Savannah enjoys alternative rock and indie. Some of her go-to artists include The Kooks, The Shins, and The Strokes.
Derek serves as the Drill and Ceremony Officer.
Derek transferred to AUM in the Spring of 2018. He is majoring in exercise science. Like Savannah, he is interested in physical therapy. Derek enjoys the smaller class sizes that AUM offers. He appreciates how it allows professors to focus on their students, creating an inviting scholastic atmosphere.
When asked about his favorite part of his major, Derek stated, “I like how hands-on the classes are. The lessons are functional with everyday life and what people do on a daily basis.” He encourages students who are interested in exercise science to apply the concepts they learn in the classroom to their own way of living. He explained when you actively perform what you learn, it helps you explain it well to others. Overall, it develops a deeper understanding of yourself.
In regard to AFROTC, Derek hopes to be a pilot and fly an A-10 aircraft. Being a part of AFROTC is beyond fulfilling for him. He shared that AFROTC connects you to people from all over. Some of these people you would never expect to grow so close to. As he progressed through the program, their team feels like a family.
For people interested in AFROTC, Derek shared that it is important to not get overwhelmed with a different way of thinking. You will often look at scenarios in new ways, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. These new ways of thinking will help you grow as a leader, though. He continued to share that it is important to be yourself and invest in your fellow cadets.
Derek comes from a military family. His mother, father, and stepfather are all retired from the Air Force. His brother is currently serving in the Air Force. I guess you could say Derek has it in his blood. He will surely make his family and his country proud.
During his free time, Derek enjoys Crossfit and playing any sport with friends. He works at the outdoor recreation center on Maxwell Air Force Base. One day, Derek hopes to visit Europe and ride the Orient Express.
In terms of music, Derek has broad taste, but he does like pop and alternative rock. His current jams are The Score and Shaed. Some of his favorite movies include Radio and We Were Soldiers. Another fun fact is that The Great Gatsby is his favorite book!
As they continue in their Warhawk careers, Savannah and Derek are sure to succeed. One day, we will be able to celebrate their service on Veteran’s Day.
Remember to extend a friendly “Hello!” to Savannah and Derek if you see them on campus. Also, keep an eye out for our next spotlight!
