(Jan. 18, 2019) -- UTSA Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachment 842 is gaining national attention. It has been named the United States Air Force (USAF) 2018 High Flight award winner, signifying the best large ROTC detachment in the region, an area spanning from Louisiana to Hawaii. UTSA’s program is recognized for its relentless focus on cadet development through deliberate training, engaging experiences and a genuine desire to invest in future leaders.
Several UTSA ROTC members also received individual honors from the USAF. Agustin Llano, the UTSA Air Force ROTC program manager, was selected as the nation’s University Employee of the Year Air Force ROTC. Two staff members were also selected for regional awards. Captain Jesse Beinhower was named Education Officer of the Year and Captain Anthony Guajardo ’11 was selected as Recruiting Officer of the Year.
“I am so proud of this detachment, our staff and our cadets,” said Lieutenant Colonel Brian Rendell, commander of the UTSA ROTC detachment. “Our team works incredibly hard to train the next generation of Air Force officers, and these accolades speak to the greatness of this detachment and this university. We fully believe in UTSA’s focus on student success, and do everything we can to invest in our students through engagement, educational support and experiential programs.”
The UTSA Air Force ROTC program includes about 200 cadets, making it the second largest detachment in Texas, and one of the 20 largest in the nation. Demographically, the detachment is more diverse than the Air Force and is comprised of cadets from UTSA and six other San Antonio area colleges and universities.
The detachment mission is to recruit great people, develop them into scholar-warrior leaders who take ownership and engage in partnership, then commission them as exceptional officers in the United States Air Force.
“It’s far too simple to say that we commission officers because the Air Force needs them,” said Rendell. “The truth is deeper than that—we build exceptional officers because our world needs people who stand out by how they live their lives, how they lead and the impact they make on the world.”
The cadets go through more than 1,000 hours of career-focused training conducted through academic classes, leadership training, physical training, field training and numerous other professional development opportunities. The cadets have conducted field activities at Camp Bullis, flown in jets at Randolph Air Force Base, participated in physical training with Air Force Special Forces, and even traveled to China for specialized language training.
“The reasons people join the Air Force ROTC program at UTSA and the reasons they stay in the program varies,” said Captain Glen Peoples, a detachment recruiting officer. “Our program is for people interested in everything from community, relationships, tradition, service, career, life skills or an adventure.”
Qualified cadets are also eligible for financial support through scholarships and stipends.
"Cadets connect with one another here and form bonds that last a lifetime,” said Peoples. “They’re joining a family. In fact, two of our cadre members, Captain Celeste Florell ’08 and Captain Guajardo, graduated from UTSA and earned their commission from this very detachment. They believed so much in this cause, that they volunteered to come back to UTSA to reinvest in the program as experienced officers.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Detachment 842, which has also been named the top ROTC detachment in the nation twice over the past 10 years. Later this year, it will host a homecoming celebration to commemorate this historical milestone, and the many awards the detachment has won over the past three decades.
Learn more about the UTSA Air Force ROTC Detachment 842 or call 210-458-4624.
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Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusCome play a game of Loteria sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD), UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) and UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
