Col. James Ashley Mills addresses the graduates from the 2024 Air Force JROTC Flight Academy summer program.CLEVELAND, Miss. — For the 4th consecutive year, Delta State University continued its role as a host institution for the United States Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy summer program. This 8-week intensive program brings together cadets from across the country, immersing them in a comprehensive curriculum that leads to the attainment of their private pilot license. 100% of this year’s cohort successfully completed the program.
Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations at Delta State, oversaw the program with Aerial Applicator Program Coordinator Sheila Millican. Tomlinson expressed his satisfaction in the results of the program, saying, “A 100% success rate is unprecedented. In the four years that we have been doing this, Delta State has maintained one of the highest graduation rates of any university involved in the program.”
The stated objective of the academy is to inspire and encourage young individuals to pursue careers in aviation. In light of the ongoing shortage of pilots, the program plays a vital role in introducing young people to the aviation industry, particularly piloting. DSU is one of twenty-four institutions nationwide selected to deliver this program to aspiring aviators this summer.
The cohort was comprised of 10 rising high school seniors and two college students. The graduation ceremony was held at the State House in the West End District in Cleveland on Friday, July 26. The cadets were addressed by guest speaker Col. James Ashley Mills, Chief of Staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard and a 2015 graduate of Delta State with a master’s degree in Commercial Aviation. Mills has served four combat tours and currently commands the 185 Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade headquartered in Jackson.
Mills said, “Our nation depends on the next generation of young, diverse, and bright minds equipped with the critical and creative thinking abilities required to face the wicked problems of the future. The AFJROTC Academy Program is an excellent way to attract and develop young leaders that will be vital tomorrow. These cadets are set apart from their peers. I’m proud of their accomplishments and willingness to step up to this challenge.”
Air Force JROTC Cadets:
Cadet Madalyn Ellis – Des Moines, Iowa
Cadet Brayden Fraser – Corona, California
Cadet Savion Kirby – Melbourne, Florida
Cadet Mathias Klinke – Newark, New Jersey
Cadet Seth Paul – Peoria, Arizona
Cadet Isabella Puerto – Schertz, Texas
Cadet Colton Stull – Arlington, Texas
Cadet Aleksandra Tremmel – Austin, Texas
Cadet Landon Ward – Spanish Fort, Alabama
Cadet Calli Willis – Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Air Force ROTC Cadet:
Cadet Nicholas Vrabel – Fairfax, Virginia
Air Force Academy Cadet:
Cadet Nicholas DeDomenico – Carney’s Point, New Jersey
For more information on Commercial Aviation programs at Delta State University, visit https://www.deltastate.edu/college-of-business/commercial-aviation/.
