october 2014
TRANSCRIPT
In Full Swing As we move swiftly past the half way point in the semester, things are
still going great for the Flying Tigers!
Our new NCOs are settling in, the 100s are looking sharp in those
“creamsickles”, the 200s are anxiously awaiting their ABUs, the 300s are
glad they no longer have to call cadence for physical fitness stretching,
and the 400s and the 700s are likely looking forward to graduation.
Cadet Stephens, the Cadet Wing Commander, had this to say about
the current state of the detachment:
"I think the current state of the Detachment is on track with the
vision Wing Staff set at the beginning of the semester. Everyone is
working hard and relying on each other to get individual missions
done, and overall, train to be the best cadets and officer candi-
dates that they can possibly be. Everyone is improving and grow-
ing, and that’s what myself and Wing Staff love to see."
-Cadet Drew Stephens
In This Issue
From the CC, pg 2
Goals & Bojangles,
pg 3
Det PT, pg 4
Casual Coffee &
Awards, pg 5
S&B’s newest, pg 6
Dobbins AFB, pg 7
Arnie Classic, pg 8
Calendar, pg 9
Clemson University Air Force ROTC, Detachment 770 October 2014
This month’s
newsletter is
packed with some
awesome articles.
From Bojangles to
Casual Coffee to an
Arnie Classic, we
hope you enjoy
reading it as much
as we enjoyed
writing it.
From the Commander Written by Colonel Christopher Mann | Commander, Det 770 Cadets, Parents, and Alumni,
Fall has definitely arrived, and it’s a great time of year at Clemson! Having
now passed the midpoint of my first semester at Detachment 770, my family
and I have mostly completed the process of settling in and getting to know
our new Clemson extended family: our cadets, parents, and alumni. With-
out a doubt, we’ve been made to feel very welcome, and I cannot imagine a
better assignment! Thank you for your hospitality!
To our Cadets: many of you want to know, “How can I best set myself up
for success in AFROTC and the Air Force?” My advice has always been
relatively straightforward: do your best on
the things you can control, and let the rest
take care of itself. What do you control?
Plenty! You have control over your adher-
ence to our Air Force Core Values, study
habits, corps job performance and attitude,
personal physical fitness, and much, much
more. What kinds of things are out of your
control? Detachment rankings, enrollment allocations, and force management decisions
come to mind. However, it’s not hard to see that doing well at the things you do control will have a positive impact on the
things you don’t control. Bottom line: put your energy and effort into the areas you control, and the rest will take care of
itself. Keep working hard, and thank you for being a part of our program!
To our Parents: first and foremost, thank you for loaning us the most important things in your lives —your sons
and daughters. I’m continuously amazed at the high level of maturity and capability of our cadets, and your hard work and
dedication are evident in their values and character. Rest assured that we take our responsibility to train them to be pro-
fessional officers in the United States Air Force seriously, and we will do so in an environment of dignity and respect. In
the end, our goal is simple: to create the best prepared, most professional Second Lieutenants in our Air Force. When an
Air Force unit learns they’re receiving a newly commissioned officer from Clemson, that unit should already know they’re
getting the best of the best! Thank you!
To our Alumni: you will always be a part of the Clemson family and the Flyin ’ Tigers of
Det 770! Even in my short time here, I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting several gradu-
ates of our program—hearing the stories of your successes and adventures reminds me of
the tremendous privilege it is to serve in the greatest Air Force the world has ever known! In
the coming months, I hope to meet more of you. If you’re in the area, please stop by. Even
better: if you have ideas that will improve our outreach efforts to our alumni, please let me
know. And if you’d be interested in leading or assisting our alumni outreach efforts, give me a
call! In the meantime, thank you for your service to our nation!
Col Christopher Mann, Det 770 Commander
“Do your best on
the things you
can control, and
let the rest take
care of itself.”
“You will always
be a part of the
Clemson
family…”
Colonel Mann wants to answer the questions you have. Whether you’re a
cadet, parent, alumni, or detachment friend, fill out our form and
potentially see your answered question in next month’s Cadet Gazette.
The form can be found here or by clicking the question mark to the left.
Colonel Mann seeks questions
Ask the Commander
Bojangles Profit Share Written by Cadet Katherine Reft On October 7th, the Flying Tigers Booster Club host-
ed their first Bojangles profit share night. This was
one of the many fundraising initiatives undertaken by
the booster club, a cadet run organization that raises
money to fund fun projects and expenses within the
cadet wing. For every person that came to eat at
Bojangles, a portion of the overall profit was given
to the booster club. Many cadets, cadre mem-
bers, and friends of the flying tigers came out to
show their support, and overall, over $200 dol-
lars was raised. The money will go to funding
pizza parties, mentoring incentive prizes, and
special events like lake day.
3.3 GPA
Detachment Goals Written by Cadet Katherine Reft The past two and a half months have seen a lot of growth in the cadet wing as freshman learn what it means to be ca-
dets, sophomores get closer to Field Training, and juniors and seniors take on new responsibility and adjust to their
jobs. At the beginning of the semester, the Cadet Wing Commander and Wing Staff set the tone of the new school year
by providing the detachment with a cohesive vision and a set of measurable goals to track our performance as a group.
Our three main goals for the semester are having an average PFA score of 97, an average GPA of 3.3, and to have
Det. 770 be a place of mentorship, camaraderie, and family where every cadet feels at home.
So far progress on these goals has been substantial. Cadets have been hard at work in their studies and in the gym.
The average PFA score for the detachment has risen six points from the beginning of the semester, something that is
not easily done. The new mentoring program has been encouraging more cadets to hangout together outside of class
and creating a more family atmosphere. We are happy to be at Clemson University working hard and learning to be the
best officers we can be through hard work and teamwork, and we look forward to seeing how we will measure up to our
goals at the end of the semester.
97 PFA Camaraderie
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
100 Average 200 Average POC Average Det Average Goal
Detachment Physical Fitness Report Written by Cadet Michael Rerko
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 6:00 to 7:00, detachment cadets participate in physical
training. This PT is designed to keep cadets in great shape, each good exercise habits, teach them proper form,
develop teamwork among flights, and promote the overall wellness of the detachment.
Cadets are required to maintain a certain standard of fitness which is comprised of scores from various areas,
including waist measurements, height/weight requirements, sit ups, push ups, and a running category. This
standard is measured during either a PFD (physical fitness diagnostic) or a PFA (physical fitness assessment).
There are typically a couple of PFD’s throughout the semester, which are to gauge progress. Near the end of the
semester, two PFAs are typically held. These scores are sent to Air Force ROTC Headquarters and are used to
determine, most significantly, potential rated duty positions for POC and field training enrollment allocations for
200 cadets. The PFA fitness portion is divided into three categories, which include number of pushups in one
minute, number of sit-ups in one minute, and the 1.5 mile run time.
The maximum score a cadet can reach on the diagnostic or assessment is a 100. Males under the age of 30
must run a 9:12 and females must run a 10:23 to max the run portion. Males must complete at least 67 push-ups
and 58 sit-ups in one minute and females must complete 47 push-ups and 54 sit-ups to max their respective por-
tions.
The detachment goal set by wing staff is to achieve an average score of 97 across the detachment.
The following table provide the breakdowns for each diagnostic and assessment for each class.
While the POC were the only ones to meet the 97 average goal set by the wing staff at the assessment, both the
100s and 200s showed significant improvement from the first diagnostic taken in September. Cadets had one
final attempt at increasing their scores on 31-October. While scores were still being processed at the Gazette’s
publication, those who chose to attempt the second assessment had those scores sent to headquarters.
Class Diagnostic 1
(1 Sept)
Diagnostic 2
(26 Sept)
Assessment
(17 Oct)
100 Average 81.23 86.67 90.83
200 Average 88.49 94.7 94.24
POC Average 95.64 96.5 97.86
Det Average 88.45 92.62 94.31
Casual Coffee with Cadet Dunker Written by Cadet Evan Dunker | GMC Adivsor, Det 770
At the beginning of the semester, Cadet Evan Dunker, the GMC Advisor,
gave a brief introduction of himself, his job, and his hobbies. Among those
hobbies was getting casual coffee. As such, we have asked him to give some
advice to aspiring coffee connoisseurs on how to be successful while sipping
down that latte. Here’s what he had to say:
Getting casual coffee is an easy process that shouldn’t take anything more
than just a simple question like, “Want to get some coffee?” to someone you
admire.
Usually, when I go to get casual coffee, I’ll
ask an old friend to come with me. It gives
me time to catch up and hear about how life
has been since our last encounter. It is al-
most like a time of meditation- to get away
from the chaotic hustle and bustle that col-
lege tends to provide. Sometimes, I’ll get a
girl I like to go with me because casual cof-
fee is a nice way to start things slow and it
lets her know that I’ll be able to fit her in my
schedule. I have found that the ladies often
appreciate a man who appreciates a nice
coffee date.
The slow roast of coffee beans and a nice conversation tends to make everything right. It’s a good way to start the day with a
smile. Because the only curve that can set things straight is a smile. Take a break and enjoy the little things. Getting casual is
definitely the way to go and you can never go wrong! Life can get a little high speed, so slow down and get some casual coffee
and remember that everything will be okay. Plus, it’s a great way to start a hot and steamy relationship!
Editor’s note: Cadet Dunker is single and ready to mingle. He enjoys casual coffee (of course) and long walks on the beach listening to One Direction.
“Sometimes, I’ll go
with a girl...because
casual coffee is a
nice way to start
things slow….”
Cadet Dunker enjoys some casualness at his favorite coffee hot spot.
GMC and POC of the Month (September) Edited by Cadet Jared Mohler Each month, the detachment recognizes one freshman or sophomore and one junior, senior, or super senior as the GMC/POC of the month.
Those recognized have shown qualities that all those in the detachment should wish to resemble and have gone above and beyond to accom-
plish their duties both in and out of the detachment.
Typically, other detachment members submit the names of cadets who they feel are deserving of the award. However, due to it having been
the beginning of the semester, those selected for the month of September were selected by wing staff.
The September GMC of the Month was Cadet Mac Lain:
When asked why Cadet Mac Lain deserved the award, wing staff had
this to say: Cadet Mac Lain has not only been faithfully working hard
in alternative leadership lab and on the football field, but he has also
stepped up his cadet experience by deciding to pledge Pershing Ri-
fles. He has continued to push himself to be a better cadet and find
more ways to get involved as well as overcome not being able to at-
tend Leadership Lab.
The September POC of the Month was Cadet Feher:
Wing staff cite the following as to why Cadet Feher received the
award: Cadet Feher has worked hard to effectively organize Godfrey
and to order all uniform items as quickly as possible. More than 95%
of all incoming cadets were fitted during orientation thanks to his plan-
ning and dedication.
Cadet Feher also received a promotion to Cadet Captain as a result of
his performance as Supply Flight Commander in the detachment.
Those wishing to earn the award in the future should continue to maintain a dedication to the core values, should seek initiative in their core
jobs, and should go above and beyond in everything they do both in and out of ROTC.
Congratulations Cadet Mac Lain and Cadet Feher on a job well done.
Air Force
John Bossard
Evan Dunker
Connor Egbert
Kyle Egbert
Brett Kelly
Chase McCathern
Casey Moninghoff
Joseph Murray
Michael Rerko
Daniel Taylor
Danielle Ayer
Michael Chaitovitz
Jonathan Day
Myles Dungan
Matt Grajewski
Army
Zachary Kleiner
Benjamin Mccall
Sean Murphy
Dennis Phillips
New Scabbard and Blade Members Written by Cadet James Hatfield | Commander, Clemson Scabbard and Blade
As the only honorary society in the nation for ROTC members of any branch,
Scabbard and Blade is perhaps one of the most prestigious organizations on
campus. In order to join, cadets must be tapped for membership. In order to
be tapped, cadets must display the attributes of a leader and must stand out
as positive examples in their respective detachment or battalion.
This semester’s newest Scabbard and Blade members are as follows:
Scabbard and Blade’s Newest Air Force Members
Feedback
Wanted!
Bill Gates said to a group
of teachers, “we all need
people who will give us
feedback. That’s how we
improve.” Now we say to
you, “That should be
you!”
The Public Affairs team is
seeking your feedback.
From how we’re doing on
the Cadet Gazette to
what you’d like to see on
our Facebook page to
what you think of the
website, the team is al-
ways open to feedback
from those we’re wishing
to reach. If you have
something you think
could be improved or just
want to tell us that we’re
doing a good job, let us
know.
Check out our form found
here or by clicking the
image below.
Thank you!
These cadets participated in an intense, week-long training regimen consist-
ing of physical training and education in the rich military history of Clemson
University. Of special interest were the President's House, Fort Hill, and the
Scroll of Honor. They also studied the contributions of Clemson students to
the war efforts during World Wars I and II. In order to enter the society of
Scabbard and Blade, members must pass a written exam at the end of the
week.
Members of Scabbard and Blade have the honor of representing our ROTC
units by participating in events such as the Ring Ceremony and Legacy
Day. They also guard the Scroll of Honor prior to kickoff during home football
games; this consists of educating visitors on what the Scroll represents, as
well as ensuring that visitors treat it with respect. Finally, members participate
in planning the annual Military Ball, a joint event which takes place every
Spring.
Together, these cadets represent the best cadets that Army and Air Force
ROTC have to offer; Scabbard and Blade exists to bring all these cadets to-
gether in an effort to hone them into even better officers in the future.
Dobbins Air Reserve Base Visit Written by Cadet Michael Rerko
Once per semester, cadets are given the chance to visit an Air Force base in
the surrounding area. Last semester cadets had the opportunity to visit Shaw
Air Force Base in Sumter, SC. This month, cadets were able to visit Dobbins
Air Reserve Base in Marietta, GA.
Cadets typically enjoy these trip because they provide insight into active duty
life. Cadets are able to network with Air Force Officers, see the type of living
environment they will be in after commissioning, and observe some of the
daily tasks of Air Force Officers. Cadets this semester made the trip on Oc-
tober 20th. Some cadets were asked various questions about the visit. The
questions and their responses are below.
What does Dobbins Air Reserve Base specialize in?
“The Dobbins reserve base is a C-130 airlift wing that provides support to
all types of military operations. There are Army and Lockheed Martin in-
stallations on the base and civilians, mostly retired Air Force, bring a
large contribution to the mission.” -Cadet Moninghoff
What are some of the things you saw and experienced on the visit?
“Seeing the inside of a C-130 and being able to sit in the co-pilot's seat was an extremely
neat experience. I think it [the trip] went very well and I would highly recommend going on a visit to other people.”
-Cadet Halferty
“We got to see the Thunderbirds take off, which was an excellent experience. We also got to try on some military
equipment and hold some pretty big guns. I really enjoyed talking to the personnel and seeing what a normal day
on the base gets to look like and potentially my future in the Air Force.” -Cadet Malone
“We were lucky enough to see some Thunderbirds taking off from the air control tower and they were loud as heck.
It was awesome. At the end, the commander, Colonel Brett Clark, talked to us about leadership, teamwork, and
energy. He is a very dedicated commander and shows a lot of passion for the work he does.” -Cadet Moninghoff
Any words of advice?
"I would recommend everyone go on a base visit- as many as possible. It is important to get outside of the ROTC
bubble and experience the real Air Force. We were able to learn a lot about the mission, opportunities open to us,
and get pumped for our future. We randomly bumped into the Wing Commander during the visit and he took
some time out of his day to talk with us. He saw us as what we are - the future of the Air Force - and invested
some quick wisdom in us before he went on with his day. We also happened to catch the Thunderbirds take off,
play with a grenade launcher, and wear a bomb suit. It was an awesome day." -Cadet Salvaggio
7th Annual Arnie Classic Written by Cadet Karl Bossard | Financial Management Officer, Clem-son Arnold Air Society On October 18th, the Clemson University Arnold Air Society
hosted the 7th Annual Clemson Arnie Classic. With the theme of
“Par-Tee with Arnold Air Society”, the tournament was scramble,
which means best ball on each shot and one combined
score for each hole. With six teams teeing off at 2:00
from Boscobel Golf Course, Cadets Motlong, Steward,
Pratt, and Lennon ultimately won with a par 72 and
were given free t-shirts for their efforts.
The Arnie Classic is held each year to raise money for the
Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. Squadron of Arnold Air Society at
Clemson. Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary ser-
vice organization advocating the support of aerospace power
and is one of many extracurricular organizations that Clem-
son ROTC students may join. Its goals include providing
leadership opportunities to members, recruiting for the Air
Force, and representing the corps and Air Force to the com-
munity and campus through service. As of October 26th,
there are 29 members and 17 member candidates in the
Clemson Squadron.
The funds raised will go toward training exercises, buying gear
(hoodies, hats, etc.), and getting cadets to ARCON (Area Con-
clave) and NATCON (National Conclave). These conclaves are held yearly and are a chance for cadets from around the
country to meet and greet not only other members of the society but high profile guests and speakers.
All in all, it was a great day of golf and fundraising. Some Cadets to take note of: Cadet Greathouse, my wingman on the
event, Cadet Bowen, who helped me contact businesses and collect donations, Cadet Dunker who helped with setting up
the course and making signs, Cadet Malone who helped on the day of the event preparing food and setting up the course,
and Cadet Coleman (from Silver Wings) and Gentry Bowen (sister of Cadet Bowen) who voluntarily drove the drinks cart.
A special shout out to our sponsors; Tiger Town Tavern, Clemson Variety and Frame, Greek Gallery, Sean Mac Lain,
Charles and Al's Barber Shop, and Advantage Property Management. As well as Wingin’ It for providing wings, Jimmy
Johns for providing subs, and RJ Rockers for providing drinks to those of age. Future fundraising events for the squadron
will include a 5K for Jessie Baker and a 356 profit share fundraising night, both taking place next semester.
ARNIE CLASSIC
November 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2– Daylight Sav-
ing ends
3– Fall Break 4– Fall Break 5– PT 6– LLAB 7- PT, Thanks-
giving Dinner
8– Tiger Drill
Meet
9 10– PT 11– Veteran’s
Day
12– PT 13– Dining In 14– PT 15
16 17– PT 18 19– PT 20– LLAB 21– PT 22
23 24– PT 25 26– Break 27– Break,
Thanksgiving
28– Break 29
30
AFROTC Det 770
300 Tillman Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
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Recruit, Educate, and Train Exceptional Leaders for Tomorrow’s Air Force
Detachment 770 is an Air Force ROTC (AFROTC)
educational/training program located at Clemson
University in Clemson, S.C. The object of DET 770 is to
prepare students to become officers in the United
States Air Force. This Detachment is partnered with
several cross-town universities and colleges that work
closely to support students from Anderson
University, Southern Wesleyan University and Tri-
County Technical College.
Vision
Through hard work
and teamwork,
have Detachment
770 cadets and
graduates recog-
nized for overall
excellence.
Cadet Major
Katherine Reft
Cadet Third Class
Jared Mohler
Cadet Third Class
Michael Rerko