Continuing a tradition at Air Force Academy
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Does full-time missionary service prepare young cadets for leadership at American military academies?
Apparently, it doesn't hurt.
Last year, a pair of returned missionaries (U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Andrew Gray and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman J.T. Kadz) fulfilled top leadership positions at their respective institutions. Both young men have graduated, married and moved on to active duty service. Still, the tradition of academy leadership continues.
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet First Class Jason Walker, a returned missionary from California, serves as the 2007 Cadet Vice Wing Commander, the second highest ranking cadet at the Colorado school.
"It's a real honor, especially as an LDS cadet, to be able to set an example for other LDS cadets," said Cadet Walker.
The son of an academy graduate, Cadet Walker began realizing his lifelong dream to attend the academy when he was accepted into the Colorado Springs, Colo., school in 2001. He endured the rigors and demands in his first year as a cadet "Dooley" and completed his second year of school before resigning from the Air Force Academy to serve a mission. For two years he donned the familiar missionary uniform, laboring in the Texas Houston South Mission (Spanish-speaking).
Cadet Walker said his varied duties at the Academy have prepared him for his current position, which includes helping direct the some 4,200 students at the prestigious military institution. Two years of missionary service only strengthened his natual leadership skills and made him a better student.
"On my mission I learned lessons that I can apply here at the academy," Cadet Walker said. "I had a couple more years to mature."
Cadet Walker's parents, Phil and Becky Walker, joined the Church in 1980. They raised their son with a love for God, country and service.
Despite the long hours demanded by his studies and military leadership, Cadet Walker participates in his off-campus singles ward and has served as president of his institute class at the academy.
Church members are common at the Air Force Academy. Some 100 LDS cadets can be found on campus. Cadet Walker appreciates their presence and said he has benefited from the leadership example of Cadet Gray and others who have gone before him.
Upon graduation this spring, Cadet Walker will attend flight school in Oklahoma and hopes to become a fighter pilot.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
