July 23, 2009

California State University, Fresno’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 35 won the 2007 Warrior Challenge for the fourth year in a row, believed to be a first.

The four Northern California Air Force ROTC detachments – Fresno State, California State University, Sacramento, San Jose State and University of California, Berkeley -- compete in the challenge, which has been held for more than 20 years among future Air Force officers.

The event is an opportunity for personal challenge and to challenge others in leadership, athletic and team skills, said Fresno State Detachment Commander Lt. Colonel Samuel Vandiver. What they learn in the competition can be applied in military service.

“Our cadets conducted themselves as perpetual champions, not challengers,” Vandiver said of this year’s success. “They acted like they’ve been there before, because they have.

Each detachment competes in four to six athletic events. The winner with the most points and event victories is the champion, said Cadet Paul Arner, a senior at Fresno State who is the detachment public affairs officer.

The AFROTC now is preparing for its commissioning ceremony at 4 p.m. June 1 in the Leon S. and Pete P. Peters Educational Center at the Student Recreation Center on Woodrow Avenue at Shaw Avenue. For more information: 559.278.2593.