October 08, 2009

For the fifth year in a row, the Air Force ROTC cadets of Detachment 35 at California State University, Fresno have won the AFROTC Warrior Challenge - a competition among four Northern California Air Force ROTC detachments in leadership, athletic and team skills.

Each detachment competes in four to six athletic events. The winner with the most points and event victories is the champion of 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," said Lt. Colonel Samuel Vandiver, commander of the Fresno State Detachment. "What they learn in the competition can be applied in military service."

The four Northern California Air Force ROTC detachments are Fresno State, Sacramento State, San Jose State and University of California, Berkeley.

The detachment will hold its Commissioning Ceremony Saturday, May 17, at the Save Mart Center at 1 p.m., including a flyover by the California Air National Guard 144th Fighter Wing.

For more information on the program and Warrior Challenge, call 559.278.2593.