November 10, 2008

The Air Force ROTC at California State University, Fresno has been named the best midsized unit in the country.

The 61-cadet unit was awarded the prestigious Right of Line Award for “Best Detachment in the Nation” in the medium-size category. Col. Kevin Martin, the AFROTC’s Southwest Region Commander from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, presented the Right of Line Award to Fresno State during the university’s Veterans Day observance today (Nov. 10).

There are 144 detachments nationwide, 50 of them in the medium size category, which includes programs with 60-99 cadets. Baylor University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology won in the large- and small-school categories, respectively.

The Right of Line Award is given to three schools in large, medium (60-99 cadets) and small categories. Fresno State, with 61 cadets, was named the No. 1 medium-sized detachment, beating 50 other detachments in the category.

“This is the most prestigious award given in ROTC as it recognizes the nation's best overall unit in outstanding performance,” said Lt. Col. Sam Vandiver, commander of Fresno State’s detachment, who accepted the award. “This award is especially pertinent as it is the second top honor this year and helps mark six decades of service with Fresno State.”

In July, the Fresno State AFROTC was presented with the High Flight Award for Best Detachment in Air Force ROTC’s Southwest Region for the medium-size category.

The distinction was earned at the annual AFROTC Commanders’ Conference Oct. 29 in Atlanta and comes on the 60th anniversary of Detachment 35’s establishment as a military unit based in Fresno.

For more information, contact Vandiver at 559.278.2593.

Bagpiper Ken Bain leads Air Force and Army ROTC units to the Veterans Day ceremony.	Army ROTC cadets.
Master of Ceremonies Bernie Vinovrski, a Fresno State associate vice president and Marine Corps veteran.	Participants in Veterans Day ceremony.
Cadets raise the flag at Veterans Day recognition ceremony.	Col. Kevin Martin, right, AFROTC Southwest Region Commander from Randolph Air Force Base - San Antonio, Texas, presents award to Lt. Col. Samuel Vandiver, commander  of Fresno State’s AFROTC.
Keynote speaker Tanya Crabb, a Fresno State Outreach Services counselor and Marine veteran who served in Iraq in Operation Desert Storm.	Tim Anderson, director of the Bulldog Marching Band, gets the Fresno State musicians ready to kick off the 89th Fresno Veterans Day Parade in front of City Hall.
The Bulldog Marching Band marches past City Hall to start the 89th Fresno Veterans Day Parade.	Lt. Col. Samuel Vandiver, Fresno State AFROTC commander, is interviewed live by KSEE24 anchors Alex Delgado, left, and Monique Soltani during the 89th Fresno Veterans Day Parade about the national award Detachment 35 announced this week.
The AFROTC Color Guard led the 89th Fresno Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. The US Air Force was the parade’s Grand Marshal this year so the parade was led by the nations No. 1 AFROTC by virtue of winning the prestigious Right of Line Award recently. Left to right, Cadets Miguel Santos, Jerrell Viray, Lauren McQuone and Megan Griffith.

 

Related link:
Fresno State AFROTC