Detachment 160’s Newest 2nd Lieutenants Class of 2025 |
Good afternoon Det 160 Alumni, Supporters, and Family,
My name is Jordan, and I’m the University Administrator for Detachment 160. Formerly in the role held by Ms. Arnold (Mrs. Nabors) and, before her, Ms. Cherry. I’ve been in this position for just about a year now and am excited to start keeping our community more connected and informed. This is the very first Flying Bulldogs newsletter (at least in recent memory!), and it highlights some of the key moments and accomplishments from the past academic year.
Moving forward, I plan to send out newsletters on a quarterly basis to keep you updated on all the great things happening at Det 160. I hope you enjoy catching up on what’s been going on, and I’d love to hear from you—if there are specific things you’d like to see included in future newsletters, feel free to let me know! Regards,
Jordan Triplett |
A Look at What’s Ahead for a Few of Our Newest Lieutenants |
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After studying Atmospheric Sciences here at UGA, I was selected to serve as a 15W, Weather and Environmental Sciences Officer, with an original assignment to Vandenberg SFB, California. Since commissioning, I'm now pursuing a Master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies at Auburn University through the USAF Strategic Scholars Program. I’m currently conducting Applied Climatology research for 18 months before receiving my next assignment. I’m ecstatic—the opportunities I’ve been able to pursue through AFROTC have been nothing short of amazing, and I’m excited to continue my learning journey in support of a stronger, more advanced force.
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Since commissioning, I got married at the end of June and have since moved to Eielson AFB, Alaska. I’m now serving as a 21A Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the 354th Maintenance Squadron. I'm extremely excited for this new chapter—married life, living in Alaska, and beginning my career as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. |
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Since commissioning, I got married at the end of June and have since moved to Eielson AFB, Alaska. I’m now serving as a 21A Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the 354th Maintenance Squadron. I'm extremely excited for this new chapter—married life, living in Alaska, and beginning my career as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. |
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I am honored to have been selected as one of just seven cadets nationwide to receive an Educational Delay to pursue a law degree before entering active duty. I’m attending Mercer University School of Law to earn my Juris Doctor, with the goal of serving as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer in the United States Air Force. This opportunity represents both a dream fulfilled and the next step in my commitment to public service, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. |
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FY26 Cadets Receive Their Air Force Specialty Codes |
Last semester’s Drop Night revealed the exciting career paths our now-seniors will pursue as officers in the United States Air Force. Their AFSC assignments reflect years of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to serve. |
The breakdown is as follows: |
- 7 Pilots
- 3 Intelligence Officers
- 1 Public Affairs Officer
- 1 Combat Systems Officer
- 1 Developmental Engineer
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We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. All received either their first or second career choice—an outstanding achievement and testament to their efforts throughout their time at Det 160. |
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Field Training-Selected Cadets |
This summer, we had 10 cadets selected to attend Field Training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama—giving our detachment a 90% selection rate among eligible cadets. Field Training is an essential milestone on the road to commissioning. |
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Detachment 160 proudly recognizes Cadet Sadie Bengs, an AS400, for her selection as a 2025 Truman Scholar—one of the most prestigious honors awarded nationwide for leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to public service. Sadie, an International Affairs and Russian major, has demonstrated exceptional dedication both within AFROTC and in the broader national security community.
Selected from among 743 candidates across 288 institutions, Sadie’s accomplishments span advanced research on artificial intelligence and security policy, leadership in Silver Wings, Valor, and Honor Guard, and active involvement in the Russian Flagship and Security Leadership Programs. As a fourth-generation military service member, Sadie carries forward a proud legacy of service and excellence.
After graduating in 2026, Sadie will pursue a master’s degree in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies before commissioning as a 14N Intelligence Officer, with future aspirations to serve as a Foreign Area Officer representing the Air Force abroad. Her achievements reflect the very best of Detachment 160’s tradition of leadership, resilience, and commitment to service. We are proud to soon count her among our alumni, and excited to watch her career continue to exemplify excellence in public service.
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| Fall 2025 Cadet Training Wing Commander |
I am ecstatic to serve this detachment as the next Cadet Training Wing Commander! I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to shape the wing and utilize the leadership skills that my peers and mentors have helped me to develop over the past three years in AFROTC. I certainly have big shoes to fill, but I am totally up for the challenge. I cannot wait to get started and to implement the new mission, vision and motto that I developed for our detachment to instill passion, grit, and commitment in each of our cadets - All In!
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Fall 2025 Cadet Training Wing Commander |
I am ecstatic to serve this detachment as the next Cadet Training Wing Commander! I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to shape the wing and utilize the leadership skills that my peers and mentors have helped me to develop over the past three years in AFROTC. I certainly have big shoes to fill, but I am totally up for the challenge. I cannot wait to get started and to implement the new mission, vision and motto that I developed for our detachment to instill passion, grit, and commitment in each of our cadets - All In!
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As I depart Det 160, I’m confident in its future, propelled by cadets who have astonished me with their excellence over the past three years. To the cadets: focus on becoming lethal warfighters and exceptional leaders, honing both skills with dedication. Supported by an outstanding team and the university’s steadfast commitment to our AFROTC program, I’ve cherished my time here but eagerly anticipate rejoining the unparalleled camaraderie of Airmen in the military community. Thank you, cadets, alumni, and families, for an unforgettable chapter—stay united and keep pushing Det 160 to new heights!
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I want to take a moment to share what these past three years have truly meant to me. Coming back here as a cadre was more than just another assignment — it was a dream I had since I was a cadet. I remember being in your shoes, sitting in those same rooms, doing PT on those same fields, and hoping that one day I’d get the chance to come back and give back to the program that helped shape me. That dream came true — and it exceeded every expectation. Being back brought with it a flood of memories: the friendships, the uncertainty, the growth. But more than that, it reminded me how far I’ve come — and how far you all are going.
It’s been such a blessing to watch each of you grow over the years. I’ve seen many of you from the time you were AS200s, and now you’re leading the wing, preparing to commission, and stepping into some of the biggest moments of your lives. Time truly flies, and it’s a humbling thing to witness from this side. If there’s one thing I can leave you with, it’s this: Don’t let this time go to waste. You only get one shot at your cadet journey. Make it count. Show up for yourself. Push harder. Lead better. Be present. Be intentional. Be the version of yourself you’ll be proud of looking back — not just in uniform, but in character. I hope, even in the smallest way, I was able to make a positive impact on your path. I hope I encouraged, challenged, supported, or maybe just listened when you needed it. And I hope you pay that forward — that you’ll be that person for someone else in the future.
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I want to take a moment to share what these past three years have truly meant to me. Coming back here as a cadre was more than just another assignment — it was a dream I had since I was a cadet. I remember being in your shoes, sitting in those same rooms, doing PT on those same fields, and hoping that one day I’d get the chance to come back and give back to the program that helped shape me. That dream came true — and it exceeded every expectation. Being back brought with it a flood of memories: the friendships, the uncertainty, the growth. But more than that, it reminded me how far I’ve come — and how far you all are going.
It’s been such a blessing to watch each of you grow over the years. I’ve seen many of you from the time you were AS200s, and now you’re leading the wing, preparing to commission, and stepping into some of the biggest moments of your lives. Time truly flies, and it’s a humbling thing to witness from this side. If there’s one thing I can leave you with, it’s this: Don’t let this time go to waste. You only get one shot at your cadet journey. Make it count. Show up for yourself. Push harder. Lead better. Be present. Be intentional. Be the version of yourself you’ll be proud of looking back — not just in uniform, but in character. I hope, even in the smallest way, I was able to make a positive impact on your path. I hope I encouraged, challenged, supported, or maybe just listened when you needed it. And I hope you pay that forward — that you’ll be that person for someone else in the future.
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This newsletter is a bit longer than usual—thank you for sticking with it! There was a lot to share from the past academic year, and I’m excited to keep you connected with everything happening at the Detachment. Stay tuned for more updates! |
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Thank you for your continued support of the UGA Air Force ROTC program.
Your dedication helps us develop the future leaders of the United States Air Force.
If you would like to make a contribution, please click the link below to learn more. |
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Follow the Cadets on Facebook and Instagram! |
Have something you would like featured in the next newsletter? Questions? Please email Det160@uga.edu |
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