The Air Force ROTC commissioning ceremony marks a step toward every cadet’s future, serving our country as a commissioned officer in the United States Military. Dec. 18 marks Air Force ROTC Cadet Ryan Davis’ future as an Air Force officer.

At the commissioning ceremony, Davis will be presented his SecondLieutenant bars, take the Officer oath and be officially instated as an Air Force Officer. An Air Force enlisted member will give Davis the ceremonial first salute. Another important part of the ceremony will be when the commander of the AFROTC Detachment 630 coins Davis. 

“Being coined is a long-standing military tradition in which one is presented with a special military commemorative coin by a superior to symbolize dedication and achievement within the unit,” Davis said.

Davis said that the attacks on Sept. 11 steered him towards a military career. He was only in the fourth grade at the time of the attacks but he knew he wanted to do something for his country. 

“As I got older and began to understand more of what happened and what it all meant, I began to realize the importance of stepping up to protect the people I care about and to protect the values and freedoms we hold dear to this country,” Davis said.

Davis was in the seventh grade when he knew he wanted to be an Air Force officer. He wanted to be just like his uncle, retired Lt. Col. Eric Paul. Paul will be the one to give Davis the Air Force oath and officially commission Davis as an officer. Paul was an A-10 Warthog Pilot during Operation Desert Strom and served as an Air Force officer for 20 years.

After the ceremony Davis heads to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. There, he will train to be an Air Force Intelligence Officer. Davis is nervous about the big move to Texas because he knows he may be leaving home for good. It will be the longest duration of time he has spent away from home and away from his family and friends.

“It’s a big first step to take, but I’m looking forward to an exciting career with the Air Force, and the many adventures to come,” Davis said.

Davis is excited to start his Air Force career. He is excited to have the opportunity to serve the United States of America.

“I’m also really excited to work with some of the best and brightest men and women in the world to accomplish the mission of the United States Air Force. It’s an amazing feeling knowing I’ll be apart of something so big and important,” Davis said. 

Lauren Phillips is the military and veterans reporter. Contact her at [email protected].