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UTSA Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment 842 has been named the U.S. Air Force 2019 High Flight award winner for the second consecutive year, signifying the best large ROTC detachment in a region that spans from Louisiana to Hawaii.

Two cadre members were also selected for individual regional awards. Capt. Celeste Florell ’09 was named Education Officer of the Year and Capt. Glen Peoples was chosen as Recruiting Officer of the Year.

“It lends credibility to the fact that what we’re doing is right—and that we’re doing it well,” said Lt. Col. Brian Rendell, commander of the UTSA Air Force ROTC detachment. “Most importantly, it’s something that the cadets can be proud of.”

The cadets and staff alike have thrived at advancing the high mark of success established in 2018, when the group won the High Flight award, program manager Agustin Llano was named the nation’s Air Force ROTC University Employee of the Year, Capt. Jesse Beinhower was selected as the region’s best education officer, and Capt. Anthony Guajardo ’11 was tabbed as the region’s best recruiting officer.

UTSA’s program was recognized for its efforts in cadet development, engaging experiences, community support and its passion for investing in future leaders. These qualities have been noted not only by the Air Force but also prospective students around the nation.

“There are people that go to Texas A&M because they want to be in the Corps of Cadets. Now we’re seeing people come to UTSA simply because they want to be part of this detachment,” Rendell said. “We have cadets who came from the East Coast because they did the research and know that we’re putting in award-winning work. How cool is that!”

Read the full story on UTSA Today