B y Matthew Saari
People at the Memorial Day parade and the Whitehall Elementary school ceremony probably saw an individual clad in the digital tiger-stripe camouflage fatigues of the U.S. Air Force. The more astute noticed this airman had tiny gold bars on his lapels marking him a second lieutenant.
The new officer was John Diekel, a 2013 Whitehall High School graduate who just completed his studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Earning an appointment to a military institution alone is a commendable feat; “12,000 people apply every year,” said Diekel.
Each aspirant must complete a 90-page questionnaire that addresses the candidate’s leadership, academic and athletic abilities. Then the candidate must ask a congressman, senator or the vice president of the U.S. for a letter of recommendation.
To read the full story, pick up a print copy of this week’s paper at the newsstand or read it online here.
Comments
Read more in this week's Times in newsstands now or click here to read right now with our e-edition.