Air Force ROTC Cadets Reflect on Rewarding Experiences at UT

As the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps prepares to commission 17 cadets following May 16 commencement ceremonies, three standout cadets reflect on the leadership, academic excellence and professional development that defined their years at UT.

“Our cadets are the very embodiment of what it means to be both Volunteers and military officers,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Damien Johnson, commander of Detachment 800, the official designation for UT’s AFROTC. “As they leave the University of Tennessee, they take with them not only the gold bars of a second lieutenant, but the spirit of Rocky Top — a spirit rooted in service, integrity and a relentless drive to do great things in the world.”

Hannah Denison, Future Intelligence Officer

Hannah Denison, a native of Austin, Texas, and aerospace engineering major, joined UT’s AFROTC through the competitive Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program. This opportunity provides financial support for high school seniors pursuing college and a career as an Air Force or Space Force officer.

“I joined Air Force ROTC because it offered a way to pay for college, start a career, and serve my country,” said Denison.

Among her most memorable experiences was earning her Basic Parachutist Wings.

“I had the chance to earn my jump wings through the Air Force Academy’s Basic Freefall Parachuting Course,” said Denison. “I completed five solo skydives in Colorado Springs. It was an incredible experience. I met amazing people, explored Colorado and discovered that I love skydiving.”

After graduation, she will begin military intelligence training — the analysis of information to support national security — at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. Her advice to prospective cadets: “Explore the opportunities. Reach out to the UT cadre and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

Mark Jackson, Future Air Battle Manager

Mark Jackson, a nuclear engineering major from Jackson, Tennessee, served as cadet wing commander — the program’s highest student leadership role. In this position, Jackson led more than 120 cadets while also contributing to national security research at Y-12 through UT’s Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering Technology Accelerator Program.

During his time in UT’s AFROTC, he took part in numerous training opportunities, including Combat Survival Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy and a flight experience aboard an F-16D fighter aircraft at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. He also received funding to pursue private flight lessons by being enrolled in the program.

“UT’s AFROTC has given me incredible experiences,” said Jackson. “But the most memorable part has been the people — those committed to serving and protecting our nation. It’s been a privilege to lead and learn alongside them.”

Jackson encourages prospective cadets to dive in fully. “There’s no commitment until you contract, so give it a try. You don’t need all the answers to act — just enough to take the first step.”

Following graduation, Jackson will begin air battle management training at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.

Zachary Lassiter, Future Pilot

Zachary Lassiter, a Knoxville native and applied mathematics major, was one of 26 cadets selected nationwide for the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy in a mentorship capacity.

“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to earn my pilot’s license while mentoring future cadets,” said Lassiter. “Guiding 19 high school students through their first extended time away from home, their first flights and their first steps toward college made the experience deeply rewarding and unforgettable.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Lassiter encourages others who are even slightly curious about a military career to consider UT’S AFROTC and offers advice to incoming cadets.

“It’s okay to start not knowing anything about ROTC. The best thing you can do is ask questions,” said Lassiter. “The upper-class cadets have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to help. Don’t let fear keep you from learning what you need to succeed.”

Lassiter will report to Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma for pilot training following graduation.

A Year of Growth and Distinction

The 2024-25 academic year marked a period of exceptional achievement for UT’s AFROTC, driven by strong academics and the highest enrollment in a decade.

Cadets earned an average GPA of 3.4, with 40% achieving Dean’s List honors — placing the program in the top 20% among SEC AFROTC programs. Nearly half of the cadets (59 of 123) received scholarships. The program also welcomed its largest incoming class in 10 years with 73 first-year cadets.

“These numbers tell a story of excellence,” said Johnson. “Our cadets set a new standard this year through their academic performance, physical fitness and dedication to military training.”

Taking the Oath of Office

At the commissioning ceremony, cadets officially take the oath of office, pledging to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Each cadet is formally pinned with the gold bars of a second lieutenant, often by family members or mentors. The ceremony marks the transition from student to military officer, celebrating years of academic achievement, leadership development and commitment to service.

Following the ceremony, new lieutenants report to their first duty assignments to begin specialized training in their assigned career fields.

Supporting the Military Community on Campus

In addition to strong ROTC programs, UT has implemented numerous efforts that underscore its commitment to providing a supportive environment for the military community on campus.

In 2022, UT’s Board of Trustees approved in-state tuition for all military-affiliated students, regardless of residency. In fall 2024, UT launched the Office of Veteran Benefits Administration to build on the Veterans Success Center and its support for the growing number of military-connected students on campus. In January, UT was recognized as a Veteran Ready Business by the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services.

Today, the university’s military community includes more than 700 student veterans, more than 370 faculty and staff members who are military veterans and more than 6,400 alumni who have served in the armed forces. More than 340 cadets are enrolled in the university’s ROTC programs, carrying forward UT’s proud tradition of developing the next generation of military leaders.

About UT’s ROTC Programs

Founded in 1844, UT’s military program is among the oldest at a land-grant university.

The university’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps was organized in 1916, following the enactment of the National Defense Act. This legislation transformed the university’s existing military organization into an official AROTC unit — known as the Rocky Top Battalion.

UT established its AFROTC in 1946. Initially part of the Army Air Corps ROTC, the program transitioned to the U.S. Air Force following its establishment as a separate military branch in 1947. Since 2020, AFROTC cadets have had the opportunity to commission into the U.S. Space Force for careers in satellite operations, cyber defense and space-based intelligence.

Along with record enrollment in AFROTC, the AROTC welcomed one of its largest incoming classes in the fall with 270 students joining. On May 16, AROTC will commission 36 new second lieutenants.