Callahan to graduate Air Force Academy
By Evan Carden SA Editor

Cole Callahan

It's an achievement for which many have strived, but only an elite few complete--becoming a pilot for the United States Air Force.

One of Jackson's own is well on his way to completing that task. Cole Callahan, son of Sherry and Eddie Huggins and Mark Callahan, will graduate the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 28.

Each year, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 of America's top high school students apply to the Air Force Academy, but only 1,000 are selected.

A 2004 graduate of Jackson High School (JHS), Callahan had to meet three main requirements, including academics, participation in athletics and demonstration of leadership skills, to be considered. He was rec- ommended for participation by local retired Air Force officer Graham Braswell and U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner.

During the six weeks of basic training in Jack's Valley, Callahan underwent intense physical and military training. This included an assault course, obstacle course, infantry tactics, marching and military education classes.

Some of his achievements while taking part in the training included:

*Member of the 2004 Basic Cadet Training Outstanding Flight

*Freshman (Four Degree) Year

*Selected for the Commandant's List for military excellence

*Sophomore (Three Degree) year

Callahan was sent on a monthlong assignment with the Operation Air Force program, during which he was assigned to the Intelligence Flight under the 11th Bomber Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La. There he acquired skills used by intelligence units in the Air Force and was given an incentive ride in a Boeing B-52H Stratosfortress or "Buff."

The cadet also participated in the two-week Airmanship 490 Basic Parachutist Training Course, in which he learned the skills needed for free fall parachuting. During that training, he completed the Air Force's five-jump requirement with all five jumps rated Q-1s, which is the highest grade possible. This particular jump school is the only one in the nation in which a student's first jump is completely solo.

Callahan took part in the Global Engagement Program, which is a simulated deployment in Jack's Valley. Every cadet is deployed, taking with them everything needed on a typical Air Force deployment.

His participation in the program included serving in three sections of Air Force support units including Services, Civil Engineering and Security Forces. Some of his duties included cooking for 200 cadets, maintaining latrines, providing recreation for deployed cadets, construction of all tents and deployable units, unexploded ordinance detection and removal, defense of the base, establishment of defensive fighting positions, reinforcement, providing rifle defense of the base and assaulting simulated terrorist headquarters.

Upon graduation, Callahan will attend Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. "Throughout my experiences at this academy, I have undergone the most stressful and most rewarding times of my life," said Callahan. "I have made lifelong friends whom I will never forget and am thankful that Uncle Sam picked me to serve as an Air Force Officer. I await pilot training and my future as a pilot in the United States Air Force with great excitement and anticipation."

According to Callahan's mother, Sherry Huggins, her son has always known what he wanted to do. "When Cole was 11 years old, he knew what he wanted," she said. "He used to tell me all the time, 'I want to fly jets.' Since we have five children I have heard everything from flying jets, being a fireman, a professional baseball player, a professional horse trainer to 'Mama, I just want to work for you.'

"With Cole it was different. He knew what he wanted to be and worked harder than anyone I know to achieve that goal. He is a child with more integrity, discipline and courage than you can imagine. He truly honors his mother."

"I thank God for the opportunity to help raise Cole," said Eddie Huggins. "I am so proud of him for the hard work and dedication he has in achieving this goal in his life."

Col. Graham Braswell (USAFRet.), who recommended Callahan for the Air Force Academy, said, "I was so pleased when he received the appointment to the academy. I had no doubt he would do well. During my years serving as an admissions liaison for the Air Force, I never interviewed anyone who was as motivated and certain about what he wanted to do. He wanted to attend the Air Force Academy and would be satisfied with nothing else.

"Once I interviewed him I knew he would be an excellent cadet. Hearing of the accomplishments he has made while there doesn't surprise me at all. He not only is motivated but has excellent character. I am certain he will make a fine officer."

U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner had this to say about Callahan: "Working with young people who aspire to attend our nation's service academies is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job as congressman. I am proud to have had the privilege to nominate Cole to attend the United States Air Force Academy.

"Cole is a young man of unlimited potential, boundless enthusiasm and determination. As history has shown, our nation's service academies have produced some of the finest leaders in our nation's history, and there is no doubt Cole will continue in this tradition and make us all extremely proud."

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