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WELCOME TO LONGHORN AIRMAN COUNTRY
The University of Texas Detachment 825 AFROTC program was established in 1951, shortly after the creation of the United States Air Force in 1947. In the 60-year history of the detachment, we have enjoyed the strong support from University leadership. The support of current University President William Powers has been exceptional. Cadets interact with President Powers on multiple occasions throughout the academic year.
Our detachment has a long tradition of producing world-class second lieutenants for America’s Air Force. To date, our distinguished alumni include retired three-star Kenneth Eickmann, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM veterans like Maj Christopher Cooper, purple heart winner Captain John Simpson, former NCAA track and field stars 2Lt Quincy Boles and 2Lt Kelly Heinbaugh, and a member of the 2005 National Champion football team, 1Lt Brad Poronsky.
We are privileged to have the 13th Secretary of the Air Force and former Chancellor of The University of Texas, Dr Hans Mark, on faculty in Austin. In addition to teaching cadets in the aerospace engineering degree program, Dr Mark spends several hours with all detachment cadets every semester.
Our detachment has a rich culture that breeds excellence in our cadets – from day one in our program through graduation. Prior to new commissionees’ departure, Det 825 cadets and cadre take part in a “Remove Before Flight” ceremony to remind our grads one last time to accept nothing less than excellence. We don’t just commission second lieutenants, we ensure they are ready for takeoff into America’s Air Force.
It starts here: Longhorn Airman to American Airman!
Until 2 August 2010, our main campus building is Russell A. Steindam Hall, one we have shared with our joint partners in the Naval and Army ROTC programs since 1957. The building is named in honor of United States Army 1Lt Russell A. Steindam, a Medal of Honor Winner from the Vietnam War.
After 2 August 2010, we transition our home to L. Theo Bellmont Hall, located on the west side of DKR-Memorial Stadium. To learn more about this transition and our future home, go to the media section of this website and check out the “special edition” Longhorn Airman, Summer 2010 newsletter.
Come visit us the next time you are on campus.
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