The Cadet Wing Commander at the US Air Force Academy is the top military ranking cadet over all cadets.  The current semester’s commander, Cadet 1st Class Andrew Van Timmeren, has an article in the base paper that reveals an interesting history:

Cadet 1st Class Andrew Van Timmeren…almost didn’t stay past his second day of Basic Cadet Training.

Cadet Van Timmeren, then a basic cadet, was ready to pack it in and head home until a chaplain challenged him that if he left then, he would accomplish nothing.

He seems to say his style has gotten a mixed reception:

Cadet Van Timmeren said he favors a servant kind of leadership and that he is in the position to serve…

So far, he has received positive feedback from other cadets in his new leadership role, though there has been some negative feedback as well.

“I’m something of a hardball,” he explained. “I’m more stringent and by-the-book.”

Chaplains serve many functions, and inspiring cadets or trainees who may feel unable to continue is but one in a plethora of opportunities they have.  A few timely and encouraging words from a Chaplain nearly four years ago inspired this cadet to persevere.  He’s now the top cadet in the wing, able to lead and influence approximately 4,000 other cadets, and he has an assignment to pilot training after graduation.  Quite the turnaround.

Godspeed to VT, and thank God for the support of military Chaplains.