Two Graduates from Phoenix’s Air Force Explorers Post 2396 Earn Acceptance into Elite Military Academies
Since its establishment in 1999, the Air Force Explorers Post 2396, operating under the 396th Aircrew Training Squadron in Phoenix, Arizona, has earned notable accolades, including Grand Canyon Council, Scouting America prestigious Quality Unit Award for Excellence and the ‘Post of the Year Award’ in 2010.
Recently, two outstanding graduates from Post 2396 have achieved remarkable success, earning acceptance into two of the nation’s most competitive military academies.
C/2LT Ruben D. Saavedra has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2028. A graduate of Millennium High School, Ruben excelled academically and athletically, ranking at the top of his class and earning recognition as a student speaker at graduation. His achievements extend to athletics, where he was a standout varsity tennis player and cross-country runner. Ruben’s participation in the USAF Aim High Flight Academy fueled his aspiration to become an F-35A pilot, a dream he is now pursuing at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
[Click here to view the full press release from USAF Explorers.]
C/WO John J. Clark has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2028. A top student and athlete from Peoria High School, John excelled in swimming and leadership roles, including his tenure as Cadet Squadron Commander of the AZ-083 Peoria Panthers AFJROTC and a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol. John also achieved his FAA Private Pilot license and aspires to become a Naval Aviator, aiming to fly the F-35C Lightning II.
[Click here to view the full press release from USAF Explorers.]
The achievements of Cadets Saavedra and Clark underscore the exceptional opportunities and preparation provided by the Air Force Explorers Post 2396. Their success reflects the program’s dedication to developing future leaders. http://www.usafexplorers.org/
About Exploring
Exploring is a career education program under Learning for Life, an affiliate of Scouting America. It serves youth in grades 6 through 8 and young adults aged 14 to 20, offering hands-on experiences and career-oriented activities. The program emphasizes leadership, skill development, and career exploration, preparing participants for future success. The Air Force Explorers Post 2396 exemplifies these goals, providing invaluable experiences and mentoring that help shape the leaders of tomorrow. https://joinexploring.org/
