AFROTC Honors Heroic Acts with Valor Awards

John Wathen IV is an aerospace engineering graduate with leadership experience as a cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), where, as lead lab officer, he was responsible for the planning and execution of leadership labs for dozens of cadets. John Moss Wathen IV received the Major Lewis Award in recognition of his leadership potential, academic excellence, personal accountability, and patriotic values.

Certain AFROTC awards take the form of a ribbon or medal, which can be worn on a cadet’s uniform. Detachment-level cadet awards recognize outstanding performances, either throughout service or as the result of a single act. Such awards include the meritorious service award and the commendation award, which acknowledge a cadet’s achievement in staff or leadership positions.

Additionally, AFROTC recognizes cadets who commit heroic acts with a valor award. Valor awards are divided into gold and silver; the former recognizes acts that involve significant risk of life.