Members of Jackson State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 006 saluted its newly minted officer during its annual commission and pinning ceremony Thursday in the auditorium of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
Family, friends and peers celebrated as graduating cadet Brittany Lynn of Jackson was elevated to second lieutenant after a declaration by Lt. Col. Timothy Henderson, commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at JSU.
Although he described Henderson as a stellar example of service, he said, “This day is not just about the making of our Air Force’s newest lieutenant. It’s about the future that is represented on this occasion. (Essayist-poet) Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘The only person you’re destined to become is the person you decide to be.’ ”
Furthermore, said the commander, “We’re witnessing the beginning of a promising career. This day is about the parents and grandparents who have guided Lynn’s growth and development over the years. Also, it’s a result of the numerous conversations with her brothers, uncles, aunts and friends who have kept her on track. Despite the many challenges to get to this point, this day represents the culmination of what remains possible.”
‘I didn’t get here by myself’
Lynn, a 26-year-old scholar and biology major, said, “This means everything to me. I never imagined I would be here. … I didn’t get here by myself. Imagine how many people have been praying, pushing, motivating, teaching, supporting and believing in me – even before I believed in myself. This day is not only special for me. It’s special for all of us. … Everything you think you see in me, everything you think I have accomplished, everything you think I have is only by the grace of God.”
She then pivoted the conversation to her struggles.
“Five years ago I was withdrawing from Jackson State, and my dad doesn’t know this story. Actually I withdrew from JSU two semesters in a row. I was at a point in my life when I didn’t know where I was headed or what I wanted to do with myself. It was really, really rough on me. So, I spent a lot of time trying to self-evaluate. … I can stand here today and say I’m happy. … I’ve been protected, directed and corrected. I didn’t always stick with God, but he stayed with me.”
With her parents in the audience, she thanked them, even when they didn’t agree with the choices she made in her life. “I can never repay you,” said Lynn, declaring that it was only because of renewed determination that she rebounded.
Lynn emphasized over and over that her journey was complicated but credits teamwork and faith for reaching this hugely important milestone.
Gratitude to supporters
Before offering additional appreciation to her supporters, Lynn said, “This Air Force thing didn’t come easy. I had to work at it. I had to become dedicated and committed to this process. I’m grateful to the cadre – past and present. Each of you has shaped me in some form. I will take each lesson with me in the next phase of my life. … I’ve learned so much from the cadets and will remember the long nights of trying to complete the mission. I’m proud of where this detachment is headed.”
She told her peers to “keep pushing, striving for greatness and holding up the standard. I want each of you to picture yourself up here. This is you. I am you. This is what the end looks like.”
Of all the ceremonies occurring in April and May, Henderson told the audience that the nation is entrusting Lynn with responsibilities that only about 1,700 ROTC cadets from throughout this nation will experience.
“In a world where change is the only constant, where it seems as though nothing ever stays the same and where trust is determined by personal gain and selfish desires, we can remain confident that this young woman is part of a remedy that will uphold the highest standards of conduct. … She has excelled in everything you could expect out of a college student.”
The next phase of her life
So, what’s next for Lynn?
Henderson said the new lieutenant already has orders to report to the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida on May 10 for her initial training. He said she will undergo a rigorous program lasting nearly 1½ years as a combat systems officer. While riding aboard a piloted aircraft costing from $25 million upward, her job will involve dropping bombs on enemy territory.
Her training duties will include:
- Air Force navigator (plotting how the aircraft flies)
- Weapons systems officer (giving instructions on dropping bombs)
- Electronic weapons officer (sitting in the back of the aircraft while monitoring and preventing enemies from attempting to shoot down a plane)
“We’re going to hear some great things about Lynn in the future. She will make Jackson State proud,” Henderson said.
Lynn, preparing for the next chapter in her life, urged cadets to “find out what makes you happy. Don’t do anything for money or for other people’s satisfaction.”
