Air Force ROTC Crowdfunding to Host a Formal Dining Out Ceremony

UNC Charlotte’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 592 is a commissioning program and leadership training program centered around the college experience. Cadets are students first, focused on academic excellence. In addition, they participate in classes and training sessions to hone their leadership and management skills. And upon graduation, they are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force or US Space Force.

“I knew I wanted to serve in the military to carry on generations of family service,” said Riley Nicholson, a senior business major. “I was going to enlist then decided I needed to get my degree so I applied to UNC Charlotte and joined Air Force ROTC.”

The group is currently crowdfunding to host a Dining Out Ceremony, a formal banquet in dress uniform which honors and recognizes cadets for their accomplishments. Scholarships are awarded to cadets from various national organizations, and ribbons and medals are awarded for internal performance. The Dining Out Ceremony replicates active duty Dining Out banquets and exposes cadets to what it is like to be an officer in the Big Blue.

“Our crowdfunding project is one way for us to gather resources and support from our community,” said Jessica Jerby, a senior international studies major and aerospace studies minor. “Dining In is a time when cadets, officers, family and friends come together to celebrate our achievements throughout the year. It fosters camaraderie between Air Force officers and future Air and Space Force Officers.”

Detachment 592 performs at high levels every year, ranking in the top third nationally among Air Force ROTC Detachments. Cadets participate in several events every year on campus and in the community. They host an annual JROTC drill competition, a shadow day for high school students, an officer career day and an enlisted career day. The group participates in the campus Adopt-A-Spot program and volunteers at the
Carolina Renaissance Festival.

“Air Force ROTC has enhanced my UNC Charlotte experience by allowing me to make lifelong connections and by giving me many opportunities to help me succeed,” said Ni Ni Par, a sophomore majoring in accounting.

Funds raised from Detachment 592’s crowdfunding efforts will be used to cover catering, award presentations and subsidizing tickets for the Dining Out Ceremony so UNC Charlotte’s cadets will not have to pay to attend.

Editor’s Note: Visit the Air Force ROTC’s crowdfunding website to make your gift today.