Aukerman
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Aukerman was awarded a bachelor’s of science degree in military history. He was also cited for graduating with military distinction.
Aukerman was one of 1,073 offices commissioned on May 23 at the Academy.
The commencement speaker was President Barack Obama, who lauded the USAFA Class of 2012 for his individual and collective accomplishments.
During his four years at USAFA, Aukerman was active in many activities. He marched in th Drum and Bugle Corps as a freshman. During his second, third and fourth years, he was able ot serve in a variety of leadership roles rising to the rank of Cadet Lt. Colonel and serving Cadet Squadron 11 as its commander in his final semester.
He earned his glider wings, his simulator instructor wings as well as his jump wings with five parachute free falls.
During his summers at USAFA, he was able to complete combat survival training and participate in deployed operations to South Korea and the MIddle East (Kuwait and UAE).
In April, Aukerman was one of only two USAFA cadets chosen to meet with and serve the Doolittle Raiders as they celebrated the 70th anniversary of the raid of Japan in World War II.
Aukerman’s initial assignment will be as a research assistant at USAFA. He will report to Columbus., Miss., in March of 2013, to begin pilot training and hopes to fly the F-16.
Aukerman joins his brother Curtis in service to the nation.
Curtis currently is a SPC in the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 414th ChemicalaWarfare Co. in Orangeburg, S.C. He attended Cleveland High school and is a graduate of Chattanooga State. He serves his community in Columbia, S.C., as an EMT and currently is attending nursing school.
Curtis along with his parents and several aunts and uncles, Mike and Amber Aukerman of Canton, Ohio, and Delbert and Laura Bell of Moore, S.C., attended the graduation.
In the long-standing military tradition, Curtis delivered the first salute from no-commissioned personnel to 2lt. Aukerman.
Aukerman is a 2008 braduat eof Walker Valley High School.
