VOLABAMUS VOLAMUS   DECEMBER 2020
INSPIRING TOMORROW'S MILITARY AVIATORS
Each year the Daedalians present nearly $150,000 in scholarships to deserving youth. We're able to do this because of your generous donations.
USAF Pilot Training Class 62A Scholarship
awarded a Daedalian Flight Scholarship
In honor of the service and sacrifices of their departed classmates
Honor the service & sacrifice of others;
Paying Back for their own experiences;
and Paying Forward to continue our aviation heritage.
Cadet Robert Newberry, AFROTC
Senior, University of California - Los Angeles
Harold L. George Flight 7 Matching/USAF Pilot Training Class 62A Scholarship
Class 62A: $1,000, Foundation: $2,000.
Major: Political Science, 3.9 GPA
Perfect score - AFROTC PFT; 1 of 50 cadets to complete the USAFA Freefall Program; President of Alpha Gamma Omega Fraternity; Santa Monica Homeless Outreach Program. Will graduate and commission in June 2021 as a pilot candidate in the US Air Force. Student pilot.
Career Goal: “Since middle school my chief goal has been to become a pilot in the USAF. My career in AFROTC has helped make that dream a closer reality. Although my flight experience is limited (I currently have twelve hours logged in Cessna 172) this March, my rated board package was successful and I was allocated a USAF pilot training slot. ”
Matching Scholarships
The Daedalian Foundation matches up to $2,000 in flight scholarship awards, and then adds another $1,000. Thus, $3,000 is the maximum total that the Foundation awards per flight. When a flight awards multiple scholarships, the Foundation's matching, up to $3,000, is done in accordance with flight instructions.
Cadet Robert Finch, AFROTC
Senior, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Business Management with concentrations in Accounting and Finance.
Currently serving as the Detachment’s Protocol Officer. Current Region 11 Commander of Arnold Society. Pilot slot.
Career Goal: Cadet Finch’s goal is to become a career officer in the United States Air Force. He has been selected to enter Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training upon graduation and commissioning. “I plan on going to school as a CSO and potentially switching to a pilot or RPA if I don’t enjoy it.”
Cadet Tommy Wilson, AFROTC
Senior, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Aviation
Flight Commander, Wing Drill and Ceremonies Officer and Wing Community Outreach Officer. Dean’s List. Cadet Wilson’s dedicated service as an E-5 Infantry Team Leader and experience gained while participating in the global war on terrorism are proven qualities that will make him an exceptional officer and aviator. 
Career Goal: “Commissioning as an Officer in the United States Air Force. I plan on becoming a pilot and a career officer.”
Cadet Michael Xiques, AFROTC
Junior, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Criminal Justice
Unit Flight Commander; community service volunteer for many events off campus; recipient of one of Flt 16’s “Special Category” scholarships last year, given to sophomores who are identified by their commander as demonstrating exceptional potential.
Career Goal: His goal is to receive his commission in the United States Air Force and serve as a Pilot or Combat Systems Officer.  
Cadet Lucas Heaton, AFROTC
Junior, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Computational Physics
Minor: Mathematics
Cadet Heaton is currently taking flying lessons. In addition to his active role in his ROTC unit, he readily volunteers his time for off campus service. Recipient of numerous ROTC Awards: Physical Fitness, Honor Flight, Warrior Flight and Academic awards; recipient of one of Flt 16’s “Special Category” scholarships last year, given to sophomores who are identified by their commander as demonstrating exceptional potential. 
Career Goal: "I'd love the chance to serve my country as a pilot in the United States Air Force. As I've gained more exposure to the Air Force and the pilot career field through the AFROTC program, it has only strengthened my desire to become a pilot. Pilots are the personification of the United States Air Force. Military aviation is a career that involves leading-edge technology, speed, daring, and duty. Pilots must be leaders, utilizing their physical skills and their intellect to succeed. It would be an honor to be part of the pilot community. I'd love to apply my skills and test myself in the skies.”
MIDN Henry Mitchell, NROTC
Senior, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Computer Science
MIDN Mitchell is very active in the battalion, having served as Battalion Administrative Officer, Supply Officer and was handpicked by his commander to be the lead planner for the 2019 Navy/Marine Corps Ball. His commander lists him as one of the top aviation prospects in his class. Midshipman Mitchell recently earned qualifying scores on the Aviation Selection Test Battery to be granted an aviation guarantee in the Navy.  
Career Goal: “Over the last three years, my career goal has been to commission in the United States Navy. Once I do that, my goal is to attend flight school. Currently my final goal is to be a Naval Aviator.”
Cadet Caden Norder, AFROTC
Senior, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Curtis E. Lemay Flight 16 matching scholarship
Flight $500. Foundation $500.
Major: Agribusiness
AFROTC award for Physical Fitness Excellence - Fall 2019, Spring 2020 and Dean’s List –Spring 2020. Cadet Norder holds a private pilot certificate and First Class Medical and has over 190 total flying hours.
Career Goal: “I would like to be a pilot for the Air Force, specifically a fighter pilot. I love the culture and atmosphere of military aviation. I want to make the Air Force a career because I have always wanted to serve my country and I am passionate about aviation. I have had some great aviation mentors in my life, and it makes me very excited to have a chance to be in their position and serve this great nation.”
Cadet Samuel Didier, AFROTC
Senior, California State University - Davis
Sierra Flight 27 matching scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $2,000.
Major: Chemistry
Currently serves as Detachment Flight Commander. Current Region 11 Commander of Arnold Society. Pilot slot.
Career Goal: “I have a passion for aviation and technology, and my motivation is to pursue an opportunity in the Air Force that allows me to involve myself in both. I am a pilot select, and intend to pursue opportunities to apply my technical education to the cutting edge of AF Development. I am currently pursuing an opportunity for higher education in a National Defense Strategy-identified field, and I hope to have it set me up for success in finding that niche in the greater Air Force.”
Cadet Isaac Abitabilo, AFROTC
Junior, University of New Hampshire
Granite State Flight 53 matching scholarship
Flight $2,000. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Cadet Abitabilo has his FAA Medical License and has a few flights in a light aircraft in his logbook. His dream aircraft would be an A-10, but would gladly fly anything in the Air Force inventory. Given his interest in flying, Granite State Flight plans to refer Cadet Abitabilo to the flights’ Executive Committee for a Daedalians Flying Training slot next summer.
Career Goal: “In a little over a year I will commission into the Air Force. I hope to get a pilot slot and fly for as long as I possibly can. This is what I joined ROTC to do and remains my top goal. I joined the Air Force because they have the finest aviators in the world. I want to be part of that legacy and carry it on into a new generation.”
We're proud to highlight these scholarship recipients who are pursuing careers
as military aviators. If you would like to offer them career advice or words of encouragement,
please email us at [email protected].
Our office will be closed Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st for New Year's.
DAEDALIAN NEWS
Final Giving Opportunities of 2020
Our organization depends on the generosity of members, donors, and volunteers to ensure that our programs to support future military aviators can be sustained and to advance the goals of our organization. We are so grateful for your continued support, especially through this uniquely challenging year.

As 2020 draws to a close, we invite you to consider some final opportunities to give of your time, talent, and treasure as we look to make next year the best yet. Below please find some suggestions for ways to give back to the Daedalians:

  • Ensure your membership in your local flight is up to date, contact your local flight captain, and seek out opportunities to volunteer in your local community.
  • Help present JROTC medals
  • Share the Daedalians mission with friends and neighbors and help inform them about the phenomenal programs that make the Daedalians a great organization. Invite some of your aviation friends to join
  • Contribute articles, photos, or share your stories and ideas. The history and insights of our members are a unique and much appreciated part of what we do.
  • Shop using Smile.Amazon.com and list the Daedalian Foundation as your non-profit of choice to support.
  • Contribute to our organization through the Combined Federal Campaign.
  • Under the CARES Act, you are able to deduct an extra $300 on your taxes in charitable donations. Find details at the IRS web site: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-300-tax-deduction-helps-most-people-give-to-charity-this-year-even-if-they-dont-itemize
Virtual Flight Meetings
A growing number of flights are utilizing virtual platforms to meet due to limits on face-to-face gatherings due to COVID-19. We are excited to watch our members embrace this opportunity and open their flight meetings to a broader audience. If your flight is meeting virtually and wants to include other Daeadalians or members of the public, please contact us and we will share with our membership and through appropriate media.

Is your flight interested in hosting a virtual meeting? Our staff and resources are available to assist you with organizing online events. To learn more, please contact us by clicking on the button below.
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