U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A checklist that then-Senior Airman Caden Soper wrote during his first U.S. Air Force assignment outlined the steps necessary to accomplish his long-term goal — an Academy appointment.
In 2022, Soper first visited the U.S. Air Force Academy during the National Character and Leadership Symposium as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year panel members. Two years later, Soper is a fourth-degree cadet considering a Legal Studies major. The NCLS visit solidified his commitment to apply for an appointment and return as a cadet.
“When I first got to technical school, the opportunity to one day go to the Academy was already on my radar,” Soper said. “I made that checklist of everything I needed to accomplish to make it happen.”
Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Three years after Soper joined the Air Force, he was selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022. The award recognized the F-15 Eagle avionics journeyman for saving a potentially failed aircraft launch, setting a wing record for performance that saved millions of U.S. dollars and supporting his teams’ avionics system diagnostics and repair goals. To this day, Soper refers to the honor as a team accomplishment.
“As maintainers, we don’t ever expect to win awards at that level,” he said. “Being named one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was a testament to my team and my leadership at Kadena Air Base, Japan.”
Exemplifying leader of character qualities
During his NCLS appearance with the Outstanding Airmen of the Year panel, Soper impressed Center for Character and Leadership Development staff with his leader-of-character qualities. Each year, the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year visit the Academy in the fall to learn more about cadet life to prepare for their return as speakers on a panel during NCLS. During this visit, the Airmen also learn about enlisted opportunities at the Academy, such as the Academy military trainer and enlisted instructor positions, and the LEAD program’s path to commissioning. This immersion allows them to become ambassadors for the Academy during their year-long engagements.
CCLD senior enlisted leader Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Hunt said he observed character, integrity and perseverance leadership traits in Soper during the panel in February 2022.
“These qualities are crucial for a successful career as a military member,” Hunt said. “Leadership ensures the ability to guide and motivate teams effectively. Integrity builds trust and credibility, which are vital in any leadership role. Perseverance demonstrates the commitment to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.”
As a fellow enlisted member, Hunt appreciates Soper’s path to become an Air Force officer. He set an example for other enlisted members with similar leadership qualities, he said.
“Seeing Cadet Soper succeed in making it to the Academy is a point of pride for the enlisted force,” Hunt said. “It represents the opportunities available for enlisted personnel to advance their careers and contribute to the Air Force in new ways. It’s a testament to the idea that with dedication and hard work, enlisted members can achieve their aspirations and take on leadership roles as officers.”
Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program
A year after leaving Columbus, Kansas, to enlist in the Air Force in 2019, Soper began his Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program application during his first year at Kadena Air Base, Japan. He delayed his paperwork for about a year after a temporary duty assignment to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in 2020. During his third year, Soper resumed his checklist. He keeps a photo of it on his phone as a daily reminder of how far he’s already come.
Soper said he felt a sense of accomplishment once he received his Academy appointment letter. He felt prepared to begin his journey as a cadet.
In June, then Staff Sgt. Soper left Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, to begin Basic Cadet Training. Soper knows the type of leader he wants to be and is excited to see how he develops his skills in the next four years.
“People call the Academy a learning laboratory,” Soper said. “I call it a character laboratory. The cadets are here because they have the skills necessary to lead. We are learning how to be leaders of character.”