By Karen Mahoney
Correspondent
Ever since one particular Waterford High School honor student was a little boy, he has been enamored with serving the country and becoming a leader.
A self-described Air Force “military brat,” Philip Davis hails from a strong military lineage. His mother, Lynn, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990; his uncle graduated in 1967; and Andrew, his dad, is a retired USAF lieutenant colonel who graduated the Citadel and retired from the Air Force in 2009 after 21 years of service.
“All I ever wanted to do was to go to the Air Force Academy,” Phil said. “When I visited the Academy as a little kid, I knew right then and there that I wanted to go. When I visited again for a baseball camp in eighth grade and got to talk with cadets and live in the dorms, I knew I was meant to go there.”
Since his freshman year in high school, Phil began working towards his goal for acceptance into the Academy, developing a detailed profile that included academic achievements, community involvement and leadership experience.
After devoting years to being one of the small percent of applicants who receive an appointment, Phil felt devastated when he received a rejection letter from the Academy on April 3.
After this setback, Phil regrouped and set his sights on a four year, full-ride Air Force ROTC scholarship and planned to attend the University of Minnesota in Duluth.
However, on May 9, Phil received a call from U. S. Rep. Paul Ryan of the First Congressional District, informing Phil that the Academy in Colorado Springs, Col., would be offering him an appointment after another appointee declined the offer.
“I was so excited,” he said. “Paul Ryan told me that he was proud of my accomplishments and that he wished me the best of luck with my future career.”
During December 2012, Ryan’s Service Academy Nomination Advisory Board had interviewed and evaluated applicants from the First Congressional District for nomination to the U.S service academies. The Board was appointed by Ryan to assist him with identifying the most highly qualified applicants.
First District applicants typically represent the top tiers of their class, are active in their communities and demonstrate great potential for leadership.
“I was proud to nominate Philip Davis for appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy earlier this year and I was glad to hear that he had recently accepted a formal appointment,” said Ryan.
“His commitment to serve our nation with honor and integrity is commendable and I’m confident he will excel at the Air Force Academy in the coming years.”
The Air Force Academy appointment is equivalent to being offered a full 4-year scholarship to a top tier university.
The value of his appointment, based on cost per graduate, is estimated at $403,000.
Phil said he plans to major in Military and Strategic Studies and upon graduation, will receive a Bachelor of Science degree and be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. The Air Force Academy, through rigorous course work and discipline, will prepare him to take up the challenge of leadership in defense of our country.
“After graduation, I would like to pursue a career in either Air Force Special Operations or becoming an Air Force Intelligence Officer,” he said.
“Most importantly, going to the Academy gives me the best opportunity to develop as a leader. I feel that if I am going to be in a position someday where people’s lives may depend on my ability to function as a leader, that I need to be as prepared as I can be to bring all my guys home. Going to the Academy will provide me with the best tools to do so.”
Phil left June 26 for Basic Cadet Training, which is 6 weeks of military, leadership and teambuilding training. His parents say they are proud and excited to see where this opportunity leads him.
“I am so proud of Philip and all of the hard work and sacrifices he has made to make his dream of attending a reality,” said Lynn.
“Everything he has done for at least the last six years has been with this goal in mind. He truly loves his country, is a proven leader, and will be an awesome cadet.”
According to Andrew, Phil’s sacrifices and decisions the past 10 years have brought him to his appointment.
“Phil lived the Air Force way of life as a ‘military brat’ and I am honored and proud that he has decided to serve his country with honor, courage and commitment as an Air Force Academy Cadet and future Air Force Officer,” he said. “I am extremely proud of the man he has become.”
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