If all goes well next year, Caitlin Hubbard will be the newest cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The 18-year-old Addison resident is certainly off to an impressive start receiving nominations to the prestigious academy from both U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R) and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D).
‘These young men and women are willing to reach out for an education and career of service to their nation,? said Rogers in a press release. ‘They are a credit to their schools, communities and families.?
‘I was just completely thrilled,? said Hubbard, a homeschool student and daughter of Randy and Robin Hubbard, who have lived on Brewer Road in Addison for about 14 years.
She should find out sometime between January and early March whether she’s been accepted to the academy.
Hubbard’s already qualified academically, however, she must still meet the physical qualifications, which shouldn’t be too difficult for someone who’s competed as a triathlete (swimming, running and biking).
‘It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m hopeful,? she said.
She said the Air Force Academy will offer her ‘experiences and opportunities you’re never going to have anywhere else,? along with ‘leadership and character training? and an education that’s ‘second to none.?
It was Hubbard’s positive experiences in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) over the last two years that sparked her desire to apply to the academy and hopefully forge a career in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon.
‘It got me interested in the military,? she said. ‘Before that I’d never even thought about the military.?
Created in December 1941, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, following many of its customs and courtesies, but with no military obligation.
Hubbard is a cadet second lieutenant in CAP’s Cadet Program and deputy commander of the Selfridge Cadet Squadron GLR-MI-176, which meets weekly at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
CAP’s Cadet Program, for ages 12 to 18, is designed to ‘develop and motivate the youth of the country, helping them become leaders and responsible citizens.?
From learning to fly a Cessna 172 and studying how aircraft work to developing leadership skills and receiving military struction, CAP has given Hubbard ‘the right stuff? and fueled her passion to join the Air Force.
‘I love the Air Force environment. I love the military discipline, the drill work, the uniforms,? she said. ‘Now that I’m an officer, I’m in charge. I love being in charge.?
A cadet officer since July and deputy commander of her squadron, Hubbard is ‘in charge? of 60 young people. ‘I get called ma’am and saluted,? she said.
Hubbard also serves as Cadet Aerospace Education Officer. ‘I teach classes in how planes work, principles of flight, rocketry.?
She’s currently working to qualify as a Public Affairs Officer for CAP.
‘I kept getting more and more involved, and realized this is what I want to do,? Hubbard said.
When it comes to being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated world, like the military, Hubbard said, ‘There is a difference ? definitely.?
‘You get guys that really don’t want a girl in charge of them, especially one who outranks them and is going to tell them what to do,? she said.
Given her CAP squadron has ‘very few girls, maybe 10 percent,? she said earning and maintaining respect is a challenge, but one she’s rose to and met with dogged determination.
‘You have to be so careful to maintain your respect for yourself and your self-discipline at all times,? Hubbard said. ‘You can’t let it crack ever.?
‘You’ve got to be just as good, do everything just as well, sometimes better, and you’ll earn respect.?
But don’t think for a moment Hubbard views herself as some kind of victim or someone deserving of special treatment.
‘There are some women who get this idea that since I’m a girl I’m so persecuted and that’s the wrong idea,? she said. ‘You can’t expect that you’re going to be treated better because you’re a woman. You can’t act like you’re not being treated as well.?
Eventually, Hubbard hopes to have a career as a medical doctor in the Air Force, specifically a Flight Surgeon.
Flight Surgeons are responsible for the treatment and certification of aviation personnel ? pilots, crew members and air traffic controllers.
‘They take care of fighter pilot squadrons, pilots and their families,? she said. ‘They get to learn basically how flight affects humans and OK pilots for flying.?
Given her parents? careers, becoming a doctor seemed like a natural choice for Hubbard.
‘My mom’s a veterinarian and my dad’s a scientist, so between the two I knew I wanted to do something scientific,? she said.
Mom Robin practices at the Goodison Veterinary Center, while dad Randy is a microbiologist/immunologist who teaches at Rochester College.
Her interest in medicine was also triggered by her involvement in the Oakland County 4-H Poultry Club since the age of 8.
‘We’re chicken people,? said Hubbard, who’s served as club president for the last two years. ‘I love chickens.?
From the caring for and raising of poultry to learning their anatomy and diseases, you might say Hubbard’s feathered friends egged her on to become a doctor.
‘Pretty soon, I’m raising every species of poultry there is and showing at the fair every year,? she said. ‘You learn a lot of responsibility taking care of animals.?
Wanting to study medicine also meshes well with Hubbard’s natural love of helping others and working with people, a large part of this remarkable young lady’s life.
From 4-H Club community service projects to spending time at her church (First Baptist Church of Rochester) and in its youth group to doing volunteer work at Crittenton Hospital, she’s definitely a compassionate person with a heart and mind devoted to serving others.
So what advice does this accomplished young lady have for other young people?
‘I think a lot of kids don’t realize they have so many opportunities to excel, even when you’re still a teenager,? she said. ‘You don’t have to wait to be older to do cool stuff.?