By Lt. Col. Ralph Gracia USAF Ret.
Guest Columnis
In this edition, I will celebrate Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMsgt) Dariel Reyes. Dariel Reyes is a 17-year old young man who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout his early years, Dariel always has had a passion for the military, and his dream is to be a part of the United States Air Force. Dariel serves as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church and he continues to support his congregation.
Dariel has been a natural-born leader ever since he started down the path of becoming an altar boy. When he started helping out in his church, he never missed a church service as a devoted Christian. Dariel is currently a Master of Ceremony and was selected to attend New York Boys State Summer Leadership, representing Kings County. He has spread his religion with his friends, and family. He has found common ground with his unit Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lt Col Gracia. They attend the same church where they found salvation in their religion.
C/CMSgt Reyes has maintained a 3.7 GPA since his freshman year. He is a represented leader in his school and is currently the commander of Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep. When Dariel started in the Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) program he was given a citizenship character form. His teachers would evaluate his overall performance and make comments on the form. He has not failed to receive glowing reviews from the comments made by his teachers. He receives a lot of support from his teachers and peers alike, with many of them having positive opinions of AFJROTC because of Dariel. His U.S. History teacher, Mr. Vasco, shared a few words to describe Dariel, “Dariel excels academically and has strong moral character. He is an excellent role model for his peers.” Throughout his years in AFJROTC, C/CMSgt Reyes has been in several extracurricular activities and clubs. Dariel has been in the armed drill inspection, regulation teams, and armed exhibition team. He also works with the drone club and participates in the aviation ground school.
Ever since Dariel stepped into the AFJROTC program he has been determined to make the most of his situation. Cadet Reyes is a leader in the program, and although, Dariel had to overcome many challenges in and outside of the unit, his shortcomings have helped him grow into the leader he is today. Dariel has a drive and passion to succeed in everything he does, this is by no means the end of his journey! Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMsgt) Dariel Reyes marches during a military rehearsal in Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC). Ever since Dariel stepped into the AFJROTC program he has been determined to make the most of his situation