Cadet Grayson Schmidt: From JROTC to the Skies, Pursuing a Dream of Aviation
Cadet Grayson Schmidt’s journey into the world of aviation began with a simple curiosity about the military. “I joined JROTC to get a taste for the military,” Schmidt said. “I saw how tight-knit the community was and decided I really wanted to be a part of it.” That decision sparked a passion for flight, leading Schmidt toward a future in aeronautics.
Schmidt, a cadet at Ramstein High School, recently completed the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The program, designed to offer select high school students a fast track to obtaining their FAA Private Pilot Certificate, condensed two years' worth of flight training into an intense eight-week course.
For Schmidt, the Flight Academy was an eye-opening experience that tested his skills and mental fortitude. “Being 4,500 miles away from home, learning how to cope with homesickness, and getting a taste of college life were some of the biggest highlights for me,” he said.
His most memorable moment came during his cross-country solo flight.
“The feeling of being alone in the sky, knowing I was the only one in charge, was equal parts freeing and terrifying,” Schmidt said.
Alongside his newfound independence, Schmidt also had to navigate the rigorous coursework and the pressures of living in a new environment with total strangers. “I wasn’t prepared for the level of homesickness and stress,” Schmidt said. “I learned that I had to buckle down and adapt quickly to succeed.”
Throughout the program, Schmidt found guidance and support from key mentors, including his certified flight instructor, Morgan Jacoby. “Morgan taught me the importance of always being prepared for the day,” Schmidt said. He also connected with fellow Cadet Shreyes Shivappa, who helped him push through difficult times.
“Shreyes taught me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and Blake Fair, the program director, showed me that success is all about mindset,” Schmidt said.
These lessons extended far beyond flight, impacting Schmidt’s view on leadership and discipline.
“The Flight Academy boosted my confidence,” he said. “I feel more comfortable leading conversations about aviation, and I’ve learned the importance of mental and physical discipline in high-pressure situations.”
Lt. Col. Douglas Haven, senior aerospace science instructor at Ramstein High School, highlighted the unique opportunities provided to cadets in the JROTC program. “Ramstein’s AFJROTC is a life-skills, citizenship-based, cadet-led program. Our mission is ‘Developing Citizens of Character,’ primarily through service to their school, base and community at large,” Haven said.
The program offers cadets a wide array of opportunities, from drill and ceremonies to quiz-bowl style competitions, marksmanship and career planning.
“Last year, our corps averaged over 20 community service hours per cadet, whether it was supporting the Fisher House, Ukraine relief, or performing Color Guards throughout the community” Haven said.
“I believe JROTC instills confidence, expands a cadet’s sight picture, develops their leadership and ultimately prepares them for success in their post-high school endeavors,” Haven said.
Schmidt’s growth throughout the program exemplifies these values. He now leads a Flight Academy Preparation Program at Ramstein High School.
Schmidt is passionate about sharing his experiences with his peers and inspiring others to explore aviation. He is also working with his instructors to build an aeronautics program that bridges the gap between school and base resources. “My hope is to inspire interest in aviation and push the program to great heights,” Schmidt said.
Now a licensed pilot, Schmidt is setting his sights on even greater goals. He is currently applying to the Air Force Academy, hoping to pursue a career in aviation with the U.S. Air Force.
But his ambitions don’t stop there. “I’m also very interested in becoming a flight instructor at some point in my career,” he said.
Instructors like Haven find deep fulfillment in mentoring students like Schmidt. “Flying to incredible places throughout my Air Force career was the most fun I’ve had in my time with the Air Force, but this is by far the most rewarding,” Haven said.
Schmidt’s story is one of determination, and growth — both in the air and on the ground. As he continues to chase his dream of becoming a pilot, his experiences serve as an inspiration to those around him, proving that with dedication and support, the sky’s the limit.
