From Massillon, Ohio, to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, Kenneth Strait, a 2024 5X graduate, is a standout example of how hard work pays off.
Coming to Kent State, a university recognized for the more than 15 consecutive years as a Military Friendly School, Strait progressed through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program, where he gained leadership skills and underwent military training all while pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics and working toward becoming an officer in the United States Air Force.
“Kent State has a great aviation program, and I really appreciated the size of the campus,” Strait told Kent State Today. “Having an AFROTC on campus rather than having to be a crosstown cadet (attending one university but driving to another for AFROTC) was a plus.”
Strait always knew he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. While still in high school, he applied for and was awarded an AFROTC scholarship, which provided four years of tuition, a monthly stipend and a textbook allowance.
This scholarship, known as a Level 7 technical scholarship, required Strait to choose one of the five provided majors: physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science or architecture.
“My original goal was to be a pilot in the Air Force, so of those five, physics made the most sense,” Strait said. “Plus, it’s fun to say I have a bachelor’s in physics despite never needing to use it.”
Strait spent much of his time at Kent State volunteering his time. As a member of Delta Chi fraternity and AFROTC, philanthropy was often the center of his college life.
Strait began volunteering early for a program called Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Green High School in the spring of his freshman year, serving as a drill coach instructor.
Through this program, high school students gain an opportunity to develop their character and become better citizens without the service obligation or commitment after graduation.
Strait shares fond memories of his time with the program, developing his leadership skills while building lifelong friendships with other instructors and connecting with students.
“Through AFJROTC, I became more than just a drill coach. On days I didn't have class, I would come to help teach a lesson, do physical training alongside them, especially on dodgeball days and work as an instructed mentor for their Camp Reliance program,” Strait said.
Upon graduating from Kent State, Strait commissioned to be an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, his most preferred career field, after an unexpected medical disqualification from becoming a pilot.
“My assumption is my vision got me disqualified, but I think for now I’m happier as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, as my original intention was to lead,” Strait said.
In February of this year, Strait received his first assignment to Dyess AFB, seven miles southwest of downtown Abilene, Texas.