Senator Ron Estes gave a letter of recommendation to Senior Jennifer Chhim, nominating her for the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.  

“I accepted because of the opportunities that await there. With USMMA, I can continue to pursue my education and decide for four years if I want to be a Merchant Mariner or an officer in the Armed Forces,” Chhim said.

This leads Chhims future to Kings Point, NY for the next four years, dealing with rigorous training and being sent out to sea for a year.

“I was really excited when I got the call from Ron Estes. I was watching Ice Age 3 and I got a call at 7pm. I picked up and he told me congratulations,” Chhim said.

Chhim is the head of Cyber Patriots, Color Guard and the Saber Team while being the core commander of 106 cadets.

Junior Bethany Ingrim entered the corps the same year. She believes Chhim is an excellent leader. Chhim helped to keep students involved in Cyber Patriots by sending out notices, getting the team involved and keeping them on track.

“She’s really good at being a casual leader; she can naturally do it,” Ingrim said.

Thanks to Chhims’ leadership, AFJROTC completed over 3,800 hours of community service. Chhim completed over 400 hours herself, motivating cadets to do the same. 

“You can tell your leadership is above par when they want to do it,” Col. Michael Dillard said. 

Chhim sets everything by example, her standard is excellence, she’s dedicated. 

“It’s going to be top notch, it’s going to be the best she can do,” Colonel Dillard said.