A DET Thanksgiving
Esprit de Corps: How Cadets
Built Resilience and Camaraderie
Through the Nike Run Challenge.
By Jeremy Rivera Maldonado
Running challenges have long served as a way for teams and organizations to strengthen discipline, improve physical readiness, and cultivate shared identity. For Detachment 756, this semester’s Nike Run Challenge achieved exactly that. Cadets united through miles of effort, early mornings, late nights, and the steady commitment that builds esprit de corps one stride at a time.
As the semester concludes, the stories emerging from the Wing reveal far more than mileage totals. Cadets describe personal transformations, renewed approaches to fitness, and the influence of peers who encouraged, supported, challenged, and occasionally irritated them into better performance.
For C/4C Feliciano-Feliciano, the challenge marked a decisive turning point. Motivated by health and the goal of earning a spot at Field Training 2026, he established a running routine along theAguadilla coastline. The one-mile stretch offered predictable pacing and a calm environment that helped him reset mentally after long days. Over two months he extended his longest run from two miles to six, lost 13 pounds, reduced his waist by more than four inches, and lowered his body fat to 13 percent. He explained that the challenge taught him he was capable of far more than he once believed. On days when fatigue or doubt surfaced, he reminded himself of what was at stake and left the house to train anyway.
C/3C Montalvo-Nieves found meaning in running by seeking hours when the world felt quiet. He preferred late nights or early mornings so he could focus without distraction. Running became a place for clarity and introspection, and he viewed each mile as something earned rather than given.Asimple thought, “I can do this,” fueled him farther than expected.At the same time, he recognized that high drive without balance can turn counterproductive, so the semester became an opportunity to refine his sense of moderation and avoid pushing himself into unhealthy extremes.
C/4C Cortes-Garay provided a third perspective grounded in discipline and consistency. He surpassed the 100-mile mark early in the semester and maintained a steady routine of morning runs along the Hormigueros track and nearby coastal areas. The challenge helped him realize that the workload he once viewed as normal was already demanding by most standards, which reframed his outlook on sustained effort. He emphasized that physical fitness is an investment in both oneself and the people who rely on you. He also spoke openly about how peers influenced him, describing how cadets such as Rodríguez-Rivera, Vélez-Muñoz, and Troche shaped the Wing’s running culture. Their encouragement pushed him forward, and their competitiveness kept him sharp, but he added with humor that sometimes “Rodríguez-Rivera can be really annoying,” capturing how camaraderie and friendly irritation both played a role in maintaining momentum.
Recent results from the Wing reflected this shared energy. During the second phase of the challenge, C/4C Cortes-Garay earned the top mileage within Uniform Flight with 79.97 miles. C/3CAcevedo led Sierra Flight with 36.32 miles, C/3C Echevarría led
Tango Flight with 33.49 miles, and C/3C Montalvo led Victor Flight with 25.49 miles. Their performances collectively contributed Warrior Points to their flights and demonstrated how consistent effort across the Wing translated into tangible results.
Despite the differences in motivation, background, and running style, one theme linked all participants. Each cadet improved individually, yet their progress grew stronger because of the people around them. Cadets set the pace for one another, shared favored routes, held each other accountable, and proved that esprit de corps is built not only through formal training but also through daily habits and shared effort.
As the semester draws to a close, Detachment 756 stands more unified and resilient. The habits, confidence, and camaraderie cultivated through this challenge will continue to support the Wing as it advances into future semesters.
The Road to Leadership
By Jonathan Acevedo Mάrtir
Every morning begins before the sun wakes up, when C/Col Fernando Colón Quiñones gets into his car in Ponce and traces his daily route to the detachment.
prepares himself for what’s next. Even when tiredness threatens to affect his mood, he chooses to smile. To him, leadership isn’t always born from grand speeches; it comes from everyday gestures, showing up, giving your best even when you’re running low, and caring for your people with consistency.
Next semester promises a different pace. With a more flexible schedule and new responsibilities such as SCL, organization will be his compass to accomplish everything he sets out to do. It’s a balance he doesn’t take lightly. He knows academics, leadership duties, and personal life can only coexist if each day has structure and purpose.
But to understand who C/Colón Quiñones is today, we have to look back. His desire to lead didn’t come from a moment of glory, but from a humble memory as anAS100. He watched Figueroa Rosado serve as Wing Commander and something about that image stayed with him. Still shy, uncertain with English, and facing the clear disadvantage of a long daily commute, he wondered if he could ever reach that level. He never imagined that years later, when asked directly if he wanted to be SCL, the voice of his younger self would answer for him.
The road is long, about ten hours of driving every week, but at that time, it has become a private sanctuary where he organizes his thoughts, reflects on what has happened, and
His path was shaped by two key figures. From 2nd Lt Lopez Perez, he learned that leadership means caring, being attentive to your cadets’needs and serving as a genuine source of motivation. From 2nd Lt Pantoja, he absorbed discipline, consistency, and the unwavering work ethic that pushes you to finish strong every day. They’re different personalities, almost opposites, but he carries the best of both within him.
Growth didn’t come easily. His first semester was marked by shyness and lack of confidence. But little by little, with the help of flight mates and flight commanders, he realized he did have the capacity to lead.
Even if he started with fewer advantages, language barriers, commuting, self-doubt, hard work could close the gap. Today, that journey forms the backbone of his leadership: authentic, empathetic, and forged through perseverance.
To maintain clarity amid heavy responsibilities, C/Colón Quiñones developed a habit that has changed his daily life: journaling. Each page is a release, a mental reset, an honest conversation with himself. It’s where he unloads the weight he carries as a cadet, leader, crosstown commuter, son, partner, and human being.
His vision for next semester is ambitious and deeply centered on people. His main mission is to prepare cadets to become outstanding POCs, not only for Field Training but for the more complex reality of leading from within. With the support of C/Col Cruz Vazquez by his side, he hopes to create a balance between firm discipline and genuine motivation. It’ll be a challenging semester, yes, but one that has the potential to transform the future of the Wing.
Beyond training, he wants to reignite cadets’ interest in the program. He hopes to strengthen unity, encourage morale events, expand community service, increase detachment visibility, and cultivate a culture of mutual care. To him, everyone shares the same dream: becoming Air Force officers. But they also share an identity. “Somos Boricua,” he says enthusiastically, reminding us of our Borinkeneers community, where we look out for one another wherever we go.
When the semester ends, C/Colón Quiñones doesn’t want to be remembered for his rank or the tasks he completed. He wants to be remembered as someone who believed in his people, who saw their potential early, and who helped shape them into stronger leaders and better individuals.
If his leadership were a lighthouse, it would shine green, a color of hope, perseverance, and the glow that guides you when the path grows dim. His message is simple: everyone faces difficulties, travel, language barriers, internal doubts. But if he managed to push through all those obstacles, many others could too.
“Perseverance and hard work mean nothing if you don’t believe in yourself,” he says. And that is the light he carries now, ready to share it with the detachment as he steps into a semester that promises to leave a mark.
Courage on Ice: Visiting Washington’s Historic Crossing
By Aidan Antonio Romάn
Washington’s Crossing, located along the icy Delaware River, stands as one of the most iconic sites inAmerican history. It was here, during the winter of 1776, that General George Washington and the Continental Army undertook a daring and dangerous maneuver that would change the course of the Revolutionary War. The site today offers a vivid glimpse into the determination, courage, and unity that defined that very moment.
On the night of December 25, 1776, the ContinentalArmy faced an uncertain future. Morale was low, enlistments were ending, and the army had suffered a series of defeats. The soldiers were cold, hungry, and
weary, and the outlook seemed bleak. Against this backdrop, Washington devised a bold plan; he would lead his troops across the Delaware River under cover of darkness to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. It was a risky strategy; if it failed, the army could face complete destruction. The crossing itself was a feat of perseverance and careful coordination. Soldiers navigated a river filled with floating ice and treacherous currents, rowing through the frigid night. Boats were loaded with troops, artillery, and supplies, each crossing requiring careful timing and discipline. The elements added to the danger; the air was freezing, the river cold, and winter storms threatened to delay or derail the mission. Despite these obstacles, Washington’s leadership inspired confidence, and the troops pressed on with determination.
The success of the crossing and the subsequent victory at Trenton was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The surprise attack caught the Hessians off guard and delivered a needed morale boost to the ContinentalArmy. It proved that the American forces could plan and execute complex operations and that Washington’s leadership was both bold and effective. The event renewed hope for the revolutionary cause and strengthened the resolve of soldiers and supporters alike.
Today, Washington’s Crossing stands as both a memorial and a symbol. It reminds visitors that history is shaped by bold decisions, courage under pressure, and a commitment to a shared cause. For cadets, it is an inspiring example of how determination and unity can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Standing on the same ground as Washington and the continental soldiers it is impossible not to feel the weight of what was accomplished by these men, and to hope that in the future we too can find the courage to make bold decisions.
Rising Leaders: Meet Our Cadets of the Month
By Brianna Colon Rivera
Every month, our detachment shines spotlight on four cadets who stand out through leadership, dedication, and growth. Awarded as Warrior, Honor, Most Improved, and POC of the Month, these cadets not only excel individually but also inspire their peers to reach higher. I had the chance to sit down with each of them to hear what motivates them, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and how it feels to earn this recognition.
Warrior Cadet of the Month:
C/4C Rodriguez Rivera,Alexis –
Uniform flight, 4th year Mechanical Engineering, 1st semester in the program.
Fun fact:“ I have hiked most of Puerto Rico including Isla de Mona”
When training gets difficult, what helps you stay focused and keep going?
“Do one more.” Many times, I think about giving up, but I simply like to do one more. The mind is very powerful, and if we can get to a point where we build momentum, things get a lot easier. I’m not the best runner, but if I’m running with Raptors, I’m not calling safety until I faint. Having a mentality of doing one more and thinking long-term asking myself, do I really want to get rid of the pain of this moment, or do I want to live with the pain of not giving it my all?
If you had to describe your warrior mindset in one sentence, what would it be?
Helping others matters, too. It’s way easier to motivate a peer than to motivate yourself. Improving the unit helps you feel fulfilled and in turn, that fulfillment keeps you moving forward.
If you had to give advice to a new cadet who wants to build a warrior mindset, what would you tell them?
Think of a big goal and imagine what happens if you dedicate yourself to achieving it. Are you ready to sacrifice everything for that goal? I’m talking about relationships, time on your phone, sleep, and hanging out with friends who don’t help you grow. Are you truly ready to focus on one thing? If you are, you’re set but most of the time, life will get in the way, and your success will depend on how you structure your life. A big goal is awesome, but always remember why you’re doing it. We often drown in a glass of water by overthinking and complicating things that don’t need to be complicated.
Honor Cadet of the Month:
C/4C Feliciano Feliciano, Edgar –
Tango Flight, 2nd year Office Administration and Information Technology, 2nd semester in the program.
Fun fact: “I don’t eat dairy products because I don’t like the taste, but I do love pizza”
What part of being a cadet has been the most fun or motivating for you lately?
Lately the most motivating part of being a cadet for me has been the Nike run app challenge. It has motivated me to start taking running and my physical fitness very seriously. Having the Nike run challenge keeps me motivated because I see other people competing and trying to get as many miles as possible. In my mind, I’m having a friendly competition against them.
What is one specific way you contributed to your flight’s success this month?
The very specific way I have contributed to my flight success this month has been the Warrior Knowledge study sessions that I started. I decided not to just invite my flight but to invite everyone I am proud to say that Tango flight was the first flight to complete the Pennant Challenge after studying for
about a month every week and so that's the best way I've helped my flight this month
If you could improve one thing about yourself or your flight next month, what would it be?
For my flight I would love for every member to show up to PMTs and the extra trainings that we have like the Warrior Knowledge study sessions and the extra D&Cs because a lot of times um whenever there's something that is not mandatory but that is helpful for them, they just don't show up. So, I would like my flight to be more present and to participate a lot more because I think that will help them be better leaders in the future.
Most Improved Cadet:
C/3C Mendez Ortiz, Hector-
Tango Flight, 3rd year Computer Engineering, 2nd semester in the program.
Fun fact: “I love taking photos and I love cooking and baking from scratch”
What’s one improvement you’re proud of that other people might not have noticed?
The improvement I’m most proud of is that I’m way calmer on the inside. Before, when I made any mistake no matter how small it
was it would have me spiraling making me doubt myself, I would even say "that's it, there goes my future". It's not something people see, but it really took a lot of growth to reach to that point. I'm way more organized, collected and disciplined. Sometimes I still do struggle, but it's all part of the process of reaching excellence.
What’s something you struggled with before but feel way more confident about now?
Definitely confidence without a doubt. I would always overthink everything, from how I talked, walked even how I would just sit. Now, I'm way more confident. I still do have my moments, but now I trust myself and my abilities way more than before. I've gotten better at speaking up, taking decisions and most importantly stepping up, not letting fear take over me.
Who helped you stay consistent or pushed you to do better?
My peers, and cadre pushed me beyond my limits without even realizing it. Watching them grind, going through the same struggles made me say to my self, "Alright, no more games. Let's lock in too." Also, Capt. Jackson motivated me when I had a meeting with him. When he told me "Méndez, I see you in PT giving your 110% motivating others and striving forward. It really shows that you are dedicated to this program. For GLPs I see you locked in, concentrated with the task at hand." Everyone in the program motivated me, checked how I was doing, and reminded me that I don't need to be so worried or dramatic because “I was doing amazing for a first year".
POC of the Month:
C/Lt Col Sanchez, Rose -
A5 Plans & Integration Director, 5th year Kinesiology, 4th year in the program.
Fun fact: “I love to go to the movies so much I even go alone. Almost weekly or biweekly”
What are your thoughts on being chosen and how you feel about it?
My thoughts are that it was definitely unexpected. I am a firm believer of working and helping with your heart and not
expecting anything in return. But it was a nice recognition and a way to end the week since I was already having a rough week. I’m grateful for my A5 team and my POC peers.
Can you share an example of a challenge you faced as a POC and how you overcame it?
Delegation and confrontation, sometimes to avoid more conflict I would avoid giving hard feedback or would feel bad and want to help too much my team mates. But avoiding delegation only puts unnecessary tasks on my back and prevents my teammates from growing. Avoiding honest feedback also holds them back as leaders and adds extra stress on me. I’ve learned it’s better to “rip the band-aid,” communicate clearly, and ensure the mission gets done.
What do you enjoy most about being a POC?
What I enjoy most it witnessing the cadets growth. I genuinely love to help people whether it’s POCs or GMCs. I don’t have family in Mayaguez so my extended family is the det.