Ole Miss Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet Aaron McGraw has fallen in love with the fun work environment and the personal guidance the program offers.

The sophomore mechanical engineering major first heard about ROTC in high school. While seeking opportunities to fund his higher education, he found that ROTC offered a variety of scholarships.

“I always wanted to serve. Originally, I thought about enlisting, but I really wanted to go to college,” McGraw said.

He is a recipient of the Air Force’s Commander Scholarship, which fully funds his college education. Money, however, was not the only factor that drew McGraw to the University of Mississippi.

“It’s beautiful. I love the people here. Southern hospitality is no joke. Coming here was a great opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” McGraw said.

Choosing which branch to join was an easy decision for the Louisville, Ky., native.

“I wanted to fly. ROTC had the best chance of me becoming a pilot. And I don’t like the water,” McGraw said.

McGraw described UM ROTC as small and close-knit. Comfortable in the intimate atmosphere, McGraw believed he would develop better friendships with fellow cadets and officers at UM than at other colleges he toured.

“I enjoy everything that we get to do. Flight simulators every day, having a close-knit community of people who share the same values and interests and really great role models are the most rewarding parts (of ROTC),” McGraw said.

With a broad smile, McGraw said that he finds morning physical training to be a worthwhile and fun bonding experience for cadets.

Exercises range from practicing calisthenics in the Pavilion courtyard to running laps around the Turner Center’s jogging track. Occasionally, members earn a recreational physical training day, in which cadets may play basketball or lift weights freely.

“Everything that we do is just fun. You have to take it seriously and be professional at times, but (physical training) is fun. No one thinks waking up at 5 a.m. to go work out for an hour is enjoyable, but when you get there with your friends, everyone starts getting excited,” McGraw said.

In summer 2023, McGraw was selected to attend the Aim High Flight Academy, sponsored by the Air Force. The California program allowed McGraw to gain 15 flight hours in three weeks.

ROTC has transformed his personality and positively impacted his future, McGraw said.

“It has opened me up. I used to be introverted and not talk very much. Being in this community has allowed me to let loose. It spilled over into the rest of my life and let me talk comfortably. It has built my confidence and given me a sense of purpose,” McGraw said.

This personal development has made McGraw hopeful for the rest of his UM and military careers. While he hopes that his future will include flying, the Air Force guarantees him a job and goals to work toward regardless.

McGraw’s sense of purpose extends throughout his daily life. The core values of the Air Force are integrity first, service before self and excellence in all that they do.

“I try to live by (the core values) every day, in and out of uniform. I find that having a simple code to follow makes life a little bit easier,” McGraw said.

McGraw shared that ROTC has taught him time management, adaptability and leadership skills. Most importantly, it has given him a lifelong network of mentors, friends and memories. He encouraged people to take a chance on the program to experience the same joys he has.

“It’s not at all like the movies,” McGraw said. “Everyone seems to think it’s super serious and strict, but you’re having a good time in a healthy, fun work environment. Never say no to an opportunity. Say yes and go do it.”