Out of over a 100+ cadets in all the respective military branches of the Reserves Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, there are only 3 persons who are crosstown cadets from Parkland College.
One such crosstown cadet, Jackie Pranada was born in Quezon City, Philippines. She and her family moved to America by plane when she was only 6 years old. She explained,
“Any potential Filipino immigrant, being flown by a plane, especially to America, was a rare and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people within the community. I fortunately was granted that opportunity.”
This moment allowed her to admire the process of aviation and service.
Growing up, Pranada was taught by her father and older brother to give back to her community, whether that be in Champaign or back in the Philippines. This piqued her interest in jobs with first responders or law enforcement. Pranada’s first glance within the military was the United States Army. She recalls her father exclaiming and highlighting about the United States Military Academy, commonly known as the prestigious West Point. However, looking further into it, she did not believe she yet had the solid foundation to further pursue.
Her aspirations of the military returned when watching Captain Marvel and her adventures as not just a pilot, but as a female American Air Force pilot. Because of her already developed respect for aviation and a slight push from Captain Marvel, Pranada sought out her journey to enter the United States Air Force. Eagerly, she applied for the Air Force Academy (USAFA) on her own accord. She passed her interviews with flying colors and even received a recommendation letter from Senator Dick Durbin. However, because of the competitive nature of the academy, the rejection letter had shocked everyone who was rooting for her.
“This did not stop my dreams of being trained under the best Air Force.” Pranada prides. She had to investigate and invest in a second option of training and therefore was introduced to the Air Force Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC). Whether she had been admitted to the USAFA or AFROTC, you will find Pranada determined, engaged, and motivated. Only a semester in, she already has been granted honors such as an Arnold Air Society active and the Spring 2022 Honor Guard commander.
As a Parkland crosstown cadet living 20 minutes away from AFROTC Detachment 190’s training grounds, Pranada’s routine consists of a 0430 (4:30 AM) wake-up time every Monday and Wednesday to prepare for physical training with a 0600 (6:00 AM) show-up time. After training, she makes another 20-minute commute home to freshen up, and another 20-minute ride to Parkland to begin her day of classes. Along with Parkland classes, like every other cadet, Pranada is required to attend Air Force Aerospace Studies classes and Leadership Labs. Estimating it all together, including mandatory and non-mandatory events, she commits to commuting 4 hours every week from either home or Parkland to pursue her continuous training and development. We do not see the United States Air Force losing out on Cadet Jackie Pranada any time soon.
Another crosstown cadet, Senior Airman and Cadet Kaylyn Willis was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She became enlisted with the Air Force Reserves based at the Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri in December 2018. “I’m an Another crosstown cadet, Senior Airman and Cadet Kaylyn Willis was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She became enlisted with the Air Force Reserves based at the Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri in December 2018. “I’m an Airman at heart. I am now apart of the World’s Greatest Air Force, the United States Air Force.” she exclaimed. Since her enlistment, she has built herself up as a Senior Airman. She explained,
“I was trained by the best of the best.”
She was trained under Technical and Master Sergeants, who had not only memorized, but engrained what Willis needed to know in their blood. Because of her successful completion of training, on her first year of active duty, Willis had come into consideration that she could potentially become a military officer. Her aspirations to pursue further into her career came about when she knew that it was time for her to not only follow, but to lead and orchestrate inspiring service missions. Willis has already made a name of herself at the Whiteman AFB, being the current only female of color and the only female African American in shop working as an Engineering Technician. She knows and is determined to continue her success.
Willis joined the Air Force Reserves Officers’ Training Corps for Detachment 190 in the fall semester of 2021 at the same time with her fellow Parkland crosstown cadets. The only difference between her and her Parkland peers was that she was instructed to prepare for Field Training in only 1 semester while her peers had more than over 1 year. She was not surprised when presented the news, and while she had experienced hardships with this reality it motivated her to do her best not for herself but for everyone that represents the Air Force with her. Having 3 years of military background has truly given her a great foundation to contribute to her officer service commission. Willis has continuously earned multiple awards during her time at AFROTC as her accomplishments within and outside the Air Force are incredible.
As a Reservist, Willis’s routine additionally includes her weekends, which requires her to switch gears as an Engineering Technician. On Friday after finishing classes at Parkland, she makes a grand 6-hour commute to Whiteman AFB. She has a wake-up of 0400 (4:00 AM) Saturday and Sunday to work in shop. On Sunday, she can leave at 1800 (6:00 PM) back home for another great 6 hours. And like her fellow cadets, she follows up her Reservist schedule with her rigorous cadet schedule. Senior Airman and Cadet Kaylyn Willis has earned and deserved the respect she has received in the United States Air Force.
Currently, Kaylyn Willis is in the process of her Field Training Preparation (FTP) at AFROTC. Parkland wishes Kaylyn the best in her FTP! As well, Parkland congratulates Kaylyn on becoming a Staff Sergeant on December 2022!
If you are interested in joining the Reserves Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a crosstown Parkland cadet, please contact the respective cadre of your desired branch.