Get to know United States Air Force Academy students & Martin Luther High School graduates, Brian Melching & Solomon Stoddard. Classes of 2019 and 2022.
How did you become interested in the USAFA?
Brian: I became interested in USAFA after hearing about it through family and friends. As flying was something I was always interested in pursuing, the Air Force was a perfect opportunity. It gave me unique opportunities, free tuition, a guaranteed job, and development for my future.
Solomon: I didn’t know that USAFA existed until the middle of my junior year at Martin Luther. I was very interested in joining the military, so USAFA was very interesting to me. I did some research, talked with Brian’s mom, and applied.
What did you have to do to get in?
B: The application process was a comprehensive application, including various requirements. Besides the basic academic and test scores needed for most schools, there is an additional emphasis on leadership, character qualities, and physical fitness. You are evaluated with various essays, an interview with an Academy representative, and a basic physical fitness test. Additionally, a nomination is required from a U.S. Congress member involving additional application and interview with each member’s nomination committee. Once the Academy accepts you and you receive a nomination, you can accept your offer to the Academy.
What are your daily responsibilities?
B: Daily life at the Academy is about balancing the rigors of academic, military, and athletic life. Classes are between 0730 and 1538. Lunch is mandatory daily for the whole Academy. Various military education lessons from leadership, military education, and other subjects are held weekly during the school day.
Additionally, each cadet has a job. In my senior year, I was the Operations Flight Commander of my squadron, managing the operation of academics, athletics and drill and ceremonies for my squadron through my flight of roughly 30 people. It is a continual time management puzzle day by day.
S: My day starts at 6:30 Monday-Friday, and I usually wake up around 5:45. USAFA has seven class periods with an alternating class schedule, so I have my first class at 7:30am or 9:30am. When 7th period ends at 3:38pm, I go to marathon club practice. USAFA has many club teams, which is a great way to destress from school and spend time with friends. After club practice, I’ll usually grab dinner with the team, shower, and do some homework before getting to sleep.
How long were you in the Academy, and what are your next steps?
B: I was at the Academy since the summer of 2019 and recently graduated. I am going to Purdue on a full scholarship for graduate school in aeronautical engineering. After that, I will go to Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) to begin training for my job as a pilot in the Air Force.
S: I’ll be graduating from USAFA in May of 2026. After graduation, I plan on going into Special Warfare to be a TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) Specialist. Essentially TACP’s are responsible for working with army infantry units and calling in airstrikes for troops on the ground in hostile environments. After graduation, I will spend two years training in the special warfare pipeline.
What were you involved in at Martin Luther when you attended?
B: I was primarily involved with the track and football teams as well as cross country, basketball, and swim teams. Additionally, I was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and band.
S: I was on the soccer and wrestling team from sophomore until senior year and played baseball from freshman until senior year. I also was a part of NHS during my junior and senior years.
What impact did Martin Luther have on you, and did your experience at Martin Luther impact you at the USAFA?
B: Martin Luther laid the foundation of my character. Through religion classes, chapel, and day to day interactions, the focus of God in one’s life and the way to treat others has been invaluable. Between interactions with other students or military members, showing dignity and respect is pivotal to caring for those you lead and fostering a place where all are welcome. Additionally, my time on sports teams were also foundational for learning to be a leader and follower, and how to make a team cohesive and effective to accomplish a mission.
S: Martin Luther helped me grow a lot, develop my leadership and service skills, and become more disciplined. I attribute a lot of who I am today to some of my great coaches – specifically Mr. Romano, the wrestling coach, and Mr. Janetzke, the baseball coach. Another part of Martin Luther that impacted me was the brotherly Christian love people show each other. Walking through the halls was different from other schools. People wanted to say hi to ya, and if you were having a rough day, a teacher or friend was always willing to help. Finally, the Christ centered education system was the best part. Having chapel and prayer before class was the best way to disconnect from stress, come together to worship, and focus on what’s important in life. At USAFA, I’ve taken lessons I’ve learned from wrestling when things get tough. I found a Christian student group to be a part of and a church to go to on Sundays.
