U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant

The Star of the 24th is an initiative created by Congressman Marchant to recognize outstanding citizens and groups in the 24th Congressional District of Texas.   

STAR OF THE 24TH: Alexander Sakovich of Colleyville

At the age of six, Alexander Sakovich of Colleyville set his sights on becoming a pilot and to this day has not relinquished his goal. Alexander’s love for country and passion for flying collided in 7^th grade when attending a family friend’s graduation at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This led to his many pursuits and honors during high school, from volunteering at the DFW airport, being nominated as a Texas High School Aerospace Scholar, receiving multiple academic awards, and becoming an Eagle Scout – the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America.

Following graduation, Alexander enrolled in Texas Christian University (TCU) in 2008 and pursued Air Force ROTC. A year later, Alexander was nominated by Congressman Kenny Marchant for the U.S. Air Force Academy and accepted to the class of 2013. Alexander is now ranked #4 in his class and #5 in the military for Overall Performance Average. (OPA is based on academic grades, military performance, and athletic performance.) He was recently accepted to become a glider instructor pilot at the Academy Airfield where he will be flying six hours every other day this fall. Long term, Alexander’s site is set on being selected to the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot training program where he would learn to fly the C-17. He said the “greatest personal reward” to be able to fly this aircraft would be for its common use overseas to transport supplies in and the wounded out.

Q: You participated in Boy Scouts and achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scouts. Did this prepare you in any way for the academy? If so, how?

A: I think participating in Boy Scouts prepared me significantly for the Academy. In the most basic sense Boy Scouts gave me the outdoor skills necessary for success in both Basic Training and later on in Combat Survival Training. Everything from knots to how to build shelters and administer first aid played a part. On a deeper level, Boy Scouts provides the opportunity to learn and practice leadership. In many ways the Boy Scout model on leadership is that of the Academy. You come in knowing very little and are taught by the older boys. As you progress in your skills, you move from trainee to trainer and leader. The Air Force Academy has this exact same model. Additionally, living under the Boy Scout Oath and Law, which in their most basic sense promote doing one’s duty and living honorably, necessarily promote living the Air Force Core Values. I would recommend that anyone join Boy Scouts. It’s a great program.

Q: What advice would you give youth who want to pursue admissions to a U.S. Service Academy?

A: I would recommend starting as early as you can, especially in High School. Start High School from day one with the intent to do your best because when it comes time to apply everything is fair game. Most importantly, I would recommend becoming well rounded. Don’t just focus on academics only or sports only. This was my mistake, and I have come to believe it hurt me that first time around. So, get good grades, do a sport, and demonstrate leadership in something like a club, community service program, or Boy/Girl Scouts. Additionally, information is power in this process, so attend the Academy Days sessions put on by local Congressmen and ask lots of questions. Contact the Academies and get on their interested persons lists that way when the time does come around your spring semester junior year, you’ll be right there ready to start your application. The best advice here is to take the initiative. I think what separates candidates from appointees is how willing they are to do what it takes to get in. Show that you care by being well rounded, getting information, and talking to your local Congressman/Senator’s office, and you will definitely be on the track to success. Especially get to know your Congressman/Senator’s Academy selection staffs if you can; they are an ally in this process and can answer most every question in your application for a nomination. Lastly, don’t let failures get you down either; bounce back and be ready to try again.

Q: What does a day in the life of an Air Force Academy student look like?

A: One word: BUSY. The Academy’s method has often been compared to getting a drink from a fire-hose, so time management is crucial, especially the first year as a freshman. The typical student’s day begins around 6am when the freshman and upperclassmen come out for morning duties and training. Then it’s off to sit-down breakfast at 0725 every morning. After that, first period starts around 0750. There are 4 class periods in the morning, and 2-3 depending on the day in the afternoon. Every degree at the Academy is a Bachelors of Science, so cadets can expect a healthy dose of chemistry, physics, engineering, and calculus regardless of major. Additionally, there are PE classes like water survival and boxing. There are also free periods during which you can study or go get EI (extra instruction) from teachers. Then cadets usually march to sit-down lunch around 1200 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while Tuesdays and Thursdays feature character lessons or military education right after lunch until 1330. After class, intramurals are held every other day; everyone has to do a sport which can be anything from cross-country to flag football or tennis. On non-intramural days, squads usually train their freshman in “motivational” exercise sessions. Then dinner is served buffet style from 1700 to 1900. At 1910, Academic Call to Quarters starts which is the mandatory study period each evening. Then TAPS occurs at 2245, and everyone goes to bed ready to do it all over again the next day.

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