Colby Community College alumnus Joseph Unruh was commissioned into the United States Air Force earlier this month.

A member of the Trojans wrestling team, Unruh earned his degree in 2019 and graduated on the President's Honor Roll. After transferring to North Dakota State University, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Starting at the bottom, he worked his way up to become the detachment commander as a cadet colonel and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. His strong grade point average culminated with his commission into the Air Force as an active duty second lieutenant.

Unruh asked CCC biology instructor and STEM Division Chair Dr. Jeffrey Sekavec to commission him at the event in Fargo, N.D., on May 12. Sekavec is an Air Force veteran.

"I was most honored to do it," said Sekavec. "I pinned one of my family's sets of lieutenant bars along with his father, and he was read the oath and commissioned, and I gave him a salute."

Sekavec said approximately only 20% of cadets make it to Unruh's position.

"Now, as a second lieutenant, he has been assigned to become a remote aircraft pilot. It is an outstanding accomplishment!"