Brandon Walker

Quick Facts

Program: B.S. in Aviation Flight
Concentration: Military Pilot
Graduation Year: 2019
Current Job Title: Aviation Officer in the U.S. Army
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Current City: Fort Rucker, AL

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I choose Aviation Flight as my major because it was something that I have always wanted to do since I was just a young boy. I remember looking up in the sky and thinking how amazing it would be to be up there flying. While I was enlisted and stationed up in Washington state, I would watch the helicopters fly overhead and think to myself I could do that.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I loved how small the program was and how everyone knew everybody. It was like a small family and the staff helped bring everyone together. 

What did you think about your professors?
I loved all my professors, they helped me understand so much information that you need to know to be a professional pilot. The professors' expertise in the field lead the foundation for a great learning environment. Dr. Marselus who is the head of the aviation department had a big impact on me and the program. He showed me how to be biblically minded, academically driven, and how to be a great leader. He is one of the best professors I had the privilege to have. 

Did you complete an internship or any fieldwork?
CBU Army ROTC program always places you in leadership positions throughout all four years that will help prepare you for the future. Between your junior and senior year, you attend Advance Camp where you get evaluated over everything you have learned while you are in ROTC. After completing all the events I was selected to go to the airfield and go on a UH-60 Blackhawk flight. It was an amazing experience and only furthered my drive to become an Army Aviation Officer. 

Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I participated in one of the CBU's mobilization outreach programs. I had the opportunity to expand my worldview and understand what it means to be globally minded by traveling to Brazil. I also participated in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) regional flight team competition in Prescott, AZ. As soon as I got into the Army ROTC program I joined the color guard team and became the captain my last two years. All three years we had the winning teams in color guard at the National Pershing Rifle Association Drill competition.   

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
It was a night and day growth from when I first walked up the steps at CBU to when I graduated. First and foremost, the education I got at CBU has already set me up for my career as an Army Aviation Officer. It gave me a strong foundation that I needed to get here. The weekly chapels helped me spiritually, but it wasn't until I joined a Bible study group in the aviation program that helped build me as a follower of Christ. Throughout my whole experience, I met some amazing people that have shown me what it is to be a Christian and how to live the life of one. 

Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, the aviation program has many pathways and they will help you get to where you want to be. For me personally, I knew I wanted to become a military pilot. Dr. Marselus worked with me and the Army ROTC program to create a concentration for military flight. His impact on me and the program was essential to my success and growth.  

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
I commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant the day of graduation and left for Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama shorty after.

How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
The Aviation Flight program gave me the foundation I needed to be competitive to get into Army Aviation and has given me a leg up on all the academics.  

 Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
Most of the things I learned in the flight program transfers over and has given me confidence in my skills. 

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I believe that with this career I can make a bigger difference and impact more people. I live my purpose one day and one person at a time. One of the most important things that I have learned is the building of relationships and being there for one another.

Would you recommend CBU to others?
Yes! It has given me a new aspect on life and the opportunities I would have never had without it. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without CBU.   

Anything else you'd like to add?
From eight years enlisted to an Army Aviation Officer, I couldn’t have made it without God and the support of my family, friends and professors.