Steele Chapter Honors Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter proudly recognized Cadet Blen Fisseha as the 2024-25 AFA Cadet of the Year during the Arlington Career Center’s Space Force JROTC Awards Ceremony on May 13.

Representing both the chapter and the Virginia State AFA, Virginia President and Steele Chapter member Mike Maxwell presented the award to Cadet Fisseha in front of fellow cadets, family members, and faculty.

Cadet Fisseha currently serves as the squadron’s director of operations and has distinguished herself as a dynamic and dedicated leader.

“Cadet Fisseha has been an outstanding leader in our program for the last two years, directly impacting nearly every facet of our program,” said Col. Scott Dierlam, USAF (Ret.), the squadron’s Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. Dierlam, who served 26 years in the Air Force and is an AFA life member, has led the program for the past 12 years. “Her leadership was key to our detachment earning a perfect score during the Headquarters AFJROTC Assessment.”

Fisseha earned the “Top Performer” award from the AFJROTC inspector, led the squadron’s mission briefing team, and played a leading role in organizing the last two Awards Nights and Military Balls. She also contributed to the drill team’s historic success, helping secure two trophies — the first in five years.

The Arlington Career Center’s Space Force JROTC squadron is one of only 10 such units in the nation and includes 76 cadets in grades 9–12.

“It’s a privilege to work with our next generation of leaders. There’s never a dull moment—just endless opportunities to guide and support these amazing young people,” Dierlam said.