Since 2018, nearly 1,800 ROTC students have been nominated, and the credit union has donated $610,000 to ROTC cadets through the scholarship program. Honoring the nation’s brightest ROTC seniors in all branches of military service, Navy Federal Credit Union selected the top Air Force, Army, and Navy/Marine students as the 3 ROTC All-American Scholarship Program Students of the Year.
A panel of Navy Federal employees and Veterans from across the branches of service reviewed 265 nominations from 202 schools nationwide, selecting the recipients based on the pillars of the ROTC program: Leadership, Military Excellence, Scholarship and Service. Each Student of the Year receives a $6,500 scholarship, and a $5,000 donation goes to their Booster Club or Student Fund.
Hailing from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott’s Air Force ROTC, Alec Bessonny is studying aerospace engineering. While serving as squadron commander, he led 24 trainers and oversaw 72 field training attendees through structured lessons, mentorship and hands-on training exercises. As A8/A9 director, Cadet Bessonny successfully organized a China Aerospace Studies Institute visit. He coordinated logistics and engagement for 320 personnel from 5 different universities.
His leadership skills earned him selection for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Basic Military Training, becoming a cadet training assistant at the prestigious Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
“For me, I always try to look at what I can do for my followers, peers, leaders, friends and just how something small can impact them in a really positive way,” said Cadet Bessonny. “The impact I want to have on the underclassmen is that they have the environment I had to succeed in, if not better. Our mentorship is unmatched, and I want to continue the legacy of mentorship, guidance and community.”
Cadet Bessonny dedicates time to outdoor activities and survival training, too. He was awarded the prestigious ROTC Silver Valor Award for his courage after encountering hikers, including one with life-threatening injuries, on a mountain trail where he guided a rescue team and facilitated the helicopter extraction of the injured hiker.
Representing Cornell University’s Navy/Marines ROTC, Kylie Williamson is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics. She’s on track to be selected as the NROTC battalion commander for her senior year with aspirations to ultimately become a nuclear submarine officer.
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