Brandon Lomas joined Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 157 as a cadet in the fall of 2022 as a first-year student at Stetson. Now, the Environmental Science major has earned a historic milestone as the university’s first Pilot Select.

A U.S. Air Force Pilot Select means an officer candidate has been officially chosen by a selection board for an Undergraduate Pilot Training slot through a highly competitive process. In turn, that training encompasses a demanding 52-week program for U.S. Air Force officers to earn their wings through intense academics, simulation and flight training. 

Carrying that distinction is no small responsibility, but Lomas embraces it with humility and determination as he prepares to become a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force upon graduation in May.

His motivation is deeply rooted in his personal story. Born in Guatemala and raised by his adoptive family in Orlando, he grew up with strong values of service and gratitude.

“I always had a sense of wanting to protect the people and the nation that gave me a home,” Lomas explained. “My family is my inspiration, and the reason I am doing this. I would not have had this chance without them.”

He was also inspired to fly after hearing stories about his maternal grandfather, who was a naval aviator.

“When I was a child, my dad and I used to pick up Sonic burgers and sit in the parking lot of Orlando Executive Airport watching airplanes taking off and landing,” he said with a smile.

Throughout his time in AFROTC, he has already demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice — commuting between his home campus at Stetson and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for every training day with Detachment 157.

“Stetson partners with Embry-Riddle for Air Force ROTC,” he explained. “During my freshman and sophomore years, I had to drive to Embry-Riddle three days a week for training. As a junior and senior, I’ve gone to Embry-Riddle every day, so I scheduled my Stetson classes around that commitment.”

It hasn’t been easy.

“When I joined, I weighed 220 pounds and couldn’t do a single pushup,” he recalled. “Physically, I was nowhere near where I needed to be.”

On his last fitness assessment, Brandon maxed out at 67 pushups and 58 sit-ups.

“Brandon is very resilient,” commented Capt. Vance Mathis, USAF Cadre at Detachment 157. “He demonstrates the character, competence, and commitment that are expected of a future Air Force officer.”

Reflecting on his journey, Lomas credits Detachment 157 for his success, saying “they helped me achieve my goals by teaching me leadership skills and surrounding me with people who supported me and never gave up on me throughout my time there.

“It pushed me to continually better myself,” he added, “and helped me understand the kind of leader I want to be.”

–Renee Garrison