Cadet 4th Class Caden Soper received a U.S. Air Force Academy appointment through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Program. Soper was named one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 while serving as an enlisted F-15 Eagle avionics system journeyman at Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Ward)
A checklist that then-Senior Airman Caden Soper wrote during his first U.S. Air Force assignment outlined the steps necessary to accomplish his long-term goal — an Air Force Academy appointment.
In 2023, Soper first visited the U.S. Air Force Academy during the National Character and Leadership Symposiumas one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year panel members. Two years later, Soper is a fourt…
