Cadet Ryan Johnson of Woodinville joined the ranks of the Academy Cadet Wing on Aug. 5.

The class of 2018 member transitioned from a basic cadet to a cadet fourth class during the Acceptance Parade at the Academy’s Stillman Field. Johnson was one of 1,147 basics who completed the five weeks of mental and physical basic cadet training (BCT).

Prior to joining the Air Force Academy, he was an active member of the Overlake Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. He met on average, two hours each week with his squadron in Redmond.

Johnson participated in winter and summer leadership encampments, including Desert Eagle Encampment where he had his first solo of a Cessna 157 July of last year.  He received a Congressional Commendation from Congresswoman Suzanne Delbene last fall for the prestigious Billy Mitchell Award, along with letters of commendation from Gov. Jay Inslee and House Representative Roger Goodman.

Johnson is the first cadet to be appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in four years.

“This is fulfilling a lifelong dream,” said Johnson. “I’ve wanted to be a pilot since before the age of 7.”