Ben Hockman reaches for the sky

Benjamin Hockman, a senior at Greencastle-Antrim High School, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Ben, 17, was nominated by Congressman Bill Shuster, and the academy recently notified the successful applicants of their admission to the program for officer candidates.

The son of Daniel and Deanna Hockman, Ben chose the Air Force because several family members have served in that branch of the military. It also offers him the chance to reach a goal.

“I’d like to fly airplanes.”

He will report to basic training in June. The appointment requires five years of service upon graduation but Ben intends to make a career of it. He will major in mechanical engineering.

At G-AHS he runs cross country, participates in track, and is a member of National Honor Society.

His coach, Rich Secrest, is proud of his athlete’s accomplishment. “Ben is a true leader and has been our cross country team captain the past two years. His sense of community and dedication to service are examples for all of us to follow.”