Posted on December 9, 2024 by KC Gonzalez
Meet Connor Griffin, a graduating UTSA cadet balancing academic excellence, family life, and military service. Discover how his AFROTC journey prepared him for a future as a fighter pilot.
Griffin in a fighter jet during his time at the Air Force's Fly NATO pilot training program
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Connor Griffin will graduate this December with a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies from UTSA, where he has excelled both academically and as a member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. A San Antonio native, Griffin balances his dedication to education and service with his role as a husband and father of two young children. As he prepares to commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, he reflects on his time at UTSA, his achievements, and the family legacy of military service that inspires his career.
Griffin has earned numerous accolades during his time at UTSA, including the prestigious W. Randolph Lovelace and Martin H. Harris Outstanding Cadet awards from the Air & Space Force Association and the Reserve Organization of America Award. In Spring 2024, he was one of only 12 cadets in the country to participate in the Air Force ROTC’s Fly NATO pilot training program. He’s also proud to have been named a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force ROTC Field Training program and the University College’s Outstanding Undergraduate at the UTSA University Life Awards.
Following graduation, Griffin will begin training at Sheppard Air Force Base’s highly competitive Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Program to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, continuing a proud family tradition.
Why did you decide to come to UTSA and join the Air Force ROTC program?
I initially enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2017. After four years stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, I decided to come back home to complete my education at UTSA.
Joining UTSA’s Air Force ROTC program was a clear choice for me to become commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and build a better future for my family. UTSA’s AFROTC program is one of the best in the country, providing top-notch training alongside earning a bachelor’s degree.
Military service runs in my family. My maternal grandfather, mom, uncle, dad, brother, and wife have all served or currently serve in the U.S. Air Force. My grandfather, dad, and uncle were fighter pilots, so I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.
Tell us about your time in the Air Force ROTC. What experiences have prepared you for your next step?
During my time in AFROTC, I have developed leadership, followership, and critical thinking skills. ROTC challenges you to engage with others in professional settings and adapt to stressful situations.
There were times I had to step up and speak up as a leader to accomplish a mission effectively, even without prior planning or preparation. Those moments taught me how to stay calm, think critically, and execute a plan—skills that will serve me well as an Air Force officer.
What are your plans after graduation?
My family and I will move to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, where I’ll start training in the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Program. It’s the only internationally manned and operated flying training program in the world and includes participation from 14 NATO countries.
Becoming a fighter pilot has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter and be part of the next generation of fighter pilots.
What did you enjoy most about your time at UTSA?
Balancing my studies and my responsibilities in AFROTC while growing my family has been a deeply rewarding experience. My daughter, Rowan, was born during my first semester at UTSA, and my son, Zane, was born just under a year ago.
UTSA has given me the opportunity to provide for my family like never before. Earning my degree and becoming a commissioned officer will give us financial stability and a bright future.
What advice do you have for current cadets or prospective students considering ROTC at UTSA?
Stay the course. AFROTC is a great program for developing leadership skills and learning how to navigate challenges. You will be put into uncomfortable situations, but staying calm and thinking critically will take you far—not just in your career but in life.
EXPLORE FURTHER
- Learn more about University College's Multidisciplinary Studies program.
— KC Gonzalez
