January 4, 2008 - BAINBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Air Force Junior ROTC program director, Col. Gary Breedlove, goes over a U.S. Air Force Academy introduction book with academy nominees Michael Love, left, and Phillip Lambert, right.

By Joe Crine, The Post-Searchlight

Michael Love and Phillip Lambert have different dreams, but they hope to realize them at the same place.

That place is the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Both are products of Col. Gary Breedlove's award-winning Bainbridge High School Air Force Junior ROTC program.

Love, son of Michael and Dorothy Love, who just completed his first semester at the academy prep school in Colorado Springs, wants to be an Air Force pilot. Lambert, son of Ben and Judy Lambert, who is completing his senior year at BHS, wants to be an aeronautical engineer.

U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. has given both young men academy nominations. The nominations came after application and interviews with the congressman's academy selection panel.

If they are successful with their appointment process, Love and Lambert will be the second pair of Bainbridge cadets to enter the academy together.

Preston Laslie and Natalie Pope entered the Air Force Academy as classmates in the summer of 1996. Both graduated and served in the Air Force.

During his semester at the academy prep school, Love, a 2007 BHS honor graduate, has carried a full academic load while serving as manager of the prep school football team.

"I am taking chemistry, math and English," Love said. "We get up at 5 a.m. each morning and clean the dormitory. Classes are from 7:30 a.m.. to 12 p.m. In the afternoon, we have a briefing from our military manager then break up into athletic endeavors. During the athletic time, I serve as manager of our prep school football team. We are required to attend all of the Air Force Academy Falcons home football games."

Lambert, a very well rounded BHS student, is in the National Honor Society and has been on the quiz bowl team for three years. He was also in the chorus for three years and has been very active in drama, having appeared in 10 Bainbridge Little Theatre productions.

Col. Breedlove had praise for both his former and current cadets.

"Michael Love was one of three cadet commanders during his senior year," Breedlove said. "He led his drill team to a national championship in unarmed drill at Montgomery, Alabama, last February. He also led the cadets through a headquarters evaluation where they received an exceeds standards rating, which was the highest possible rating for this evaluation.

"Although Michael, who is one of the most talented cadets we have had in our program, is already in the prep school, he still needed the nomination to complete the consideration for an appointment to the academy. He is where he belongs and I believe he will be successful and graduate a commissioned officer. I would be pleased to know that he was a leader in our Air Force."

Breedlove describes Lambert as a very capable young man who is working to complete several of the many requirements for final appointment consideration.

"Michael is working with Phillip some on the fitness test, but the final result is up to him," Col. Breedlove said. "Phillip shares the drill team leadership enthusiasm and recently led his team to two first-place trophies at the Southeast Regional Drill Championship. He can do whatever he sets his mind to do."

In conclusion, Breedlove praised Congressman Bishop for his support.

"Congressman Bishop is a strong supporter of Bainbridge High School students," Breedlove said. "He has always nominated our candidates to their preferred academy, Air Force, Navy or West Point. These kids have worked hard to earn the nominations, and the congressman recognizes that effort. If Michael and Phillip both make it, they will be the eighth and ninth Bainbridge High School cadets to attend a military academy. This is a tribute to the school and a recognition by Congressman Bishop of the quality and potential of these prospective officers."

Joe Crine can be reached by e-mail at jcsports@e-postprint.com, or telephone at (229) 246-2827, Ext. 116.