In observance of Veterans Day, Nebraska Today reached out for a question and answer session with the leaders of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s ROTC program. Here, you can learn more about Lt. Col. C. J. Zaworski, commander of the Air Force ROTC program.
Learn more about the Army ROTC’s Capt. Sandra Chavez here, and the Navy ROTC’s Capt. Mark Lakamp here.
Lt. Col. C. J. Zaworski is in his first year as commander of the Detachment 465 Cadre of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Air Force ROTC. He has served in the Air Force for nearly 17 years.
Zaworski’s core Air Force specialty code is navigator/combat systems officer. His primary aircraft is the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, a reconnaissance plane that can provide near real time on-scene intelligence data, analysis and dissemination capabilities.
He earned a Master of Arts in military history from the American Military University in 2012 and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in political science, at Belmont Abbey College in 2002.
Zaworski was previously assigned to Offutt Air Force Base. Prior to returning to Nebraska to lead the ROTC program, he served two years as deputy director for the Theater Security Cooperation Directorate with Air Force Central Command in Doha, Qatar.
Zaworski and his wife, Katie, are both from Atlanta, Georgia. They have three children.
Why did you opt for military service?
I chose the military to serve my country and I was interested in the adventure that it offered.
Why are you passionate about helping educate the next generation of military leaders?
At this stage in our careers (and for most on my staff) many of us are in the last chapter of our military service. Working with young people is reinvigorating but it also affords us the opportunity to shape our Air Force’s future leaders.
The next generation of Air Force officers will face countless challenges, the likes of which many of us have not seen. I hope to prepare them as much as possible for their vital role in continuing the dominance of our United States Air Force. In a sense, we’re trying to pay it forward and assure the success of our Air Force.
Why are you excited to add the University of Nebraska to your military service record?
Although fairly small, the (Air Force ROTC) detachment at UNL has a rich history. Further, it has a Cadet Wing that is extremely professional and I think offers a glimpse of some of the best and brightest young people our country have to offer.
The cadets at AFROTC Detachment 465 work tirelessly to support one another and the university and as such their willingness to serve shines through. The detachment, and our Air Force, are seeking future leaders of character ready for the challenges our nation will face in the domains of air, space and cyber.
