Submitted photos Christian Mudrey, a 2023 Mathews High School graduate, just completed his first year at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

VIENNA — Christian Mudrey of Vienna was recently on a short summer break after his first year attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He began classes there on June 28, 2023, after graduating as valedictorian from Mathews High School. After a short break that brought him back to Ohio on May 30, he returned to Colorado today.

Mudrey, 19, said he always knew he wanted to be in the military and credits his grandfather, Michael Mudrey, with influencing him to join the service. According to Mudrey, his grandfather was “an awesome guy who spoke highly of his time in the Navy and serving our country.”

Mudrey said he had a dream of attending a military academy since he was in elementary school. He and his father began researching service academies when Mudrey was 16. He said learning about the academies was a lengthy process.

“There was a lot of reading up on each one; it was a years’ long project,” he said.

Mudrey said he began working out to get physically in shape for the program.

“You have to be ready to do the work and the exercises,” he said.

While in high school, Mudrey competed in cross-country, and played third base and the outfield on the Mustangs’ baseball team. He was also involved in YoungLife, a Christian ministry for high school students.

Taking his commitment to service seriously, Mudrey was involved with the Civil Air Patrol, and he worked with Baptist Student Union to help build beds to be donated to the needy. The BSU is an extracurricular Christian club for Air Force cadets.

“I enjoyed doing that kind of work and I hope I can do more in the future,” he said.

He found these activities very satisfying and noted the extracurricular activities, such as being on the Taekwondo team at the academy helped him build his resume. Former Congressman Tim Ryan sponsored Mudrey into the Air Force Academy.

Mudrey said attending the Academy was “the best of both worlds. I will get a college degree and then be able to serve in the military.”

He noted that as a cadet, he chose a major for his college degree, but will be able to then choose the area of service that interests him. He plans to major in legal studies and then try out for the Special Operations Unit.

There are about 4,000 cadets in the Air Force Academy and Mudrey was one of 1,132 cadets that entered the Class of 2028. Mudrey noted the studies are challenging, as is the physical training. As for living in the mountains of Colorado, Mudrey commented, “It’s cold in Colorado. It’s beautiful but cold and the winters are rough.” Despite the cold and the snow, Mudrey said he has not taken up skiing, but will likely try it.

When he completes his education and special training, Mudrey will graduate as a 2nd Lieutenant and then will have a five-year commitment to serve in the Air Force, hopefully as part of the Special Operations Unit.