Raith Monroe is a tech whiz and future aviator in training from Central Arkansas. Continuing a family tradition, Raith completed the Mach 1 program of the Aviation Challenge at Space Camp exactly 23 years after his father, Jason Monroe. Two years later, he returned to Huntsville, AL, to earn his Aviator wings from the Mach II program. This time around, Raith got to fly in a UAV drone simulator (his favorite!), experience the one-of-a-kind centrifuge, master aerial combat, and embark on an exciting search and rescue mission.

Once again following in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps, Raith’s most recent accomplishment is graduating from Civil Air Patrol encampment, where he was a cadet of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary during Operation Diamond Forge. This seven-day experience gave Raith a taste of cadet life through completing drill exercises, flying high on a C-130J and watching a K9 training demonstration for first responders at Little Rock Airforce Base, competing in an obstacle course and Cadet Olympics, and even riding a Black Hawk Helicopter to cap off the week! Raith built on his leadership and teamwork skills; learned about aviation, space, and technology; committed to a habit of exercise; and lived the Core Values of the United States Air Force.