Braden Vining is the first person from Kansas to be recruited into the US Space Force. He will undergo basic training at Lackland Air Force Base this spring and then attend technical training at Keesler Air Force Base. “I’ve always wanted to join the military,” Vining said. He had originally planned to join the Army or Air Force. However, once he was approached by Aric Sievers, an Air Force technical sergeant, who recommended he join the Space Force. “I just had to jump on it,” he stated, knowing this was a once in a life time opportunity.

Nicholas Pilch/Air Force Photo