Detachment 520 of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) based at Cornell University, which includes cadets from several area institutions, has been recognized as the best detachment in the nation.

Brig. Gen. Edward R. Ellis, commander of Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools, will present the 1998 Right-of-Line Award to Col. Larry L. Wheeler, commander of Detachment 520, on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Statler Hotel on the Cornell campus. The presentation will be made at a traditional military function called a Dining Out. Attendees will include Cornell trustee Ezra Cornell, the detachment staff, cadets and guests.

Based at Cornell, Detachment 520 also provides Air Force ROTC for students at SUNY Cortland, SUNY Binghamton, Ithaca College, Elmira College and Wells College.

The Right-of-Line award recognizes the best detachment in the nation and is based on quality of the facilities, staff, cadets and the training program itself. Detachment 520 competed with 142 other detachments across the country for the award. In announcing the award, the Air Force cited the detachment's aggressive training program that puts cadets in charge and allows them to learn leadership skills through hands-on training.

Currently, 58 students from Cornell, Wells, Ithaca College, Binghamton and Cortland are enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation, the students who complete the program are commissioned into the Air Force as second lieutenants.

More information about the Air Force ROTC program and Detachment 520 can be provided by Lt. Cabot Nunlist, public affairs officer, at 607-255-4004.