Kylie Bedard

I completed one month of the Contract Operated Pilot Training - Rotary (COPT-R) program. I did not complete the program for medical reasons, but while part of the program, I flew 8 hours in the TH-66 helicopter. I was on track to do well in the program and solo the aircraft at the end of training.

While at Naval Aviation Schools Command, I completed the Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) program. This includes a rigorous 4-week academic evaluation program learning the basics of Naval Aviation, and an introduction to flight in the Cessna 172 aircraft.

As a Physical Education TAD, I worked with a dedicated team to be part of the USNA Class of 2029's Physical Education portion of their "Plebe Summer", which is their indoctrination from civilian to military life. I led a running group, and was in charge of not just holding a running pace for intervals, but also motivating the plebes (incoming freshmen) to finish the workout strong. In conjunction with this job, I was also a lifeguard, and I was in charge of leading track practice once a day for the plebes on the team.

I graduated from USNA with my Bachelor's of Science in English with a 3.36 overall GPA, and a 3.74 major-specific GPA.

While at USNA, I competed on the NCAA Division 1 Track and Field team, and served as Team Captain during my senior year. As captain, I was in charge of a team of approximately 60 women. This job involved more than just leading during practice, I was in charge of all team affairs on the military side as well. I helped teammates navigate academic, military, and conduct challenges, balancing advocacy for my teammates with accountability to the Naval Academy's standards.

Prior to my senior year, I was selected to be a Detail Battalion Commander for the Class of 2028 "Plebe Summer", which is the indoctrination training to take incoming freshmen from civilians to military professionals. As a Battalion Commander, I led the approximately 140 detailers (upper class midshipmen) who were responsible for the performance, welfare, and conduct of 600 plebes (incoming freshmen). I briefed high-ranking officers daily on the status of the battalion and honed my peer leadership skills by coaching and leading detailers in my own class.

In the same summer, I completed the Powered Flight Program, where I flew 10 hours in a Piper Warrior and flew solo as the Pilot in Command at the end of the training.

During my senior year, in conjunction with being a team captain, I was also a Squad Leader and the Athletic Teams Liaison for my company. As a Squad Leader, I was in charge of 10 midshipmen's day to day affairs, academic performance, and conduct. As the Athletic Teams Liaison, I was in charge of "bridging the gap" between the D1 athletes and the non-athletes in the Brigade of Midshipmen. This involved coordinating athlete attendance at military events, and helping athletes stay involved despite their busy schedules.