Edmond native is first OU graduate to become Space Force guardian

Cash Balke has become the first University of Oklahoma graduate to join the Space Force. He commissioned into the Space Force on Dec. 19, one of less than 100 cadets to be commissioned into the newly formed military branch this spring. Balke, an Edmond native, graduated Dec. 18 with a degree in aerospace engineering and was a member of Air Force ROTC Detachment 675.

Balke said he has always been interested in space and that being selected is a dream come true.

“When I got the news, I was ecstatic because I couldn’t believe it,” Balke said. “It’s a huge honor.”

– Andrew Aston, Jones PR