Joe Cabalo is wise beyond his 18 years.

Already he has earned the respect of his peers and adults alike.

The secret to his success - integrity, service and excellence, he said.

"I was taught the core values of the Air Force and I try to teach them to the cadets," Cabalo, a senior Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet at Bethel High School, in Spanaway said. "I think that if you just follow the core values, you will be successful in Junior ROTC and in life."

The son of Robert Cabalo, Master Sgt. USAF (Ret), Joe has held leadership positions, received numerous awards and decorations for leading and motivating subordinate Cadets, and has been an inspiration to other Cadets, Jim Gaglione, MSgt, USAF (Ret), who works as an aerospace science instructor for the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Bethel, said.

"With instructor supervision Joe has dealt with and counseled Cadets who abuse drugs and alcohol, steal and lie, and who assault other students," he said. "His calm demeanor, sense of reasoning, and ability to make fair and just decisions, has led young people to change their ways for the better."

Cabalo was inspired to join ROTC when his sister Stephanie was awarded an ROTC scholarship, he said.  Also he wanted to help others, Robert Cabalo said.

"Joe has always done things to help other people," Robert Cabalo said. "I am so proud of him. He has volunteered in so many ways.  He was a member of the South Pierce County Fire Cadets.  He helped prepare a senior home last year in case seniors had to be evacuated. He just wants to do whatever he can to help."

In addition to the positions he has held as a Cadet, such as the Associated Student Body (ASB) Sergeant at Arms, Cabalo plays on the varsity football team and plays drums and percussion with the school band.  Through his involvement and leadership, he has garnered the respect of all his teachers and peers alike, even those he has had to discipline, Gaglione said.

"He is concerned about his future and the future of others as well and the future of our country," he said.

He intends to attend college and pursue a career in law enforcement and eventually become an officer in the U.S. Army.

"Being in the Junior ROTC I have learned so much," said Cabalo, who plans to attend Central Washington or Seattle University and become a police officer. "I have learned to be a leader. I know how to deal with all types of people and I have developed some really good people skills that I will be able to use the rest of my life."