His family’s research revealed that he will be the first Hmong to graduate from the intensive program.

Finding out about his fate at the United States Air Force Academy, Nate found that his childhood dream of becoming a pilot for the Air Force was coming true.

“Family served and mostly inspired by my grandfather, his service in the Vietnam War and what the Hmong people did. I just wanted to give back. I’m probably the embodiment of the American dream,” says Nate.

Nate’s grandfather, Cher Kao, is from Laos and fought against communism in the Vietnam War.

After the war, Cher Kao brings her family to the United States

Cher Kao shares, “Everything he endured on his journey to come to the United States is now worth it because of what Nate is doing, and there is nothing right now that could make him happier.”

Nate’s mother, Elizabeth Torres, says her family holds the military in high regard.

“That I raised a child who is willing to put his life on the line for an entire country makes me proud,” Elizabeth says.

Nate was appointed to the Air Force Academy by then-Senator, now Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, after graduating from Clovis North High School in 2018.

Now he is a first class cadet in the academy.

After graduating, Nate is set to become an Air Force officer this year.

“It was all just a dream at one point. Now I’m actually doing it and it’s kind of hard to believe I’m actually doing it. And I’m honored that I got this opportunity” , said Nate.

Nate hopes to inspire the next generation of young scholars to follow their own dreams and know that the sky is the limit.

He is expected to graduate from the academy on May 25.