I personally would not use anyone that is a family member.
I get he is in a position, assuming he also flies for Alaska State Troopers that can give insight, but impo, No!
Now if she is working on her PPL, and somebody else in her uncles unit can go up and fly with her, than to me that is different. They can give a true insight of her skills, maturity, etc. without that familiar tie. Have that friend of the uncle write it. 3 hours flying over AK, can create a bond.
~ We were stationed at Elmendorf for 3 years. Bullet flew with the 90th.
frenzy,
I'm not saying the OP's DD should lie(if they ask if the uncle is a relative tell them the truth), but how could the Academy even tell that the DD and her uncle are related? The OP is a mom so the DD would not have the same last name as the uncle.
I am with falcon on this one regarding suggesting this route.
It is teetering on a fine line in my opinion from an ethical aspect. USAFA and the MOCS may not know due to the surname, but she sure knows.
~ Many will see your comment as lieing by omission.
~~ Not trying to flame. Just saying many posters see that as a fine line, and this thread could get diverted very quickly into where that line is drawn. Some will agree with you, some will not.
~~~ LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR. I do not believe frenzy would lie by omission. I just don't want lurkers or new posters to mis-interpret his post.
I get using all of the assets that you can, but maybe just me, I don't think your brothers rank in Alaska State Troopers would be a make or break compared to let's say her soccer coach that went to states, or if she is dedicated to Habitat for Humanity, Runaway shelters, the local Soup kitchen.
~ Am I wrong? Will her uncle's rec just say things like he would be honored from his position, but can't say anything else about her?
These recs in part are also about dedication as much as character. Her uncle has never worked with her, it is just him saying as a Major in AK State Troopers, I would be honored for her to serve by her side. The soccer coach on the other hand can state examples in the rec on how she never gave up, she always cheered on and lifted up her team mates. Soup kitchen can say she never made anyone feel that they were not special.
~ Are you starting to see the difference?
~~ It is not the status of the person that writes the rec., it is about how their interactions with that candidate that makes the difference.
Our DS had 2 O5s (USAFA) grads write recs for him. Can't remember if it was for USAFA or the MOCs. They did indeed state they were USAFA grads and pilots within the body of their rec. However, the true rec. was about DS. How certain aspects proved to them that he had what was needed. They both used different stories regarding our DS.
I hope that helps.