2nd Lt Alec Zimmerman
2021 Saratoga Fellow
Military Branch: United States Air Force
Hometown: Issaquah, WA
College: University of Washington
Degree: B.A. Political Science and International Studies
Alec graduated from the University of Washington in 2021 with a BA in Political Science and a BA in International Studies. His capstone project researched the intersection of European defense integration through the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) and Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO.) Alec will serve as a Security Forces Officer on active duty, performing law enforcement, nuclear security, and base defense missions. He attended high school in Issaquah, WA. Alec is an Eagle Scout and served as the Chaplain Aide for four years in his troop where he encouraged spiritual growth and faith awareness.
As a cadet, he served in a multitude of leadership positions including Force Support Officer, Special Warfare Airmen Club Commander, Flight Commander, Field Training Preparation Squadron Commander, and Cadet Wing Commander. As the Wing Commander, he was responsible for leading 89 cadets, oversaw all cadet wing operations, responsible for over $27,000 in funds, and authored seven policies governing wing discipline, professionalism, conduct and safety. Alec was a frequent member of the Dean’s List throughout his academic career. Additionally, at his Detachment, Alec was involved in the club Valor, an on-campus ministry club. Through fellowship and study of the Bible, the club discussed faith in the unique context of military service by nurturing cadet integrity, resiliency, and devotion.
During the summer of 2020, he interned with the Washington Policy Center, a non-profit think tank, and Agility PRIME, the Air Force’s eVTOL initiative. This past summer, he worked as a writing intern with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and as a Communications and Marketing intern with AFWERX. In his free time, Alec enjoys fitness, listening to podcasts, and traveling. He is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who strives to share his passion for fitness and nutrition with those around him. He looks forward to growing spiritually and intellectually through the Saratoga Fellows program.