Graduation
USAFA Graduation Week 2013
23-29 May 2013
Parking for all events is at the Field House unless specified below. Shuttle buses will run to each event unless otherwise indicated.
Please note: Information on recommended dress is provided for each event. We ask your cooperation in ensuring your guests wear appropriate attire throughout their stay at the Academy.
You may download a printable copy of the Graduation Schedule of Events and Graduation Brochure. These and other .pdf formatted files can be viewed and printed using the free Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader which can be downloaded by following this link to the Adobe Web Site.
23-29 May 2013
Parking for all events is at the Field House unless specified below. Shuttle buses will run to each event unless otherwise indicated.
Please note: Information on recommended dress is provided for each event. We ask your cooperation in ensuring your guests wear appropriate attire throughout their stay at the Academy.
You may download a printable copy of the Graduation Schedule of Events and Graduation Brochure. These and other .pdf formatted files can be viewed and printed using the free Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader which can be downloaded by following this link to the Adobe Web Site.
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Thursday, 23 May 2013
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OUTSTANDING SQUADRON RECEPTION Thursday, 23 May, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Carlton House Event Info: Hosted by the Superintendent, this event is by invitation only to cadets who are members of the Outstanding Squadron and their AOC/AMT. The Outstanding Squadron is announced in mid-May. Parking: The Carlton House parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided from the cadet area. Cadets must escort their guests Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
BLUEBARDS PRODUCTION, The Wedding Singer Thursday, 23 May, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: The Bluebards, the Cadet Theater Troupe, is proud to present the musical, The Wedding Singer. This event is open to cadets, their guests and the general public. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for military, seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the performance. We hope you enjoy the show! Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
| Friday, 24 May 2013 |
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SALAAT UL JUMMAH (ISLAMIC WORSHIP) Friday, 24 May, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Cadet Chapel Event Info: No tickets required. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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RING DINING-OUT (FOR SECOND-CLASS CADETS AND GUESTS ONLY) Friday, 24 May, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m. Mitchell Hall Event Info: Presentation of class rings to Class of 2014. This event is open to cadets and their adult guests. Tickets are required. Cadets may purchase tickets through the Ring Committee and the squadron ring representative during April. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Formal or Semi-Formal Gown or Dress (short or long) Gentlemen: Black Tie or Suit and Tie Military: Mess Dress |
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JEWISH SABBATH SERVICE Friday, 24 May, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cadet Jewish Chapel Event Info: No tickets required. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available |
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RING DANCE (FOR SECOND-CLASS CADETS AND GUESTS ONLY) Friday, 24 May, 8:00 -11:00 p.m. Arnold Hall Ballroom Event Info: Honors cadets of the Class of 2014. This event is open to cadets and their adult guests. No tickets are required. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available Recommend Dress: Ladies: Formal or Semi-Formal Gown or Dress (short or long)s Gentlemen: Black Tie or Suit and Tie Military: Mess Dress |
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| Saturday, 25 May 2013 |
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BLUEBARDS PRODUCTION, The Wedding Singer Saturday, 25 May, Matinee Performance 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Evening Performance 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: The Bluebards, the Cadet Theater Troupe, is proud to present the musical, The Wedding Singer. This event is open to cadets, their guests and the general public. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for military, seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the performance. We hope you enjoy the show! Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be available Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
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| Sunday, 26 May 2013 |
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BACCALAUREATE SERVICES Sunday, 26 May, 8:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Cadet Chapel 8:00-9:15.....................Catholic Mass (Squadrons 28-40) 10:00-11:15.................Catholic Mass (Squadrons 14-27) 11:00-12:00.................Jewish Service (All Squadrons) 11:00-12:15.................Protestant Service (All Squadrons) 12:00-1:15...................Catholic Mass (Squadrons 1-13) Event Info: Baccalaureate services are religious in nature and honor our graduating cadets. No tickets are required. Graduates and their guests are asked to attend the service specified for their squadron as listed above. Parking: Harmon Hall and Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttle bus service will be available from the Field House lots to the Cadet Chapel. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress. |
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SUPERINTENDENT'S FAMILY RECEPTION Sunday, 26 May, 1:00 - 5:15 p.m. The Carlton House 1:00 - 2:00 p.m..................................3rd Cadet Group (Squadrons 21-30) 2:05 - 3:05 p.m..................................4th Cadet Group (Squadrons 31-40) 3:10 - 4:10 p.m..................................1st Cadet Group (Squadrons 1-10) 4:15 - 5:15 p.m..................................2nd Cadet Group (Squadrons 11-20) Event Info: An opportunity for the Class of 2013 and their families to meet the USAFA senior staff and tour the Superintendent's historic quarters, The Carlton House. Parking: Northeast grass lot next to the house. Overflow parking will be at Air Academy High School. Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided from the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military/Cadets: Service Dress |
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CADET ORCHESTRA CONCERT Sunday, 26 May, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: This event is open to cadets, their guests and the general public. The Cadet Orchestra is a cadet club consisting of about 45 cadets interested in furthering their instrumental skills who wanted to have an outlet for playing classical music in a group setting. The orchestra will perform selections of well-known classical pieces from Tchaikovsky to Saint-Saens as well as Broadway and movie scores. No tickets are required. Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
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BLUEBARDS PRODUCTION, The Wedding Singer Sunday, 26 May, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: The Bluebards, the Cadet Theater Troupe, is proud to present the musical, The Wedding Singer. This event is open to cadets, their guests and the general public. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for military, seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the performance. We hope you enjoy the show! Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
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| Monday, 27 May 2013 (Memorial Day) |
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ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS PARADE Monday, 27 May, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Stillman Parade Field Event Info: Mandatory for cadets and open to their guests and the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not bring large bags/backpacks to the parade. Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are permitted - please be prepared to remove lenses for security inspection at the parade field entrance. Please note that all aerial activities have been cancelled for this year; if circumstances change, we will post an update. NOTE: In the event of severe inclement weather or poor field conditions, this parade may be cancelled and the Organizational Awards will be presented at the Individual Awards Ceremony in the Field House at 1:30 p.m. Parking: Field House Parking Lots Transportation: Shuttle bus service will be provided between the Field House and the parade field beginning at 7:00 a.m. Handicapped-equipped vans will run from the parking area to the parade ground and will return following the parade. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Monday, 27 May, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Clune Arena, Cadet Field House Event Info: Mandatory for cadets; open to their families and guests. During this ceremony, the individual cadet awards will be presented and nationally competitive scholarships announced. Seating will be first-come, first-served. The Cadet Sabre Drill Team will perform prior to the start of the ceremony. Parking: Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttles will run from the Field House lots to locations throughout the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS RECEPTION (by invitation only) Monday, 27 May, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Cadet Field House Event Info: This reception follows the Individual Awards Ceremony and honors both the donors and the cadet recipients of awards. |
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COMMANDANT'S FIANCÉ(E)S RECEPTION Monday, 27 May, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Otis House (Commandant's Quarters, Pine Valley) Event Info: A social opportunity for all fiancés/fiancées of the Class of 2013 to be welcomed into the Air Force family, hosted by the Commandant of Cadets’ spouse. Parking: Otis House Parking Lot Transportation: No transportation will be provided; cadets must escort their guests Recommend Dress: Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie |
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CADET CHORALE CONCERT Monday, 27 May, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: This event is open to the public. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall upper lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
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WINGS OF BLUE AWARDS & "BLUE SUIT" CEREMONY Monday, 27 May, Reception 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., Ceremony 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 98th Flying Training Squadron, USAFA Airfield Event Info: The Wings of Blue Annual Awards and “Blue Suit” Ceremony celebrates two important events: first, it recognizes graduating First Class cadets for their contributions to the United States Air Force Parachute Team and second, it welcomes the Wings of Blue’s newest team members following the completion of the year-long AM-491 “Wings of Green” upgrade with a formal presentation of the coveted “Blue Suit." Awards recognize the Outstanding Cadet in Parachuting as well as the Outstanding Competitor, Demonstrator, and Parachuting Instructor. The Trujillo Award is also presented to recognize the best all-around Wings of Blue Team Member. This event is open to cadets and their guests. Parking: Airfield parking lot - guests must be escorted to the airfield by their cadet Transportation: No transportation will be available; cadets must escort their guests to the airfield. Recommend Dress: Cadets: Blue Suit Military: Flight Suit Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie |
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SHOW CHOIR MUSICAL REVIEW Monday, 27 May, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Arnold Hall Theater Event Info: This event is open to cadets, their guests and the general public. Tickets are not required. Click here for event flyer. Parking: Harmon Hall parking lot Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dresss Gentlemen: Slacks with Open Collar |
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| Tuesday, 28 May 2013
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GRADUATION TAPPING CEREMONY Tuesday, 28 May, 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. Arnold Hall Ballroom Event Info: This event includes several "tapping" ceremonies, including the Curtiss, Civil Air Patrol, 100-Year Honor Roll, Outstanding Falcon Scholar, Enlisted Cadet and Prep School Cadet Tapping Ceremonies. Open to honored cadets and their families. During the ceremony, a special nameplate for each honored individual will be affixed ("tapped") onto the memorial plaque located in Arnold Hall. Parking: Harmon Hall and Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttles will run from the Field House lots to locations throughout the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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GRADUATION PARADE Tuesday, 28 May, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Stillman Parade Field Event Info: Mandatory for cadets and open to their guests and the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not bring large bags/backpacks to the parade. Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are permitted - please be prepared to remove lenses for security inspection at the parade field entrance. In the event of severe inclement weather or poor field conditions, this parade may be cancelled. Please note that all aerial activities have been cancelled for this year; if circumstances change, we will post an update. Parking: Cadet Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttle bus service will be provided between the Field House and the parade field beginning at 7:00 a.m. Handicapped-equipped vans will run from the parking area to the parade ground and will return following the parade. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT AWARD CEREMONIES Tuesday, 28 May, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Click here for Department Ceremony times & locations Parking: Cadet Field House parking lots Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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ACADEMY SCHOLARS PROGRAM CEREMONY Tuesday, 28 May, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Fairchild Hall, F-1 Event Info: Open to the public. The Academy Scholars Program at USAFA helps academically talented cadets reach their full potential by offering a unique and challenging path through the curriculum, thereby providing the Air Force and our Nation with a pool of intellectually talented and well-rounded leaders. This ceremony honors the cadets who have completed the program. Parking: Cadet Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttles will run from the Field House lots to locations throughout the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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CATHOLIC CHOIR CONCERT Tuesday, 28 May, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Cadet Chapel, Catholic Level Event Info: This event is open to the public. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking: Cadet Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttles will run from the Field House lots to locations throughout the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie |
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GRADUATION FORMAL RECEPTION Tuesday, 28 May, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. Mitchell Hall Dining Facility Event Info: The Graduation Reception is a formal, heavy hors d'oeuvres reception for graduating cadets, their families and guests. Guests have the opportunity to meet and mingle with senior USAFA staff. There is no limit to the number of guests per cadet; however, due to the popularity of this event, recommend you or your graduating cadet purchase tickets as soon as soon as possible. Ticket cost is $15.00. Parents/guests and cadets may purchase tickets for this event through Academy Concerts at 719-333-4497 or in person at the ticket office in Arnold Hall (open from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Parking: Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttles will run from the Field House lots to locations throughout the Cadet Area. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Formal or Semi-Formal Gown or Dress (short or long) Gentlemen: Black Tie or Suit and Tie Military: Mess Dress |
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COMMISSIONING (SWEARING-IN) CEREMONIES Tuesday, 28 May, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Various Locations Event Info: For graduating cadets, their families, and guests. Individual squadrons will determine exact locations and times. At this ceremonial event, the graduates will take the Oath of Office (please note that the official commissioning will take place at the Graduation Ceremony the next day; graduates may not wear their active duty rank until after the Graduation Ceremony). Click here for a list of squadron ceremonies. Guests should contact their cadet for any transportation or access issues. Click here for a sample sequence of events for this ceremony. Parking: Cadet Field House Parking Areas (or other depending on venue - check with your cadet). Transportation: Shuttle buses will run throughout the evening for the ceremonies held in the Cadet Area. Individual squadrons may provide transportation for ceremonies held at other locations on the base. Contact your cadet for more information. Recommend Dress: Graduates: Mess Dress Commissioning Official: Civilian Evening Dress or Military Uniform, whichever is preferred Lower-Class Cadets and Military: Service Dress Ladies: Formal or Semi-Formal Gown or Dress (short or long) Gentlemen: Black Tie or Suit and Tie |
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GRADUATION BALL Tuesday, 28 May, 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. Arnold Hall Ballroom Event Info: The Graduation Ball is open to graduating cadets and their guests. Children are welcome to accompany their parents to this event. There will be no receiving line. Tickets are not required. Parking: Harmon Hall and Field House parking lots Transportation: Shuttle bus service will be provided between Arnold Hall and the Cadet Field House throughout the evening. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Formal or Semi-Formal Gown or Dress (short or long) Gentlemen: Black Tie or Suit and Tie Military: Mess Dress |
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Wednesday, 29 May 2013 |
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GRADUATION CEREMONY Wednesday, 29 May, 9:40 a.m. - approx. 12:30 p.m. Falcon Stadium Stadium Gates will open at 7:00 a.m. Event Info: Alternate ceremony viewing locations: Arnold Hall Theater & Food Court (movie-style screen and large screen television, respectively) as well as The Pentagon Channel (broadcast and webcast at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil). Tickets: Graduating cadets will receive as many tickets as they need for their family and guests. Please coordinate your ticket requests through your cadet. There is no will-call for graduation ceremony tickets and tickets cannot be mailed. Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress Parking: No parking passes are required. All parking is in Falcon Stadium parking lots 1, 2 and 5. Handicapped parking is available in the south end of lot 5 and north end of lot 1; golf carts will shuttle guests to the stadium. No transportation will be available from the Cadet Area. IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION: Stadium gates are scheduled to open at 7:00 a.m. Please note that once the ceremony begins at 9:40, guests will not be permitted to leave the stadium until after the conclusion of the ceremony (about 12:30 p.m.). Please ensure you make your travel arrangements accordingly. All guests (including children) must have tickets to enter the stadium. Due to security restrictions in Falcon Stadium, all guests will pass through metal detectors and may have purses or personal items searched. No boxes, alcohol, weapons, firecrackers, beverage containers of any sort, backpacks, large handbags, coolers, thermoses or similar items will be allowed in the stadium. Food and drink are prohibited with the exception of clear, unopened water bottles. Cameras and video cameras are permitted; however, please be prepared to remove camera lenses for security inspection at the stadium gates. Diaper bags will be allowed when a child is present - no strollers please. Seatbacks 18" or less are permitted as long as they don't require a search due to excessive pockets and compartments. Seatbacks may also be rented from vendors at the stadium. Refreshments will be available throughout the stadium. Handicapped Information: Please note that there are no elevators in the stadium, and handicapped-accessible seating is very limited and first-come, first-served. There is no covered seating at the stadium and the Press Box cannot be occupied at any time during the ceremony. Handicapped seating is not ticketed or reserved, although guests must have a ticket in order to enter the stadium. Wheelchair seating is located at the top of the following sections: U2, U5, U9, U12, M2, M6, M10, M14, L3, L6, L7, L9, L10 and L13. The entire top row of the L sections (L-2 through L-14) is reserved for handicapped guests and is first-come, first-served. Guests are advised to arrive early for this seating. Golf carts will assist handicapped guests from the parking lot to the stadium. Inclement Weather: In the event of severe, life-threatening weather or security response to a high-threat world situation, the ceremony could be moved into Clune Arena at the Cadet Field House. Because Clune has limited seating capacity, guests of graduating cadets would be restricted to three per cadet. For this reason, we make every attempt to hold the graduation ceremony outdoors in Falcon Stadium, even in less than ideal weather conditions. NOTE: A professional photographer will photograph each cadet receiving his or her diploma. The photographer will contact parents shortly after graduation to discuss how to purchase these photographs. Cadets' guests will not be allowed access to the stage or cadet seating area for personal photos. If you do not hear from the photographer, please contact Cadet Wing Media at (800) 379-1455 ext. 4644 or email CWMedia@usafa.edu. HAT TOSS Approx. 12:30 p.m. Children (ages 7-10 only) will be allowed on the stadium floor to retrieve hats from the graduates' hat toss at the end of the ceremony. Ushers will monitor access to the stadium floor from access points. Parents should plan to retrieve their children from the bleachers on the south-east side of the stadium. Children may only retrieve one hat per child. |
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| THUNDERBIRDS DEMONSTRATION (Please note the Thunderbirds Demonstration has been cancelled) |
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| AFAF RECEPTION (by invitation only) Wednesday, 29 May, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. The Carlton House Event Info: The Air Force Academy Foundation (AFAF) Luncheon is a private, Superintendent-hosted event, which honors the new first-class cadets from the squadron receiving the AFAF-sponsored Leadership & Scholarship Squadron Award. Parking: The Carlton House parking lot Recommend Dress: Ladies: Slacks, Skirt or Dress Gentlemen: Business Suit or Coat and Tie Military: Service Dress |
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| GRADUATE OUT-PROCESSING Wednesday, 29 May, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. Cadet Area Event Info: Out-processing the Academy is the last official act required for newly commissioned officers. It may take from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the length of the line. Traffic after the ceremony can move very slowly. Please make sure to include this time in your post-graduation and departure plans. Access to the cadet may be limited so please plan accordingly. |