Exemplar
Each Preparatory School class of cadet candidates selects a past leader of character whose life and career epitomize integrity, service, excellence, and the character traits they wish to exemplify.
The Cadet Candidate Exemplar Program is a leadership development and heritage education program. The program is designed to provide a role model—in the form of an aerospace leader of the past—for each class’s cadet candidates to emulate. The program also instills pride and connects to our nation’s Air Force heritage. Each cadet class forms an exemplar committee, nominates, and selects an exemplar.
Throughout the year, the class maintains its identity with its exemplar through a class-wide dinner, a display case, and other activities throughout its tenure at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
The Exemplar Program formally celebrates the individual chosen by the class and memorializes the class’s affiliation as the cadet candidates journey to become leaders of character. Plaques are on permanent display in the Exemplar Hall in the dining facility.
For details on eligibility or instructions on the nomination process, please email the Prep School at USAFAPrepInfo@afacademy.af.edu.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL EXEMPLAR LIST
| PREP CLASS | EXEMPLAR | AFFILIATION |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Col Gail S. Halvorsen | Not a Preppie; N/A |
| 2024 | Col James H. Harvey, III | Not a Preppie; N/A |
| 2023 | Capt Derek M. Argel | Prep 1997; Academy 2001 |
| 2022 | Col Carolyn A.M. Benyshek | Prep 1983; Academy 1987 |
| 2021 | Gen Janet Wolfenbarger | Not a Preppie; Academy 1980 |
| 2020 | Capt Victoria A. Pinckney | Prep 2004; Academy 2008 |
| 2019 | Capt Christel A. Chavez | Prep ’94; Academy ‘98 |
| 2018 | Lt Col (Ret) Ida L. Widmann | Prep ’87; Academy ‘91 |
| 2017 | Capt (Ret) Carson G. Bird | Prep ‘04; Academy ’08 |
| 2016 | Capt David I. Lyon | Prep ‘04; Academy ’08 |
| 2015 | Gen Robin Rand | Prep ’75; Academy ‘79 |
| 2014 | Maj Gen Richard S. Haddad | Prep ’77; Academy ‘81 |
| 2013 | Brig Gen Jeffery B. Kendall | Prep ’79; Academy ‘83 |
| 2012 | Col Randall Spetman | Prep ‘72; Academy ‘76 |
| 2011 | Lt Gen Frank G. Koltz | Prep ’69; Academy ‘73 |
| 2010 | Col Thomas E. Griffith, Jr. | Prep ’75; Academy ‘79 |
| 2009 | Mr. Larry J. Funk | Prep ’64; Academy ‘68 |
| 2008 | Lt Gen Richard C. Bethurem | Prep ’62; Academy ‘66 |
| 2007 | Maj Gen Anthony F. Przybyslawski | Prep ’72; Academy ‘76 |
| 2006 | Brig Gen Dale E. Stovall | Prep ’63; Academy ‘67 |
| 2005 | Lt Gen Glen W. Moorhead, III | Prep ’65; Academy ‘69 |
| 2004 | Col Loren J. Shriver | Prep ’63; Academy ‘67 |
| 2003 | Maj Gen Michael C. Gould | Prep ’72; Academy ‘76 |