Cadet Testimonials - Class of '26
Kobe Achu, Class of ’26
Military Strategic Studies
“From experiences like Normandy alongside fellow service academies to being my class’s biggest advocate in my role as Class President, USAFA has provided me with awesome sauce opportunities and relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime!”
Michael Fays, Class of ’26
Foreign Area Studies, Political Science focus
Chinese Minor
“Studying in Taiwan and participating in Combat Survival Training were experiences I’ll never forget. Next, I’m headed to the University of Washington and preparing to serve as an intelligence officer.”
Milahnie Perry, Class Of ‘26
Management
“My time at USAFA as a cadet and a collegiate basketball player was more than I ever imagined. Every early morning, late night, challenge, and win shaped me into someone I’m truly proud of.”
Jack Briest, Class of ’26
Management
“USAFA has pushed me far outside my comfort zone… from skydiving to flying in an F-16 and traveling to three continents. My cadet journey helped me grow in ways I didn’t see coming.”
Ashley Graflund, Class Of ‘26
Aeronautical Engineering
“At USAFA, I designed and built my own aircraft, interned on the B-21, and led combat survival training as a troop commander, preparing me to solve complex problems in service to others.”
Nimrod Nakar, Class Of ‘26
Aeronautical Engineering
Arabic Minor
“After prior enlisted service, USAFA pushed me to grow through success and failure, and I’m excited to keep serving as a pilot in the Long Blue Line.”
Te’Anne Dailey, Class of ’26
Geospatial Science
“I came to USAFA through LEAD as a prior enlisted, and during my time here, I learned success isn’t just surviving… it’s who you become. Don’t quit when it gets hard, keep overcoming challenges.”
Ryan Rojas, Class Of ‘26
Aeronautical Engineering
“This place wasn’t easy, not even close. But nothing worth doing ever is, and it was 100% worth it. After graduation, I will attend pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi.”
Andrew Patterson, Class of ’26
Biology
“Traveling across the Rockies with the Freestyle Ski Team and competing in IFSA events has been unreal. It’s pushed me to lead under pressure and perform when it matters most.”
Reily Hopkins, Class of ’26
Astronautical Engineering
“USAFA helped me grow into a stronger leader. Next, I’m heading to Georgia Tech for grad school in aerospace engineering and getting ready to serve in the Space Force.”
Beatrice Shea, Class Of ‘26
Applied Mathematics
Meteorology (Double major)
“I didn’t know where my path would take me when I arrived, but through demanding academics, military training and learning to fail forward, I built resilience, found purpose and leave ready to make a meaningful impact. I’ll serve in the weather career field at Ft. Drum and pursue an online PhD in Computational Engineering at Mississippi State University this fall.”
Brayden Whatcott, Class of ’26
Foreign Area Studies, Military Strategic Studies
Mandarin Minor & Future Conflict Minor
“Presenting my research to Pentagon officials and studying abroad in Taiwan were life-changing experiences. USAFA gave me the confidence and skills to thrive as a warrior, scholar and leader.”
Chloe Kinlaw, Class of ’26
Geospatial Sciences
“USAFA’s academic resources, like the Academic Success Center and Quantitative Reasoning Center, helped me succeed academically. As a cadet athlete, I really enjoyed the camaraderie and the close bonds we built as a team.”
Darion Milner, Class Of ‘26
Biology
“I jump, I fall, I listen—and somehow, I belong. Freefall taught me trust; PEER taught me presence. Somewhere in between, I became someone I’m proud to be.”
Jacob Wielhouwer, Class of ’26
Operations Research
“I’ve made lifelong friends, pulled 6 G’s in a T-38, been selected for my dream job as a pilot and won a national championship with the Club Hockey team. This journey has truly been a blessing.”
Samuel Nissen, Class of ’26
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Spanish Minor
“Through my Spanish minor, I spent a semester studying in Spain. I also visited Peru on a Foreign Academy Visit and traveled to Aviano AB, Italy for OpsAF, with trips to Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Vatican City. I never expected to visit seven countries while earning a solid education… and fly gliders.”
Alan Manzo, Class Of ‘26
Legal Studies
“At USAFA, I started as a recruited athlete, and grew to collaborate on the Formula SAE team, serve as BCT leadership, and publish my own legal research—experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought possible.”
Harrison Cate, Class of ’26
Geospatial Science
Space Warfighting Minor
“The greatest responsibility we carry throughout life is to become the best possible version of ourselves. This institution provided me the foundation to pursue that goal for a lifetime.”
Raj Raghulan, Class of ’26
Computer Science
Cyber Science (Double Major)
“National debate champion. National cyber champion. CubeSat designer and engineer. Next, pilot training. I’m thankful USAFA gave me the opportunity to chase all of it.”
Avery Tan, Class Of ‘26
Economics
Global Logistics Management
International Cadet – Singapore
“Try new and challenging things at USAFA, lead with humility, and serve with purpose. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll grow!”
Ghaithaa Dkhili, Class of ’26
Aeronautical Engineering
International Cadet – Tunisia
“USAFA taught me to challenge myself to be something bigger, ask my purpose daily and grow through both success and failure alongside incredible people I’ll serve with in the Long Blue Line.”
Colin Laughrey, Class of ’26
Management
Global Logistics Management Minor
“The Wings of Blue has given me lifelong friendships, unmatched leadership opportunities, and the chance to represent both the Air Force and USAFA around the world while helping others discover courage through freefall parachuting.”
Raine Komata, Class of ’26
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Japanese Minor
“I got to travel the world, fly in military planes, grow as a servant leader and experience the most supportive faculty who believed in me.”
Rylee Au, Class of ’26
Data Science
“Skydiving, flying in a T-38, a semester exchange in Hawaii, traveling to four countries, a summer internship, and several conferences — what a journey!”
Jack Marsh, Class of ’26
Systems Engineering
Space Warfighting Minor
“USAFA gave me the opportunity to serve as master of ceremonies for events including the Hosmer Visitor Center opening, Battle of Britain, 9/11 Remembrance and Tuskegee Airman Ceremony. To be able to tell the Academy’s story and share America’s legacy has been an honor.”