May 2, 2024

Sponsor program spans generations

Sean and Nicole Gibson, as cadets, hold their sponsor family’s infant son while attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997. (Courtesy photo) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Dr. Kimberly Gardner and Nicole Gibson both started at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996, the former as a professor and the latter a cadet. They came from the same small town in northwest Missouri, went to the same church, graduated from the same high school. Even though they hadn’t met previously, Gardner took Nicole in to provide a familiar home...

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May 1, 2024

Admissions events draw almost 200 hopeful future cadets

U.S. Air Force Academy appointee Elias Phiri of Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., poses with his uncle, Lweendo Chambwa, at the admissions photo station in Arnold Hall April 8, 2024. Almost 200 high school students and their family members visited the Academy during a series of Class of 2028 admissions events in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gaelle Ahl) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Almost 200 prospective cadets visited the U.S. Air Force Academy during six Class of 2028 admissions events in April. Appointees were offered a direct...

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April 29, 2024

Civil engineer instructor provides hands-on experience

Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah White, the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory superintendent, stands in front of the FERL entrance in Jacks Valley at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the foot of Jacks Valley, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 3,300-acre training complex, sits the practical component of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Requisite tools of the trade are neatly aligned in readiness for cadets in the program to begin hands-on training. Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah White oversees it...

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April 25, 2024

Tonya Oxendine stresses support over silence

Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak spokesperson Tonya Oxendine speaks with Cadet 1st Class Nasir Rashid on stage at Arnold Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 22, 2024. The National Character and Leadership Symposium Bridge Event introduces the 2025 theme of “Warrior Ethos as Airmen and Guardians.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson Tonya Oxendine engaged U.S. Air Force Academy cadets in a fireside chat about the healing power of openness on April 22 at Arnold Hall Theater. Oxendine stressed...

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April 24, 2024

Cadet Wing decked in denim to support global event

Cadets clad in denim and spirit wear walk on the Terrazzo between classes April 24, 2024. The Cadet Wing recognized Denim Day, an award-winning global sexual assault violence prevention campaign. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christina Merrill) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Instead of their usual blues or operational camouflage uniforms, cadets were clad in denim, spirit gear and “Stand Up, USAFA” T-shirts April 24 to recognize Denim Day for the fourth consecutive year. The Cadet Wing’s Denim Day observance gives participants an opportunity to use visual self-expression to create...

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April 23, 2024

U.S. vice president named Class of 2024 commencement speaker

Vice President Kamala D. Harris U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark and the Class of 2024 are honored to announce Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris as the commencement speaker for the Academy’s graduation ceremony on May 30 in Falcon Stadium. Harris was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2021 – the first woman to be elected to this position. Her Constitutional responsibilities include serving as the President of the Senate. The 2024 U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation is planned to be open to ticket-holding...

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April 18, 2024

Brothers forge paths of Academy excellence

Cadet 4th Class Dylan Schuch and Cadet 2nd Class Chad Schuch Jr. pose with their father April 5, 2024. Chad’s Academy appointment inspired his younger brother’s own cadet journey and his family’s move to Colorado Springs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 4th Class Dylan Schuch considers his older brother his most effective college recruiter. Dylan, or ‘li’l Schuch’ as his brother’s friends affectionately call him, followed Cadet 2nd Class Chad Schuch, first to the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School and eventually to...

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April 17, 2024

State’s last surviving Tuskegee Airman visits Academy for ceremony

Cadets stand in formation during the Tuskegee Airman statue re-dedication and wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Honor Court April 12, 2024. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. James H. Harvey, Colorado's only surviving Tuskegee Airman, and Peggy Shivers, the wife of the late Tuskegee Airman and statue creator Lt. Col. Clarence Shivers, also attended the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Colorado's lone surviving documented original Tuskegee Airman returned with other family members of the famed African American aviators to help...

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April 9, 2024

Out-of-this-world fun with Physics and Astronomy Club

U.S. Air Force Academy Physics and Astronomy Club members prepare to view the total solar eclipse in Texas April 8, 2024. Club members traveled to Hamilton, Texas, and McLeansboro, Illinois, to view the eclipse. (Courtesy photo provided by Lt. Col. Benjamin Roth) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets can pursue their passions through numerous clubs representing multiple interests. One example of club life at the Academy is the Physics and Astronomy Club. Throughout the year, the club’s 60-plus members can participate in events, such as star...

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April 8, 2024

Star wrestler shows how athletics produces leaders

Cadet 1st Class Sam Wolf will graduate this summer and attend pilot training. Wolf participates in athletics at the U.S. Air Force Academy and is a co-captain of the wrestling team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 1st Class Sam Wolf’s wrestling teammates often tell each other to work hard in all aspects of life, and each endeavor will “meet at the top.” Wolf’s excellence as a cadet and on the mat for the U.S. Air Force Academy wrestling team demonstrate his devotion...

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