May 6, 2020

Air Force Academy 3D prints mask extenders for Fort Carson Soldiers during COVID-19 crisis

Story and photos by Jennifer Spradlin, May 5, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Wearing a medical-grade mask might be required for healthcare workers these days as they work to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but it’s not easy. As recent viral photos show, these masks can leave red marks on the face, and the tight ear loops can cause irritation and pain. Fort Carson medical officials reached out to the Air Force Academy in early April to help them solve this problem, and faculty members used 3D printers at the school to quickly create more than 300...

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April 27, 2020

Public health emergency at Academy extended for 30 days, some restrictions lifted May 1

Story by Ray Bowden, April 27, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- After the base commander extended the public health emergency at the Air Force Academy until May 23, Col. Brian Hartless, 10 Air Base Wing Commander, also announced he intends to reopen parts of the base, a move in line with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ “safer at home” order. Polis announced his order to govern the phased reopening of some businesses in the state April 26. Hartless said barring any uptick in the number of coronavirus cases in Colorado Springs, El Paso County or the State, and pending further...

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April 18, 2020

Graduation Day: Air Force Academy celebrates Class of 2020

Story by Ray Bowden, photos by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong, April 18, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Graduation for the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2020 may have been different from what cadets originally expected, but the ceremony on the terrazzo April 18 contained all the trappings and formality you’d expect the school to deliver. Vice President Mike Pence changed his plans amid the global COVID-19 pandemic to give the commencement address, the Thunderbirds flew over, and 967 new officers closed-out their four years at the school by hurling their caps into the air at the end of...

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April 18, 2020

The power of a good teacher: Cadet asks influential teacher to commission him into U.S. Space Force

C1C Kishan Patel is commissioned in a virtual ceremony by Lt. Col. Karin McWhorter, his former high school teacher, and a member of the Academy's faculty. (Courtesy Photo) Story by Jennifer Spradlin, April 18, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Kishan Patel is set to commission into the U.S. Space Force as a cyber officer. Six years ago, he knew nothing about the military. It was his high school math teacher who opened his eyes. Lt. Col. Karin McWhorter taught at the Mississippi School for Math and Science while her husband was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base. McWhorter...

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April 15, 2020

Grad Week Feature: Senior fencer finds home on Academy fencing team

  Editors Note: This feature was written earlier this year. NCAA and international fencing competitions were put on hold to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Story by Jennifer Spradlin, April 15, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Sabre fencing is the fastest combat sport in the world. Sabre is offense-driven. A typical scoring pass unfolds in a matter of seconds. Attacks are allowed above the waist, including the head, and it’s common for sabre fencers to use aggressive screams to intimidate their opponents. It’s fair to say sabre fencing is not for the faint of heart....

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April 14, 2020

Grad Week Feature: Two Minnesota natives create Academy’s first women’s hockey team

Editors Note: This article was written earlier this year. Club athletics at the Academy are currently on hiatus due to COVID-19. Story and photos by Jennifer Spradlin, April 14, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Sarah Warner and Katelyn Miller grew up on skates. The two Academy seniors played hockey almost as soon as they could walk on makeshift ice rinks in their backyards and neighborhood ponds. “I developed [such a] love of the game. It’s almost like eating -- an essential part of the day. Your body is telling you to get to the rink,” Warner said. Women’s...

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April 7, 2020

Combating COVID-19: Academy tailors make masks for cadets

Dinia Clemons of the cadet tailor shop at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Story by Ray Bowden, photo by Trevor Cokely, April 7, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- If all goes as planned, senior cadets who stayed at the Air Force Academy to complete their bachelor’s degree during the COVID-19 outbreak will get face masks before the weekend. “Our goal is to distribute these masks to every cadet by close-of-business, Friday,” said Steven Norman, flight chief for cadet logistics. Tailors are making the 10-inch by 6-inch cotton masks at the cadet tailor shop in Sijan Hall. Norman said the...

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April 3, 2020

‘We’ve got this’: Cadet Wing commander thanks parents, grads

Cadet 1st Class Haeley Deeney (right), Air Force Academy Cadet Wing commander, and Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson, the school's commandant of cadets. Commentary by Cadet 1st Class Haeley Deeney, Air Force Academy Cadet Wing commander, April 3, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Having dealt with myriad uncertainties over the past two weeks, I asked Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, the superintendent of the Air Force Academy, if I could draft a letter to both parents and grads to let them know the cadet mindset and truth of our current situation. We are immensely grateful for your love and support over the past...

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April 1, 2020

AF Academy Class of 2020 graduation date moves up

Staff reports, April 1, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Class of 2020 is pleased to announce their graduation event on April 18, culminating four years at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The class is planning an event six weeks ahead of schedule, allowing them to celebrate together while ensuring their health and safety by adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense guidelines. Family, friends, and the public will be able to live stream the entirety of the event, although they will not be able to attend in person due to health and safety concerns....

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March 25, 2020

Cadets continue their education online during COVID-19 outbreak

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Edward Lopez. Story by  Ray Bowden, March 25, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo -- Online distance learning for nearly 3,000 Air Force Academy cadets sent home to their friends and families will start March 25. Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria released all but the senior cadets and a few underclassmen-and-women from campus to increase the seniors’ chance of graduating on time and to promote the health of the base population. “Ultimately, the deciding factor was recommendations from our public health officials and the inability to execute social distancing for over 4,000 cadets...

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