January 23, 2020

Moving beyond a mistake: Academy cadet mentors troubled teens in his hometown

Story by Jennifer Spradlin, Jan. 25, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 2nd Class Prince Njoku believes in second chances. Over winter break, the Academy cadet spent time mentoring middle and high schoolers at the Fort Bend Juvenile Facility in Richmond, Texas. The facility houses juveniles awaiting court appearances for a wide range of illegal behavior from theft to assault. “Humility is so key, I think, to being a good leader, and I felt that I could learn as much from these kids as they learned from me,” he said. Njoku is the first to admit he’s not...

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January 23, 2020

Learning the language: Enlisted Airman improves Chinese language skills with cadets

Maj. Kevin McGuiness (left), a Chinese language instructor, and Airman 1st Class Curtis Fields, a security forces Airman, discuss paperwork McGuiness will use in class, Jan. 14, 2020, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Fields is attending the class to improve his own Chinese language skills and is also helping McGuiness conduct an unofficial audit of the class. (Photo/Trevor Cokley) Story by Ray Bowden, Jan. 23, 20120 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Most of what Maj. Kevin McGuiness had to say in class Jan. 14 might have been in Chinese, but his students didn’t mind. Neither did Airman 1st...

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January 13, 2020

Academy’s commandant and dean put new spin on training, academics for cadets

Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, the dean of the faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy . Story by Ray Bowden, photos by Trevor Cokley, Jan. 13, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Two generals said their teamwork will positively affect the Air Force Academy in the New Year and beyond. Cadet Wing Commandant Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson and Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre said the changes made late last year to the Academy’s training and research programs bode well for the school’s future. “These modifications will allow cadets to train with a deliberate objective based purpose that structures...

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December 26, 2019

Two brothers overcome life-changing injuries to focus on the future

By Jennifer Spradlin, Dec. 26, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Emotions were high as the two brothers stood side-by-side on the stage. Kyle Kauppila was about to pin lieutenant's bars on his younger brother, Garrett, in a moment that almost never happened. Two years ago, Kyle was enjoying a Sunday morning ride with a local motorcycle club when an accident left him crumpled on the side of the road, clinging to life. He was rushed from the scene by helicopter as word trickled out to his friends and family. Garrett, then in his junior at the Academy, had...

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December 23, 2019

U.S. Space Force becomes a reality

President Donald Trump signs S.1790, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 as senior leaders look on, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 At Joint Base Andrews. The act authorizes a budget that supports the U.S. armed forces and postures the Air Force to meet the requirements of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum) By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs , Dec. 23, 2019   President Trump signed into law Dec. 20 the sprawling, $738 billion defense bill, making history by creating the Space Force as a stand-alone, sixth branch...

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December 23, 2019

DoD opens Space Force: AF Academy supt says cadets will continue to contribute to space mission, research

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets clean the components of the FalconSAT-6 satellite they and their instructors built at the Academy at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, in November. The satellite successfully launched into space Dec. 3, 2018 from Vandenberg. (Courtesy photo) By Ray Bowden, Dec. 23, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force Academy cadets are known for making advances with their research and scientific discoveries but today, the effect they’ll have in space just got a lot bigger, with the Defense Department unveiling its new U.S. Space Force. “Today marks a historic day for our nation and our...

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December 20, 2019

The Weekly Lead: Scholarship winners, a big cyber win & more

The  Weekly Lead 1.  Scholarship Round Up (Graphic by Tech. Sgt. Ben Stratton) Five cadets  at the Air Force Academy are getting ready to study abroad next year, courtesy of Marshall and Scharzman scholarships. It’s not just every cadet who earns these prestigious opportunities. Read about it here: https://www.usafa.edu/news/cadet-scholars-to-study-in-u-k-china-next-year 2.  Healthy Options The Academy’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle means cadets have more dining options next year. https://www.usafa.edu/news/academy-to-launch-dining-card-system-expand-options-for-cadets 3.  Another Big Cyber Win U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Sears Schulz (middle) took first place in the President’s Cup, a Department of Homeland Security cyber competition Dec. 12,...

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December 17, 2019

AF Academy cadet wins big at cyber competition

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Sears Schulz (middle) took first place in the President's Cup, a Department of Homeland Security cyber competition Dec. 12, 2019.  (Photo / Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) By Ray Bowden, Dec. 17, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- When the dust settled at a Department of Homeland Security cyber competition Dec. 12, a senior cadet at the Air Force Academy took first place in the event’s individual challenge. Cadet 1st Class Sears Schulz fought fake global hackers targeting several federal departments to beat out second place. He said he was “surprised” to take the...

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December 13, 2019

Cadet Chapel renovations alter Christmas service schedule

The Cadet Chapel peeks through the fog on a cold November day at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (Photo /Tech. Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton) Public Affairs staff report, Dec. 13, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Services will not be held at the Cadet Chapel on Christmas Eve this year. The chapel is undergoing major structural work and is predicted to be closed for four years. We know holiday services at the Cadet Chapel can be an important tradition for many and appreciate the patience of our guests as the vital restoration and repairs on this historical building continue....

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December 13, 2019

Academy NCO gets ready for officer training school

(U.S. Air Force photos/Trang Le) By Ray Bowden, Dec. 13, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A curriculum developer at the Air Force Academy is one of a few enlisted Airmen this year to be selected to attend officer training school. “I told myself not to ‘ugly cry,’” said Tech. Sgt. Samantha Van Cleave about her emotional state when Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson, the Academy’s commandant, told her of her selection in November in front of her coworkers. “I did work very hard for this, but I’m incredibly honored.” Van Cleave is from Mansfied, Arkansas. She lists education as a...

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