August 18, 2017

Update: In the Stairwell advances to America’s Got Talent semifinals

By Maureen Welch/Aug. 18, 2017 In the Stairwell advanced to NBC’s America’s Got Talent semi-final round Aug. 16, following the group's live performance a day earlier. “It is an honor to wear this uniform on this stage. It’s an honor to be here,” In the Stairwell vocalist Benjamin Hightower said during the results show. The Air Force Academy’s all-male a Capella group performed a rendition of pop-group Fun’s “Some Nights” during the live show. Judge Simon Cowell said In the Stairwell is “the most improved act.” Formed in 2004, In the Stairwell began as a group of freshmen cadets who,...

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August 18, 2017

Resiliency training equips Airmen for hurdles

By Laurie Wilson/Aug. 18, 2017 The Air Force Academy trained Airmen from the Academy and Peterson Air Force Base for roles as Master Resilient Trainers during a five-day training program in Polaris Hall, Aug. 14-18, 2017. Community Support Program Manager Scott Andrews said the program is designed to help Airmen balance their duties with any challenges of life-problems. “There are times in Airmen’s lives when the constant pressure to balance personal, team and career demands seems like a never-ending fast-paced treadmill,” he said. “It can be easy to become overwhelmed.” In total, 45 airmen learned what’s required to help them...

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August 17, 2017

New superintendent discusses vision for Academy

By Ray Bowden/Aug. 17, 2017 The top officer at the Air Force Academy shared his goals and priorities with staff and faculty at a vision-based Aug. 17 “all call” in Arnold Hall. Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria said the first two of his three goals is increasing the Academy’s culture of innovation and fostering a culture of continual assessment and feedback. “We have to be hard on ourselves,” he said, referring to what he said is the need for clear and honest evaluations of Academy processes. Silveria said his third goal is growing the Academy’s culture of respect and dignity. “If...

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August 15, 2017

‘Get out the vote’ for In the Stairwell on America’s Got Talent, Aug 15

By Maureen Welch/Aug. 15, 2017 Cadets can propel In the Stairwell to the semifinals on America’s Got Talent by voting for the Air Force Academy’s all-male a Capella group Aug. 15-16. Voting begins at 6 p.m. (MT), Aug. 15, and ends 5 a.m. (MT), Aug. 16. Viewers can check the local listings for broadcast times for the group’s nationally-televised performance and cast a vote. “We are ready to fly,” said In the Stairwell vocalist Benjamin Hightower. “We are going to do our best and hope America supports us.” Top of Form In the Stairwell advanced to the show’s quarterfinals Aug....

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August 11, 2017

Lt Gen Jay Silveria takes command of Academy

By Ray Bowden/Aug. 11, 2017 The new superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy said preparing cadets for the mental and physical rigors of modern warfare in a complex global environment is his top priority, Aug. 11. “The future of our service and the future of our nation stand on that field,” said Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, speaking to 4,000 cadets standing in formation during that day's change of command ceremony. Silveria said the commitment of the Academy’s civilian and military faculty and staff represents the bulwark of national security. The dedication of cadets and staff is critical to fulfilling...

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August 10, 2017

1,181 complete basic training, join Cadet Wing

By Maureen Welch/Aug. 10, 2017 It's official: nearly 1,200 young men and women completed Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy and start the academic year Aug. 10. The Class of 2021 officially became “cadets” Aug. 9 during the Academy’s annual Acceptance Day ceremony which represents a symbolic shift from the status of basic trainee to cadet fourth class. Cadet 4th Class Luke Kilianski said he’s eager to begin the school year. “Today was very uplifting to get recognized by the wing,” he said. “‘Basic’ is finally over and it’s a huge relief to go into the academic year.”...

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August 7, 2017

Maj Gen Silveria to take command, receive 3rd star Aug 11

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria will assume command of the U.S. Air Force Academy as the new superintendent in a ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Aug. 11 near the Class Wall of the Terrazzo. He'll also receive his third star and be promoted to lieutenant general that day. Silveria, a 1985 Academy graduate, most recently served as deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, and deputy commander of the Combined Air Force Air Component, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia. As the Academy superintendent, he will direct the school's undergraduate academic program, cadet military and athletic training...

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August 4, 2017

In the Stairwell to make 3rd appearance on America’s Got Talent

By U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs In the Stairwell is scheduled to perform on America’s Got Talent Aug. 15, after advancing to the "lives" Aug. 8. The "lives" are live broadcasts during which viewers vote on their favorite show competitor. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s all-male a capella group was selected by the show’s judges to appear live after performing pop-group NSYNC's “Bye Bye Bye" Aug. 8. Before In the Stairwell's Aug. 8 "Judges Cut" performance, vocalist Abraham Gygax said performing on the popular show is a chance to highlight the talent of cadets and Airmen. “We’re just so...

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August 4, 2017

10th Medical Support Squadron gets new commander

By Laurie Wilson/Aug.4, 2017 The Air Force Academy’s 10th Medical Support Squadron welcomed its new commander, Lt. Col. William Breedlove, with a formal change of ceremony August 4. Breedlove comes to the Academy from the 45th Medical Support Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. He traded command with Col. Andrew Kaczmarek, who served as 10th MDSS commander since August 2014. The mission of the 10th MDSS is to delivers administration and ancillary support to the 10th Medical Group, ensuring care for more than 171,000 Defense Department beneficiaries, including more than 4,000 cadets. The 10th MDSS organizes, trains and equips the...

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August 2, 2017

10th CES firefighters set world record at regional competition

By Laurie Wilson/Aug. 2, 2017 Firefighters assigned to the 10th Civil Engineering Squadron doused the competition to set a world record at the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, June 29 in Longmont, Colorado. Their over-40-relay competition time of 1:10:92 blistered the competition, qualifying the firefighters to compete in the World Championships in October at Louisville, Kentucky. "It felt really good to win," said 10th Firefighter Anthony McMurtry, a civilian firefighter at the squadron. "We've been together for eight years and been so close so many times for the open. But to now do it in the over-40 category? Well, that just...

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