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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August 1, 2017

USAFA superintendent hosts BOV July 28

By Ray Bowden/Aug. 1, 2017 Superintendent of the Air Force Academy Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson said the school’s advances concerning issues of character, discipline and modernization, have made it a mainstay on the nation’s “best colleges” lists and a trusted agency among Defense Department leaders and parents of cadets. Johnson said this and more July 28, when she hosted the Academy’s Board of Visitors. The superintendent said a concentration on the school’s curriculum, personnel, and climate and culture, have made the Academy the modern institution the U.S. and the Air Force needs. She said she recognizes there is always room for...

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July 28, 2017

Academy hosts leadership conference with FIRST Robotics Mentors

The Center for Character and Leadership Development hosted 24 educators from across the U.S. at the FIRST Leadership Experience July 24-26 in Polaris Hall. By Laurie Wilson U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs The Center for Character and Leadership Development hosted 24 educators from across the U.S. at the FIRST Leadership Experience, July 24-26 in Polaris Hall. Air Force Recruiting sponsored and accompanied the teachers, all members of the national organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST. Most teach at the middle and high school level and are commonly called FIRST Mentors. “We wanted to attract...

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July 26, 2017

10th CES firefighters expect win at Firefighter Combat Challenge

By Laurie Wilson/July 26, 2017 Firefighters at the U.S. Air Force Academy will compete in the regional Firefighter Combat Challenge July 28-29 in Longmont, Colorado, intent on qualifying to compete at the World Challenge championship in October. The 10th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighters have competed, won and set world records consistently since 2002, making the Academy an international powerhouse in the challenge. They routinely place in the top three at the championship. Fire Chief Ken Helgerson said to qualify to compete in the World Challenge, firefighters have to hit a specific time at one of the 14 regional events leading...

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July 25, 2017

Basic cadets get ready for ‘gut check’ in Jack’s Valley

By Ray Bowden/July 25, 2017 Dust flew in Jacks Valley when hundreds of basic cadets marched to the training area at the U.S Air Force Academy to begin 10 days of field exercises. Each year, basic cadets spend 10 days in Jacks Valley where their team building, military skills, and mental resolve are put to the test, said Lt. Col. Maria Roberts, Basic Cadet Training commander. “This begins the second portion of BCT, when young civilians begin to turn into Airmen,” she said. The Jacks Valley experience puts basic cadets in conditions similar to a deployment to a remote location....

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