June 27, 2024

Class of 2028 appointees arrive for in-processing

By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – More than 1,100 Class of 2028 appointees took their first step in their journey to become U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force officers with their arrival for In-processing Day June 26. In-processing Day, also known as I-Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, began at 7 a.m. when the first wave of appointees were dropped off at the Holaday Athletic Center. Buses took them to the Cadet Area, where upperclassmen gave them instructions at the footprints at the base of the Core Values Ramp....

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June 28, 2024

Award-winning professor employs novel teaching methods

Cadets learn using a 3D model developed by Dr. Shelby Stanhope, a Mathematical Sciences associate professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (Courtesy photo.) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – When Dr. Shelby Stanhope first took up an associate professor position at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Multivariable Calculus was infamous. What is called a “barrier course” for cadets interested in STEM disciplines, Col. Scott Williams, the Academy’s Department of Mathematical Sciences head, said Calculus 3 was a make-or-break point in a STEM major’s academic career and would often determine...

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July 25, 2024

Azimuth space program integrated into Special Warfare Orientation

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Dexter James, left, ROTC Cadets Margaret Rongaus and Elijah Barker, Delta 13, Detachment 1 Commander Col. Marc Sands, Cadet 3rd Class Kento Yamamoto, and ROTC Cadet Dudley Mayard listen to a U.S. Space Force Guardian briefing on TUSK Satellite capabilities during the Azimuth and Special Warfare Orientation Course joint exercise June 21, 2024. For the first time in its three-year history at the U.S. Air Force Academy, participants integrated with their peers in the Special Warfare Orientation Course in a simulated joint operation exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy...

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May 31, 2024

Senior cadet captures Schulte Award

Cadet 1st Class Karis Kim displays the 1st Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte Cadet Award Trophy with U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bruce Cohn and Center for Character and Leadership Development Deputy Director Dr. Thomas Torkelson in the Polaris Hall Forum May 28, 2024. Cohn was Schulte’s boyfriend when the 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christina Merrill) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 1st Class Karis Kim was named the 15th recipient of the 1st Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte...

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July 24, 2024

Grads made their impact on Olympic Games

Alonzo Babers, U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1983, won two gold medals for U.S. Track and Field in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Here, Babers poses at an overlook above the Academy during a photo shoot after his Olympic performance. (Photo courtesy of Airman magazine, January 1985) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Every four years when the Olympic Games are held, graduates Alonzo Babers and Kathy (Callaghan) Rex reflect on their Olympic experience. Both represented the United States at the Olympics after they graduated from the...

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July 30, 2024

Class of 2028 complete Second Basic Cadet Training

Class of 2028 basic cadets clear the last wall of the Assault Course during expeditionary skills training at Jacks Valley July 16, 2024. They marched back to the Cadet Wing July 26, 2024 alongside alumni. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Class of 2028 marched 5.2 miles back from Jacks Valley expeditionary skills training July 26 a month after they arrived on In-processing Day. Approximately 1,100 basic cadets will complete Basic Cadet Training next week, a giant step toward their goal of becoming...

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August 1, 2024

Class of ’18 grad returns to Academy as aeronautics instructor

Capt. Anna Mason, U.S. Air Force Academy aeronautics instructor, poses for a photo July 24, 2024 at Fairchild Hall, the Academy, Colorado. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Capt. Anna Mason, an aeronautical engineer and aeronautics instructor, sits in an office on the top floor of Fairchild Hall, deep in a maze of conference rooms and faculty offices. As with many engineers, she likes to have something to do with her hands – she is spinning a propeller blade with increasing speed as she...

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August 5, 2024

Bauernfeind assumes role as 22nd Academy superintendent

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s newest Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind salute one another following the ceremonial passing of the unit flag during an assumption of command ceremony held at the Academy, Colo., Aug. 2, 2024. Bauernfeind became the 22nd Academy superintendent following the retirement of Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark June 1, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, faculty and staff welcomed their 22nd superintendent, Lt. Gen....

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August 6, 2024

Through six decades, Wakin blazed trails at Academy

Retired Brig. Gen. Malham M. Wakin’s teaching career at the U.S. Air Force Academy spanned 57 years, beginning in 1959. The former Department of Philosophy head died July 30, 2024, at 93. (U.S. Air Force photo) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Colleagues and former cadets remember retired Brig. Gen. Malham M. Wakin as the service academy’s educational trailblazer. Long honored as an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, he taught philosophy and ethics, served as Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy, Chairman of the Humanities Division, Assistant Dean, Associate Dean,...

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August 7, 2024

Academy celebrates Acceptance Day 2024

Members of the Class of 2028 salute during the Acceptance Day 2024 ceremony Aug. 7, marking the end of Basic Cadet Training. Each cadet is expected to live up to the letter and spirit of the code. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – About 1,100 Class of 2028 cadets received their fourth-class shoulder boards, signifying their acceptance into the Cadet Wing in a ceremony at Stillman Field Aug. 7. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Acceptance Day ceremony marks the end of Basic Cadet Training...

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