December 19, 2023

Cadet’s astronaut father to speak at NCLS

U.S. Air Force Academy Basic Cadet Kai Lindgren returns from Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley with his father, Dr. Kjell Lindgren, July 28, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Kjell Lindgren) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.– When U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 4th Class Kai Lindgren was born in 2004, his father was training in emergency medicine in Minneapolis. Five years later, Dr. Kjell Lindgren was accepted into NASA’s astronaut program, completing an unusual path to space since his Academy graduation in 1995. A medical issue derailed Dr. Lindgren’s hopes for...

Continue Reading Cadet’s astronaut father to speak at NCLS

February 29, 2024

Missy Franklin shares team concepts with cadets

Five-time U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist Missy Franklin speaks at the National Character and Leadership Symposium Feb. 23, 2024. Franklin discusses how culture and connection were a part of her journey to Olympic gold. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Rayna Grace) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – It isn’t every day that you get to meet your childhood hero, but the 31st annual National Character and Leadership Symposium provided Cadet 2nd Class Darien Tompkins with so much more. The U.S. Air Force Academy Women’s Swimming and Diving Team member led a...

Continue Reading Missy Franklin shares team concepts with cadets

February 24, 2025

Mission-focused: the value of a war-fighting mindset

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. speaks during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 20, 2025. The theme for NCLS 2025 is Warfighters to Win, which is one of the Academy’s three priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. emphasized the importance of placing the mission first during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium Feb. 20. The theme of this year’s symposium was Warfighters to Win. Cadets...

Continue Reading Mission-focused: the value of a war-fighting mindset