August 17, 2019

Texas twins conquer initial training at separate military academies

Story by Jennifer Spradlin, Aug. 18, 2019 Aubrie and Emma. Emma and Aubrie. From birth, the Kuhrt twins from Wichita Falls, Texas, have been a tight pair, so much so that both were more comfortable saying ‘we’ than ‘I.’ This summer was a big milestone for the young women as each began a rigorous phase of military training at separate service academies. Aubrie chose the U.S. Air Force Academy while Emma selected the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “As long as we can remember we have wanted to join the military,” Emma said. “In about seventh grade, our teacher asked...

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August 8, 2019

Air Force Academy awarded accreditation until 2028-2029

Story by Tech. Sgt. Charles Rivezzo, Aug. 8, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  – Air Force Academy officials recently announced the results of the institution’s academic accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The final report from the HLC found the university met all of the criteria for accreditation and federal compliance requirements without comments, reaffirming its accredited status until the 2028-2029 academic year. “This is the best possible outcome for an academic institution and is exactly what we wanted out of this review,” said Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, Air Force Academy superintendent. “This is the result of great work...

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April 1, 2020

AF Academy Class of 2020 graduation date moves up

Staff reports, April 1, 2020 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Class of 2020 is pleased to announce their graduation event on April 18, culminating four years at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The class is planning an event six weeks ahead of schedule, allowing them to celebrate together while ensuring their health and safety by adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense guidelines. Family, friends, and the public will be able to live stream the entirety of the event, although they will not be able to attend in person due to health and safety concerns....

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April 29, 2019

Cadet Chapel to remain open through September

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs / April 29, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Cadet Chapel will remain open through Sept. 1, 2019 as the Academy continues to work toward a funding solution for sorely needed repairs. The chapel was originally scheduled to close for renovations Jan. 1. The planning team will reevaluate as needed in order to keep the chapel open to the public as long as possible and until more definitive project funding guidance becomes available.

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May 23, 2019

‘Remember the guardians of the past’: Top Air Force officials release Memorial Day letter to Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, May 23, 2019 WASHINGTON -- One-hundred-fifty-one years ago, citizens gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to honor Civil War soldiers as part of the inaugural Decoration Day. Today, the citizenry of this great nation know this observance as Memorial Day. We actively reflect on the sacrifice made by our Airmen, Coast Guards, Marines, sailors and soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion for our liberty. As we remember the guardians of our past, we also express deep gratitude to the 685,000 military and civilian Airmen embodying integrity, service before self and excellence, that...

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May 22, 2019

Academy Prep School celebrates graduation of 180 cadet candidates

(U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley) Story by Tech. Sgt. Charles Rivezzo, May 22, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – An auditorium filled with families, friends and faculty celebrated the graduation of 180 Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates May 20. The ceremony marked the successful completion of the Prep School’s 10-month curriculum. 235 cadet candidates were admitted into the Prep School for the 2018-2019 academic year. Of the graduates, 176 received appointments to the Academy and are scheduled to report for Basic Cadet Training in June. Addressing the audience, Preparatory School commander, Col. Timothy W Thurston II, quoted...

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May 20, 2019

Update: Air Force Thunderbirds release practice, performance schedule for Academy graduation

(U.S. Air Force photo/Jack Braden) Staff report, May 20, 2019 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team is scheduled to conclude the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2019 graduation ceremony with a 30-minute performance above the Academy, May 30. The performance is expected to begin between 2-2:30 p.m., just after the hat toss. The Thunderbirds will arrive in Colorado Springs May 27 and fly over the Academy around 11:30 a.m. for a site survey. The team will practice their full performance over the Academy’s Falcon Stadium from 10:30 – 11:45 Tuesday, May 28. As...

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May 17, 2019

Academy hosts wing commanders, command chiefs

Wing commanders from across the Air Force get a briefing on the U.S. Air Force Academy's remotely piloted aircraft systems during a tour of the Academy earlier this month. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jennifer Spradlin) By Jennifer Spradlin, May 17, 2019 U.S. AIR ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is slated to welcome more than 700 wing commanders and command chiefs this year as it supports an Air Force initiative to create greater understanding between its wing leaders and the accessioning sources that produce officers. The Academy hosted the first round of these leaders on a tour of airfield operations, various...

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May 16, 2019

‘A bad break’: Traumatic injury can’t keep Academy cadet off rugby pitch

Jessica Beyer (bottom row, second from left). (U.S. Air Force Academy photo) Story by Jennifer Spradlin, May 16, 2018 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Jessica Beyer is a competitor. She’s a no-nonsense girl from Dunlap, Illinois, a town where cows outnumber people. At six, she fell in love with flying while watching the Air Force Thunderbirds perform and set her sights on the Air Force. Beyer, a cadet third class, found rugby during her freshman year at the Air Force Academy, and by her sophomore year, she was one of the team captains. Her goal was to win the...

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May 15, 2019

Air University, Air Force Academy are flagships of education

By Staff Sgt. Quay Drawdy, Air University Public Affairs, May 15, 2019 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- For current or future Air Force commissioned officers, two names represent the pinnacle of education within the force. While these flagship institutions have, up to now, worked mostly independent of one another, Air University and the U.S. Air Force Academy have come together to formally synchronize their efforts for producing future leaders for the service. With signatures fresh on a Memorandum of Understanding, AU and USAFA are further developing initiatives ranging from cyber education and prototyping to educational innovation and faculty cooperation, all...

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