Falcon Clips extra issue 9 (Graduation Edition)

"The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." ACADEMY NEWS FALCO N CLIPS EXTR A Created exclusively for friends and supporters of the Air Force's Academy June 3, 2014 Click here for the latest happenings on USAFA Facebook Watch the newest videos on your Academy Youtube channel Follow us on Twitter for random USAFA news and facts For More USAFA Athletics News (Click Here) For an e-copy of the Academy Spirit (Click Here) Snapshots Graduation edition Biden to Class of 2014: 'You carry America on your back' "The poet Thoreau said, 'A bluebird carries the sky on its back.' You are falcons, and you carry America on your back." Vice President Joseph R Biden, U.S Air Force Academy Class of 2014 Commencement Address Air Force News Service Graduation is USAFA names top Congrats tomajor the step in ClassCS-34 of squadron: Class of 2014 2014's 'flight through takes award life' Siblings graduate No single moment: A 2014 graduation from different collective experience by the numbers service academies at the Academy "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Biden to Class of 2014: 'You carry America on your back' http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412470 The Air Force Academy's Class of 2014 will face new missions as the United States draws down in Afghanistan, but the challenges they encounter will be no less formidable and complex, Vice President Joseph R Biden said during the Academy's commencement May 28 "The poet Thoreau said, 'A bluebird carries the sky on its back.' You are falcons, and you carry America on your back," Biden said Biden said thank you to the parents attending the graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium for raising the outstanding young men and women comprising the Academy's 56th graduating class, and he expressed the nation's pride in the newly commissioned second lieutenants "The entire nation is proud of you," Biden said "All of you who are graduating today took seriously the chance to hone your leadership skills within a culture of commitment and a climate of respect Under your charge, the Cadet Wing put in 38,000 hours of community service You welcomed gay, lesbian and bisexual cadets with respect You took the lead in combating sexual harassment and sexual assault because honor is your code, and you understand that no man has any right, except in self-defense, to ever raise a hand against a woman It's a matter of honor." Today's new lieutenants will lead an Air Force that will play a vital role in helping the United States rebuild and retool its capabilities in Europe and revitalize its alliances in Asia and the Pacific, Biden said "America is and will remain a resident Pacific power That power has been essential to the peace and prosperity of that region for the past seven decades, and it will be equally essential in the decades ahead," he said "Airpower over that expanse of the Pacific is vital and will have to increase." American forces in Afghanistan will decrease to less than 10,000 by year's end, Biden said Those forces will focus on training Afghanistan's military and conducting operations against the remnants of al-Qaida They will return to a grateful nation that will honor and respect their return Ending the war in Afghanistan, Biden said, allows the U.S to redeploy its strategic and intelligence assets to other parts of the world where they are needed But taking advantage of that opportunity requires the nation to stay engaged as a leader among nations "It's necessary to have the wisdom and the humility to distinguish between challenges that warrant us acting alone and decisively and challenges that require us marshaling coalitions and cooperation," he said "But it's within our grasp The generation that launched this Academy 60 years ago did it "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." "They helped write the constitutions of Germany and Japan that led to democratic governments and guaranteed that neither nation would ever possess a nuclear weapon They formed the greatest military alliance in the history of the world, NATO, from the ashes of war," Biden continued "They put together the Truman Doctrine and they supported the Marshall Plan, a sustained, multi-billion dollar commitment to get Europe back on its feet, to prevent the chaos that erupted after World War I and led to World War II." Biden said this generation faces a similar challenge, and in order to meet that challenge, the nation must rebuild its economic, human rights and strategic foundations Its economic foundation, built on the world's most innovative businesses, most productive workers, finest research institutions and brightest entrepreneurs, will enable the U.S to pursue human rights and national interests abroad "America has to remain a force of dignity and relief from suffering That's why we have to continue to help and to provide to people in desperate need," Biden said, "and continue to lead the world in fighting hunger and disease "None of this can be carried out successfully without you, without the finest Air Force in the world," he continued "Owning the skies, space and cyberspace, providing global reach, global strike capability, nuclear deterrence and command and control it's all within your grasp and duty." Two areas where the Air Force has shone especially bright, the vice president said, have been its search-and-rescue and aeromedical evacuation missions "I've marveled at what you, the Air Force, has done in that golden hour, how you've changed the face of the battlefield, saving thousands of warriors in those hours," he said "If half of the severely wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq had been wounded in Vietnam with the same injuries, they would have died You've changed the face of the battlefield with your heroism and commitment." Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said she and Chief of Staff Gen Mark Welsh III share the nation's pride in the Class of 2014 "They arrived as young men and women of distinction, but over the last four years, they've worked very hard and multitasked," she said "To the Class of 2014: You have accomplished much, but we will ask you to even more in the days and years ahead So go forward not to just understand the Air Force legacy but to live the Air Force legacy every day of your lives: integrity, service and excellence We are counting on you." Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Michelle D Johnson said the men and women of the Class of 2014 is truly ready to begin their journey as Airmen in the United States Air Force "You have been a transformational class of dedicated servant leaders," she said "We are immensely proud of you." Back "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service Graduation is major step in Class of 2014's 'flight through life' http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412604 Commentary by Brig Gen Andrew Armacost USAFA Dean of the Faculty Congratulations to the U.S Air Force Academy's 56th graduating class! In June 2010, 1,294 young women and men stepped off the buses in front of Vandenberg Hall At the end of Basic Cadet Training, 1,262 entered the Cadet Wing as members of the Class of 2014 On May 28, four challenging years later, the Air Force eagerly accepted 995 new second lieutenants into its ranks Our newest lieutenants will begin serving in 40 different career fields and 453 will attend pilot training Another 116 will enroll in graduate school for their first assignment We are proud of what these young men and women have accomplished over the past four years, and we are eager to see the amazing things they will in the future Congratulations to the families, friends and mentors of our graduates and to all of Team USAFA The Academy's four-year path is demanding - and the support and counsel of so many enable our cadets to successfully complete this program We are grateful to those who look out for the safety and well-being of our cadets, who nurture their professional and character development, and who motivate them toward excellence in all they From the Mitchell Hall staff to the Airmen guarding the cadet area gates, May 28 was a day of great accomplishment and celebration for all who helped the Class of 2014 get to where they are today Share in the graduates' accomplishments and know that you helped launch them on their flight through life The Class of 2014 is entering the Air Force at a momentous time, and there is no doubt our newest graduates are ready They are field-tested and have proven themselves ready to face whatever challenges the future holds Our newest second lieutenants are joining their fellow Airmen on the heels of a record force drawdown and amidst unrest in Ukraine and the withdrawal from Afghanistan The world these young officers are entering is much different than when I entered in the late 1980s There is no doubt that these remarkable men and women will lead our Air Force with honor and integrity To the Class of 2014, take with you into the Air Force the lessons you have learned at USAFA along with the bonds and friendships you have made These will be priceless during your journey as an officer in the best military ever seen Serve with confidence and pride, "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." knowing that you have conquered all the challenges we set before you, and defend the Constitution and the American people with compassion and honor Congratulations, Class of 2014! "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service USAFA names top squadron: CS-34 takes award http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412738 Cadet Squadron 34 was recognized as the Academy's top squadron for 2014 for its outstanding achievements in academics, military performance and athletics "The leadership of former cadet squadron commander Cadet 1st Class Sierra Richardson and current squadron commander Cadet 1st Class Eric Stubblefield was absolutely pivotal," said Maj Tony Puleo, CS-34 air officer commanding "I'm very proud of what they and the other cadets have accomplished The entire squadron stepped up." Puleo said Richardson met with him and discussed how to improve their standing among the other cadet squadrons "She wanted to make improvements and she did," he said "She operated under the motto of "Pride, Teamwork, Success." Puleo said part of the squadrons' success is due to what he called a "terrific morale, welfare and recreation program." "We maintained the rise in standards with our MWR program," he said "If you're going to increase standards like we did to such an extreme, you have to maintain it with a great MWR program and we did." Puleo said the squadron is already thinking about future success "The graduating cadets have left a tremendous legacy but we're ready to repeat our success," he said Richardson and Stubblefield are Academy Class of 2014 graduates "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service Congrats to the Class of 2014 http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412119 Commentary by William "T" Thompson U.S Air Force Academy Association of Graduates To the Class of 2014, on behalf of the Association of Graduates, I want to extend my wholehearted congratulations and welcome you as our newest members of the Long Blue Line You are the 56th class to graduate from USAFA and we are proud to have you take your place among the more than 46,000 graduates who have gone before you It has taken four demanding years of your life, but you are now well-prepared to serve your country with great distinction In a relatively brief period of time, the Academy has become one of the world's most prestigious institutions of its kind and you are about to become a part of that rich tradition As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it is appropriate to review the proud heritage of those graduates who have gone before you Let me share with you some of the attributes of the graduate community you are about to join We have graduated 46,058 officers who have become leaders of character across our great nation More than 630 have become general officers, including 36 four stars, and four Air Force chiefs of staff Our graduates are true war heroes who've been awarded the Medal of Honor and numerous Distinguished Flying Crosses and Silver Stars We are proud that two of the three Air Force Aces in Vietnam were Academy graduates and we respect and honor the 36 graduates who were prisoners of war Finally, we honor the 182 graduates who have made the ultimate sacrifice and have their names inscribed on the War Memorial Our graduates have gone on to achieve great heights - literally! In fact, 40 graduates have become astronauts and one, until very recently, held the record for the longest walk in space We have won numerous post-graduate academic awards including the Marshall, Fulbright and 38 Rhode Scholarships Academy graduates are doctors, lawyers, business leaders and entrepreneurs They are members of the clergy, teachers, college presidents and aviation professionals Our graduates have served as political leaders at all levels in the country including Congress, and the highest appointed positions of our national government Yes, Air Force Academy graduates are in leadership positions throughout our great nation; all subscribing to the core values of integrity first; service before self; and excellence in all we And you will now take your place as a member of this impressive group The world you are graduating into is a challenging one Though the country is winding down from recent conflicts, we are still besieged by terrorist threat Yet the leadership training you have received and the values you have accepted gives our country the highest confidence in your abilities to protect and persevere "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." I know it has been a long four years and you are ready to meet the new challenges that lie ahead, yet I strongly urge you to stay connected to the institution that has given you such a unique opportunity Most of you are Association of Graduates members but for those of you who have not joined, we urge you to become involved with the associations Help support the many cadet programs that you have had an opportunity to experience; the leadership and character programs, the conferences and symposiums, intramurals and cadet clubs and the foreign travel and language emersion programs, to mention just a few Understand that you have the responsibility to reach back by giving back to the cadets that will follow you Realize that you have an obligation to ensure that they enjoy a better opportunity than you have enjoyed just as prior grads have done for you The AOG is proud to welcome you as members of the Long Blue Line and stand ready to assist you in any way we can Contact us at www.usafa.org when we can ever be of service All the best for 2014, "Like a Machine." Back "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service 2014 graduation by the numbers http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412742 On March 28, 995 cadets officially became second lieutenants when they graduated from graduate from the Academy Just more than 76 percent of graduates are men; just less than 24 percent are women The average cumulative GPA for the class of 2014 was 2.98 One-hundred-fifty of these graduates were Eagle Scouts, 261 were Boy Scouts, and 60 were Girl Scouts The Academy's Class of 2014 contains one set of twins, four third-child graduates, and 68 second generation graduates Nine cadets had both parents attend the Academy Four-hundred-forty-five cadets are scheduled to attend pilot training, six are scheduled for combat systems operator (navigator) training, two for air battle manager training and nine for remotely piloted aircraft training Academy graduates who enter pilot training have an active duty service commitment of 10 years after earning their wings; combat systems operators, combat rescue officers and special tactics officers have a six-year service commitment after completing training; and all other graduates have a five-year commitment Since April, 619 Academy graduates have been promoted into the general officer ranks "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service Family, service and sacrifice: Siblings graduate from different service academies http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123413135 For the Jones siblings from Woodlands, Texas, although very different from one another, each chose the same path of service as they entered adulthood becoming Army, Navy and Air Force officers Army Capt Brooke Jones, 27, graduated from the U.S Military Academy in 2009, Ensign Madison Jones, 23, graduated from the U.S Naval Academy last year, and 2nd Lt Blake Jones received his diploma and commission as an Air Force officer here just last week As each sibling developed their own interests and embarked on separate military journeys, the close-knit relatives said it's through their shared struggles and accomplishments at the various academies that their bond has grown stronger "I couldn't be more proud of Madison and Blake for their accomplishments," Capt Jones said "It's always fun comparing experiences at the different schools, but I think attending institutions with the common goal of service was important My sister, brother and I have always been close and loyal, but the conversations we have had over the past nine years are special There is a mutual respect and understanding coupled with a fun rivalry." Madison, the siblings' parents and both sets of grandparents attended Blake's graduation here May 28 His sister, Brook, tuned into the ceremony via the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System live feed from Camp Buehring, Kuwait, coordinated by the Air Force Academy Public Affairs office "I don't think there are proper words in my vocabulary to describe how proud of him and his accomplishment," she said Brooke previously deployed to Iraq and was there when the family dropped-off Blake here for Basic Cadet Training "Blake is incredibly bright and has the leadership skills that anyone would want on their team," Brooke said "He is going to be an unbelievable officer." Madison said it's heart-warming to watch her brother walk across the platform during graduation because she knew exactly how he felt "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." "The three academies are so different, but the one similarity is what it feels like to get that diploma, say the oath, and commission as an officer," she said "He did it on his own and I couldn't be more proud of him." Neither of the Jones parents served in the military, nor have any of their direct and immediate family members "We're very much individuals and we wanted to attend different schools," Blake said "When I visited the Air Force Academy on a trip, I fell in love with the area and thought it was a beautiful campus It seemed like it would be a challenging institution and I wanted to challenge myself Both of my sisters challenged themselves and I wanted to follow in their footsteps without following exactly in their footsteps." Brooke is the first from the family to attend a service academy She was recruited to play tennis at the U.S Military Academy and said she couldn't have imagined a better opportunity "I knew I wanted to play tennis for the school, I knew I wanted to be a cadet at the institution and knew I wanted to be an officer in the Army," she said "I was attracted to the tradition, and the idea of serving, all while playing collegiate level sports." According to Brooke, a senior human resources officer assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the Army has allowed her to travel and live in remarkable locations as well as serve with some of the most intelligent, driven, selfless and empowering leaders "It is truly humbling," she said "I love being around soldiers My team is fantastic, and the work they produce is incredible I am proud that their work impacts every single individual in this organization." Brooke said each sibling individually decided to take the military route "I think that is the best way to go through an academy - the choice being completely yours," she said "You have to want to make the sacrifice You have to want to serve You have to dedicate yourself, no one else in your family." Blake said his sisters' military success helped him push through the challenges here "If I needed to talk to someone about problems I was having at the Academy, they showed me that there was light at the end of the tunnel," he said "They've showed me life after graduation and how it makes the tough times worth it Having my sisters to talk through my Academy experience has been a blessing." Madison serves as a surface warfare office assigned to the USS Essex Brooke will return to Fort Carson following her deployment and Blake will travel to Hanscom AFB, Mass to serve as a contracting officer "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." "I'm looking forward to putting my four years of training here to use," Blake said "My plans are wide open I may stay in the Air Force for 30 years or maybe only five It depends on where my journey takes me but I feel very blessed my siblings and I were able to get through the academies." Brooke said her best advice to her younger brother as he enters military life and the big Air Force is to enjoy it "Never have your Airmen anything you wouldn't yourself, and enjoy yourself," she said "We have the unique privilege to lead America's sons and daughters I am really excited to watch his career as an officer begin." The siblings said they wouldn't be where they are today if it weren't for their mom and dad's selfless parenting "Our mom sacrificed her time driving all over Houston taking us to our sports on completely different schedules and still ensured that we had a childhood," Brooke said "She taught us the meaning of hard work, and ensured it was instilled in each of us that if you work hard, pray to God, and what is right you can anything." "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Air Force News Service No single moment: A collective experience at the Academy http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412123 Commentary by Cadet 1st Class Christian Brechbuhl U.S Air Force Academy Class of 2014 As my time at the Air Force's Academy comes to a close, I find myself thinking just how impossible it is to pick a 'best" or "favorite" experience There is no single moment for me to pick because I've experienced a multitude of wonderful experiences here During my four-degree, or freshman year, I would have answered that the best part of my Academy experience was moment during Basic Cadet Training when we learned to act as a team We had been told to form-up with our rifles (we knew that meant the dreaded rifle run was just moments away) and just as we were ready to run, one of our cadre stopped us He turned us around, placing the smallest person at the front of the flight He said, "this way you will stay together." I didn't know it at the time, but that was the moment my Basic Cadet Training flight learned to work as a team I remember looking back on the moment a few weeks later and thinking how cool it was that this institution could develop leaders who were capable of creating a team out of 27 headstrong high school students Throughout my sophomore year, I would have answered that Recognition was the best part of my Academy experience The culminating event of our freshman year was finally here and boy did it live up to our expectations! Recognition challenged us more than we thought possible; it was physically and mentally demanding, and the feeling of accomplishment was like no other, but the best part of Recognition, the part that impressed me the most, was how the upper three classes came together like a well-oiled machine to plan such a complex and demanding weekend I wanted to be a part of that team! My favorite experience during my junior year was my summer corporate internship in Guam Not only did I spend four weeks in a tropical paradise, I had the privilege of being embedded as a middle management team member in a highly complex environment In Guam, I learned how to lead a team I had nothing in common with and how to lead in a non-military environment I learned the value of diversity as I watched how the leadership team, comprised of Guam citizens and corporate experts from the mainland, played on each other's strengths I learned each group's failures and we became a more effective team because of our diverse backgrounds The leadership lessons I learned in Guam will benefit me for years to come "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Ring Dance at the end of junior year was one of my happiest moments at the Academy I never thought I would place such value in my ring, but as we sat in Mitchell Hall eagerly awaiting the traditional ring christening, it became more and more apparent these were not just rings They were symbols of the hard work, long hours and friendships made during the past three years and the responsibility we would soon hold as first class cadets If asked what my favorite experience was as a "Firstie", the answer would have changed several times My experience as a Basic Cadet Training cadre stands out Watching the Class of 2017 transform from civilians, prior enlisted Airmen and preppies to cadets ready to join our wing under the watchful eye of my classmates was incredibly rewarding Along with this, I pinned my sister's four-degree shoulder boards during her class' Acceptance Day parade During our firstie year, we were able to spend more time with our friends, lead a 4,000person wing, and of course, celebrating Hundreds Night Hundreds Night was a great experience because it gave us the opportunity to celebrate our friendships and accomplishments and look forward to the future as we wore Air Force Specialty-specific uniforms Today as the Class of 2014 graduates I would say the best part of my Academy experience was not a single moment, but the sum total of everything I've been privileged to these past four years To our world-class faculty and staff - thank you! Keep up the amazing work I couldn't have asked for a better set of teachers, mentors and friends Even for those of you who might not think so; from the Academy Military Trainers who spent the past few weeks congratulating my classmates and I on our upcoming graduation, to the Cadet Support Flight that has been there for me throughout the four years: you may not see us every day, but you make a difference To the newly-minted upper three classes: take advantage of the opportunities the Academy has to offer, from summer programs and academic year leadership positions to the daily interactions with faculty, staff, and each other Make the most of your time - it's shorter than you think To my fellow graduates: good luck with your new careers Be proud of what you've accomplished here and have the humility to know that we have a lot more to learn I can't wait to serve with you in Big Blue! Back "The Air Force’s Academy, producing lieutenants for our Air Force and leaders for our Nation." Use of these news items does not reflect official endorsement Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions ... the sky on its back.' You are falcons, and you carry America on your back," Biden said Biden said thank you to the parents attending the graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium for raising the... members of the Class of 2014 On May 28, four challenging years later, the Air Force eagerly accepted 99 5 new second lieutenants into its ranks Our newest lieutenants will begin serving in 40 different... 2014 graduation by the numbers http://www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123412742 On March 28, 99 5 cadets officially became second lieutenants when they graduated from graduate from the Academy