Cadets at the Air Force Academy unrolled the welcome mat for thousands of parents and relatives during the schools’ annual Parents’ Weekend event, Sept. 2-5.

Nearly 9,000 visitors also stopped by at the Barry H. Goldwater Visitor Center, said Larry Wells, manager of the Visitor Center.

“Parents’ Weekend ranks up there as one of our busiest weekends, along with cadet graduation and in-processing for Basic Cadet Training,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams, commandant of cadets, said the event gives parents a glimpse of life at the Academy.  

"Parents’ Weekend gives us a chance to showcase our Academy and say 'thank you' to our strongest supporters -- the parents and relatives of cadets,” he said. “It gives the families a chance to experience a day in the life of their cadet and for cadets to showcase all they've accomplished."

Six parents of cadets said their visit cemented the idea that their son or daughter made a smart decision by applying to the Academy.   

“It’s an amazing opportunity we couldn’t duplicate anywhere else,” said Jane Money, mother of Cadet 2nd Class Alistair Chase of Boston. “It’s a very unusual and specific college experience.”

Adam Pierce, wife Lisa, and daughter, Cadet 4th Class Sarah Pierce of Unionville, Tenn., said they see the intent behind the Academy’s rigorous academic curriculum and military training -- an intent realized by the changes Sarah said she sees in herself since graduating BCT training in July. 

“I’m much more disciplined and better at paying attention to detail,” Sarah said. “It’s a huge difference.”

Lisa agreed.

“I know her room (here) is cleaner now,” she laughed.

Cassie Armstrong, mother of Cadet 4th Class Jordan Armstrong of Orlando, Fla., said Parents’ Weekend also highlights the Academy’s mission of developing officers of character.

“They’re turning young men and women into future leaders,” she said. These are the people we 

want to be in charge of our country.”

Along with a parade, Parents’ Weekend featured an information fair, meet-and-greets with staff and faculty and tours of the 40 cadet squadrons. 

“It’s especially meaningful for the parents because they get to see the care and concern we take in looking after and developing their sons and daughters,” said Tech. Sgt. John Sinner, Cadet Squadron 24’s lead Academy Military Trainer. “Meeting the air officers commanding and AMTs for the first time lets the parents know how serious we are about developing their child into a leader. The importance of this trust between our staff and the parents really comes full circle when you shake their hand for the first time.”

Sinner said Parents’ Weekend symbolizes many things to parents, cadets and staff, including pride.

“At its most basic level, it gives cadets the chance to be proud and show off their Academy,” he said.