Graduation Parade 2008

Cadets stand at attention during a graduation parade May 27 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Military formation and drill are a regular part of life during a cadet's four-year stay at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo)

One drop at a time

A cadet conducts an experiment during a chemistry class at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Cadets take seven classes each semester in order to graduate with bachelor degrees and Air Force commissions. (U.S. Air Force photo)

'Legends of Tuskegee' share history with cadets

Tuskegee Airmen pay honors to the American flag during U.S. Air Force Academy cadets' noon formation at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Academy's History Department invites the Tuskegee Airmen annually to share their history and experiences with cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

'Legends of Tuskegee' share history with cadets

Retired Col. Fitzroy "Buck" Newsum shows Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia to Cadets 3rd Class Bachar Satchell and Kyle Foley during a visit to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 24. Mr. Newsum, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, served under Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and then-Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. He was assigned to the 617th Bombardment Group during World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

USAFA cadet, former 50th TFW pilot share two families

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 1st Class Sean Andrews' father, Col. Bill Andrews (background, lower left), was one of a handful of prisoners of war during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Colonel Andrews was an EF-111 Raven and F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot for the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hahn Air Base, Germany. Cadet Andrews hopes to follow in his father's footsteps, becoming an F-16 or F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter pilot. He will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy May 30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

USAFA cadet, former 50th TFW pilot share two families

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 1st Class Sean Andrews will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy here May 30. His father, former 50th Tactical Fighter Wing pilot Col. Bill Andrews, will pin on his second lieutenant bars at midnight the evening before the ceremony. Cadet Andrews hopes to follow in his father's footsteps, flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon or its next-generation counterpart, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

Parent pin

U.S AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Randy Kinsey presents the Air Force Parent Pin to his parents, Cliff and Jill Kinsey of North Richland Hills, Texas. The pin was established by the Air Force to thank the parents of America's airmen for their support of their children's service. The lieutenant is one of 998 officers who were commissioned here May 28. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Wright)