Class of 2013: 'Recognition granted'

Fourth-class cadets perform leg lifts during a physical training portion of Recognition at the Air Force Academy March 12, 2010. The three-day experience tests freshmen's physical and mental stamina and rewards them on the final day with upperclassman status and privileges. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bill Evans)

Class of 2013: 'Recognition granted'

Cadet 4th Class Matthew Webb leads Cadet Squadron 17 through pushups with encouragement from Cadets 1st Class Matthew Roland and Dominick Totino during Recognition at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Field House March 12, 2010. Recognition consists of several days of mentally and physically demanding activities, and culminates with the ascension of the freshmen into the upper-class ranks. Cadets Roland and Totino are cadet cadre with CS 17. (Air Force Photo/Mike Kaplan)

Recognition Days

Despite the rigors of Recognition events, members of Cadet Squadron 34 maintain high spirits and squadron pride at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 12, 2010. Recognition will end with the freshmen being presented the Props and Wings insignia, signifying their transition into upper class cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Recognition Days

Senior Zack Bartsch directs the members of Cadet Squadron 31 during Recognition events on March 12, 2010 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Recognition events conclude with the freshmen earning the Prop and Wings insignia, signifying their transition from underclassmen to upper class cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Recognition Days

Cadet freshmen Ben Register, Kevin Dwyer, Evan Barger and Hank Binzer of Cadet Squadron 33 shoulder the weight of their Squadron's charge and await instructions March 12, 2010 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Recognition is an annual set of events that culminate in the freshmen being welcomed into the ranks of the upper class cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Recognition Days

Cadet junior Lamin Jackson commands the attention of a group of freshman during Recognition Days at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Colo., March 12, 2010 . Recognition consists of several days of wing and squadron-run trainings, events, and ceremonies, and concludes with the freshmen receiving the Prop and Wings insignia, signifying their acceptance into the ranks of upper class cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Recognition Days

Rows of sneakers and other items are lined up on the U.S.Air Force Academy's Terrazzo while their owners participate in the annual recognition events at the Academy March 12, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Tom Whitney

01 MAY 2009: The Mountain West Men's Golf Tournament at the Omni Tucson Golf Course in Tucson, AZ. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates

Class of 2013: 'Recognition granted'

Cadets 4th Class Matthew Schuetz, Caleb Belden and William Hicks of Cadet Squadron 18 recite information about the F-15 Eagle while performing push-ups during Recognition at the U.S. Air Force Academy March 12, 2010. Recognition is a series of military, physical and mental exercises that culminate with freshmen achieving upperclassman status. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rachel Boettcher)

Academy cadet earns scholarship to study at Oxford

Cadet 1st Class Bradford Waldie recently received a Bart Holaday scholarship for two years of study at Oxford University of England. Cadet Waldie is a native of Phoenix and a double major in foreign area studies and humanities. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Wings of Blue jumps into Rose Bowl

Cadet 1st Class David Leibrand soars into the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., before the BCS National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas Longhorns Jan. 8. Cadet Leibrand, a member of the Wings of Blue Air Force Parachute Demonstration Team, is a native of Scobey, Mont. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kenny Kendrick)

Cadet trades combat boots for high heels and crown

Cadet 3rd Class Katie Dials poses for a photograph during a shoot Nov. 28, 2009. Cadet Dials, an Indiana native assigned to Cadet Squadron 34, was named Miss American Teen 2010 by the National Miss American Coed Pageants. (Courtesy photo/Cadet 3rd Class Katie Dials)