2007 Academy graduate killed in action in Iraq

First Lt. Joseph D. Helton Jr., 24, was killed by a roadside bomb near Baghdad Sept. 8, 2009. He was a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and was deployed to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Cadets honor fallen heroes of Sept. 11

Cadets salute as the American flag is raised during a Reveille ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 11, 2009. Cadets held the ceremony to honor those who died in the terrorist attacks eight years earlier. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Cadets honor fallen heroes of Sept. 11

The U.S. Air Force Academy cadet flag formation raises the American flag during a Reveille ceremony in the Terrazzo Sept. 11, 2009, in honor those who died in terrorist attacks eight years earlier. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Cadets honor fallen heroes of Sept. 11

Cadet 1st Class Sean Harte plays Reveille in honor during a cadet formation in honor of the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Big Bad Basic

Basic Cadet Alex Means of the Barbarians (right) was the Class of 2013 men's champion at Big Bad Basic. (U.S. Air Force photo/J. Rachel Spencer)

Big Bad Basic

Class of 2013 basic cadets put their physical skills to the test at the U.S. Air Force Academy July 25, 2009, during the Sweepstakes competition at Big Bad Basic in Jacks Valley. Big Bad Basic takes place at the end of Jacks Valley events prior to the march back to the Terrazzo. (U.S. Air Force photo/J. Rachel Spencer)