13 Jul 2009

AOG congratulates Class of 2009

On behalf of the Association of Graduates and its more than 26,000 members, I want to extend my hearty congratulations to the Class of 2009 and welcome you to the Academy graduate community. You have made it through four challenging years and now you will take your place in the most technologically advanced Air Force in the history of the world.

13 Jul 2009

Class of 2009: No more words -- it's time for action

To the Academy Class of 2009, congratulations on this achievement! You've certainly earned it. You are the 51st class to graduate and it's a special honor for me and Debby to be part of your graduation. Your time here has been very personal to me. You were four degrees when I arrived and it's been one of the highlights of my career to watch your

8 Jul 2009

Superintendent retires after 40 years of service

As Debby and I celebrate the final days of our career, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer some final thoughts to the men and women of the United States Air Force Academy as the 17th superintendent. First, I want to say thank you for making this the ideal way to close out this journey. I can't think of a more appropriate place to end my

8 Jul 2009

Academy safety director speaks out

We graduated 1,046 officers of character and members of the Class of 2009 on May 27. Graduation officially marks the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season at the Air Force Academy. Although this past winter was mild by traditional Colorado standards, I know many members of Team USAFA look forward to the annual summer vacation. I know

8 Jul 2009

Flag Day: Americans personified in war-torn fabric

Whether one calls her "Old Glory," "Stars and Stripes," or, "Star Spangled Banner," she'll be honored June 14 during our nation's annual celebration known as Flag Day. The history of the combination of red and white stripes, the blue union, and the 50 stars represent the bloodshed and bravery of those who've served to ensure America's freedom.

8 Jul 2009

Summer safety tips promote enjoyment

Good Friday morning! The home improvement projects are in full swing at the Cessna household. Now that the "rainy season" is over -- hopefully -- and the sun is warming the Front Range, summer activities are prevalent. Whether it is hiking, camping, or a simple picnic at one of the many parks in the area, always remember these key safety tips. The

6 Jul 2009

Patriotism alive and well at Country Jam

Every year for four days in late June I surround myself with 30,000 to 40,000 of my closest redneck country music loving friends nightly in the little-known town of Mack, Colo . Most think of it as a Grand Junction event, but hard-core country fans know the real deal. It's a big field barely a dozen miles from the Utah border that comes to life in

22 Jun 2009

'I love you, Dad!' Say it like you mean it

"I love you, Dad!" Those are the four most powerful words a father can hear. And, if you're like me, it's a sentiment I'm always listening for. As we celebrate Father's Day I wonder why those same words that bring a man so much joy are so difficult for many of us guys to utter, especially the first time. I grew up in the '50s and '60s B.A.A.

22 May 2009

Cadets and Cultural Awareness: A Knowledge Outcome

It was very puzzling. Despite covering the topic through lecture and discussion in my History 101 (Modern World History) course, students were still not getting it. During the Fall 2008 semester, when it came time to test their knowledge on the subject during a graded review, 30 percent of them could not tell the difference between Sunni and

22 May 2009

Physics 645: P215 (3) / (2F) = formula for success

Physics 215 is a course listing that sends shivers down the backs of Air Force Academy cadets. We are required to pass the course whether we want to take it or not. Whether we are Foreign Area Studies or Electrical Engineering majors; Physics 110 and 215 are in the core curriculum and cadets must take these credits in order to graduate. Physics 215