Cadet Wing welcomes Class of '80 to Falcon Heritage Forum

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Fall 2010 Falcon Heritage Forum, themed "Class of 1980: Architects of Transformation," is scheduled to be held at the Air Force Academy Oct. 4-6.

The Class of 1980, as the first Academy class with female graduates, is a prominent icon of diversity, equality and personal transformation.

The challenges its members faced closely parallel the situations and challenges today's future leaders find themselves facing. The timeliness of this event and the opportunities it offers are priceless. Our visiting veterans will be an invaluable resource as today's cadets prepare to enter a world of increasing uncertainty and even faster changes.

The Cadet Wing is fortunate to welcome speakers such as:

- Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, who was instrumental in helping the Iraqi air force improve its counterinsurgency efforts
- Retired Col. William Andrews, a command pilot with more than 4,400 hours and Desert Storm prisoner of war
- Retired Col. David Neuenswander, who led the A-10 Thunderbolt II deployment during Operation Anaconda
- Retired Col. Gail Colvin, former vice commandant of cadets for culture and climate
- Linda Cubero, political-military analyst for Latin America at the Pentagon and one of the 100 most influential Hispanic-Americans in the United States

These distinguished speakers will bring valuable insight built from their wealth of experience. Each was chosen specifically for the unique standpoint that each can provide, allowing the Forum to capitalize on both breadth and depth of dialogue.

Events will include Cadet Wing-wide discussion panels, smaller discussion groups with individual cadet squadrons, career crosstalk opportunities, a unique look at the Academy's past, present and future, professional development socials and more. These events give cadets a chance to really make a connection with speakers so that they can better understand and prepare for the challenges that await cadets after graduation.