Commentaries

  • AOG welcomes Class of 2013

    On behalf of the Association of Graduates, I'm honored to extend congratulations to the Class of 2013 upon completion of Basic Cadet Training -- the first hurdle in your cadet careers. Approximately 42,000 graduates before you have endured the rigors of this beginning tradition. It is one of the

  • Prep school welcomes all for Parents' Weekend

    On behalf of the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School staff and faculty, I would like to welcome you to Colorado Springs and your United States Air Force Academy, the premier center of excellence in developing Leaders of Character in service to our nation. Your son or daughter is

  • Superintendent welcomes parents, guests

    Welcome to the Air Force Academy and congratulations on your cadet's outstanding achievements since he or she arrived as a member of the Class of 2013. History has proven ongoing support from family and friends plays a huge role in fostering an overall successful cadet experience at the Academy.

  • Slow down for final denial barriers

    You find yourself driving home from work on a Friday afternoon. You can't wait to hit the local restaurants with family and friends, but what is this ... you have to slow down from 45 mph to 25 mph, and then all the way to 20 mph? What are these gate barriers all about anyway? The final denial

  • Character Corner: Questions

    The other day I was driving into work listening to talk radio, and I realized that there is a lot of turmoil and debate circulating in our country.The discussion covers topics ranging from politics to professional athletes,and who is dancing with what star. It seems that every person has a side or

  • 10th Air Base Wing commander to Airmen: remember your PBJ

    A peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Simple -- but sustaining. A recognizable necessity -- everyone knows what it is and can relate to it. Basic -- all the ingredients are in the cupboard. When asked what my vision and focus are as I took command of the 10th Air Base Wing -- the answer is "PBJ." At

  • Focus on key topics ensures mission success

    My return to the Air Force Academy, and having assumed the role of superintendent here since June 9, has been a whirlwind. While at the same time, I might refer to it as the perfect storm. The entire Academy community has welcomed Paula and me with open arms, hearts and minds and we are most

  • Character Corner: 'Big H' Honor

    The military relies on the unquestionable honor and character of its members to function. It is this necessity that has resulted in such concepts as the Air Force Core Values and the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Code. However, while these concepts are an excellent starting point, they do not

  • Surviving your 1st year: If I knew then what I know now

    The transition from basic training to the rigor of academics is one of conformity to responsibility. As basic cadets, the teamwork mindset is drilled relentlessly; you rely on your classmates to walk anywhere, greet upperclassmen, and even use the restroom. Taking orders from cadre is second nature,

  • Character Corner: Be courageous

    According to Webster, Courage is a mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. At the Air Force Academy, Courage is one of our Tier II Outcomes and we focus on three aspects of courage: moral courage, physical courage, and mental courage. We have all