Commentaries

  • A Knowledge Outcome: Ethics and the Foundations of Character

    Nothing is more important to success as a military officer than good character. Officers are the face of our nation. They develop and then execute polices on the employment of military forces. Air Force officers are responsible for safeguarding freedom, protecting the lives of their subordinates,

  • Character Corner: Interesting quotes on character

    "Character is a word that seems to define almost all human activity and then some ... Power is what you do and character is what you are ... All leaders must face some crisis where their own strength of character is the enemy." -- Richard Reeves "The Greeks believed that character was formed in part

  • Character Corner: The power of purpose

    Nietzsche said that "he who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." "Why" is one of the most powerful words in our language. Add a "?" to it and you add even more power to it. Have you ever thought about why you do what you do? Why do you speak as you do? Why do you behave as you do? Why do

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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