Features

June 4, 2014
USAFA command chief to retire after 30-year career: Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Ludwig on retirement, his 'family of Airmen'

Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Ludwig, the Academy's command chief and top-enlisted Airmen, is stepping-down to retire later this year after more than 30 years of military service. His official retirement ceremony is today in Arnold Hall at 10:30 a.m., but in many ways, he said he'll never leave the Air
June 4, 2014
The Essence of USAFA: The Air Force professional culture

Editor's note: This is part seven of an eight-part series detailing the essence of the Academy.The Air Force's Academy offers potential cadets a commissioning source unlike any other in the Air Force to fulfill its mission of educating, training and inspiring men and women to become officers of
June 4, 2014
The Essence of USAFA: Internalizing the Air Force Ethos

Editor's note: This is part six of an eight-part series detailing the essence of the Academy.Military training here isn't simply designed to run cadets ragged. Instead, it prepares them for real combat and helps them develop a mindset, driving them through the most trying times. The sixth component
June 3, 2014
Family, service and sacrifice: Siblings graduate from 3 different service academies

For the Jones siblings from Woodlands, Texas, although very different from one another, each chose the same path of service as they entered adulthood -- becoming Army, Navy and Air Force officers.Army Capt. Brooke Jones, 27, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2009, Ensign Madison Jones, 23,
May 23, 2014
The Essence of USAFA: Developing an indomitable spirit

Editor's note: This is part five of an eight-part series detailing the essence of the Academy.The Academy's top-officer says competition is pivotal to the growth of all cadets and an integral element of what the institution defines as its essence, the indefinable character and commitment of every
May 22, 2014
The Essence of USAFA: Courses blend technical, legal expertise

Editor's note: This is part four of an eight-part series detailing the essence of the Academy.Space systems operators don't work in a vacuum -- at least, not a legal one.The Air Force Academy offers classes on U.S. space policy and cyberspace law for cadets majoring in either of those technical
May 16, 2014
Academy professor named Engineering Educator of the Year

The deputy director of operations for the Astronautics Department here was named the 2014 Engineering Educator of the Year by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and will be honored May 22 during a banquet in Lone Tree. Lt. Col. David Richie, also an assistant professor of
May 13, 2014
Take me out to the ballgame: Couple honored for 25 years of service to Academy baseball, cadets

A Colorado Springs couple was honored during the Falcons baseball game May 10 for their sponsorship of countless players and unconditional support to the team since the early '80s.Retired Col. Don Mueller threw the first pitch and he and his wife, Pat, were presented a framed Air Force jersey and
May 8, 2014
Best in the business: Spirit writer named DOD's 'Communicator of the Year'

A Public Affairs reporter proved the pen is indeed mightier than the sword when he won the Defense Department's 2013 Civilian Communicator of the Year Award April 25."I was out of the office the day the awards were announced, so the first I heard of it was when Lt. Col. Brus Vidal (Academy Public
May 2, 2014
The essence of USAFA: Immersing cadets in the 'total experience'

Editor's note: This is part three of an eight-part series detailing the essence of the Academy.Cadet life at the Air Force's Academy isn't just about academics and sports; it's about immersing cadets in a total experience: education, leadership, physical and mental strength. The third of eight