Academy adds 6 to Class of 2010

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Don Branum
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Six cadets joined the ranks of the Air Force Academy's Class of 2010 during a graduation ceremony in the Arnold Hall Ballroom Wednesday.

Graduating are Mikhail Fedorchik, Matthew Haxton, Andrew Herzog, Sean Lipkin, Benjamin Scroggins and a cadet from Afghanistan who cannot be identified to protect the safety of the graduate's family.

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould delivered a brief commencement address, reflecting on Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's words on duty during the graduation ceremony held in May at Falcon Stadium.

"Keep your perspective and think about balance," General Gould said. "Keep your fundamental beliefs in mind and hold to them."

The general also said the new graduates should take care of their families and themselves.

"Learn your job, lead with character, and continue to learn and listen," General Gould said. However, he also cautioned the graduates not to take themselves too seriously.
"Go out there and do great things for your country," he added. "We're so proud of you and happy to be a part of your graduation."

Three of the graduates also received their commissions as Air Force officers during the ceremony: 2nd Lts. Fedorchik, Herzog and Lipkin. Lieutenant Fedorchik and Lipkin will enter pilot training after graduation, while Lieutenant Herzog will attend technical training for financial management.

"This chapter of my life has been quite a ride," Lieutenant Lipkin wrote. "The Academy has prepared me for any difficulties that lie ahead. I could not have gotten through this place if it was not for my family, friends, classmates, instructors and mentors."

BY THE NUMBERS: Class of 2010

1,012 - Final number of graduates in the Class of 2010
982 - Number of graduates who received Air Force commissions
17 - International Class of 2010 graduates
7 - Number of graduates who cross-commissioned into other armed forces