Summer camp promotes Academy interest

  • Published
  • By Ken Carter
  • Academy Spirit editor
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  It's a long way from Montgomery, Texas to the Air Force Academy. However, attending the annual summer sports camp last week may be a beautiful beginning for one teenager from Montgomery who one day desires to join the Long Blue Line. 

At 16, Amy Rogers already has more than 30 hours flying time in a Cessna 150, has completed solo flight, and has a dream of possibly becoming a future Air Force officer and Raptor driver. The same versatility she demonstrates on the softball diamond playing catcher, right field and first base, combined with her proven academic savvy and community involvement, has set the stage for her to be a serious candidate for the Air Force Academy Class of 2015. 

"The five-day sports camp for softball and the experience was incredible," Miss Rogers said of her USAFA visit. "We got to eat where cadets eat, sleep where they sleep, and use all their athletic facilities. The best part about the whole camp was just getting to see the campus and hanging out with new friends, all while playing softball."

Miss Rogers is on top of more than one game. She has already contacted her Congressman representative, her Academy liaison officer, attended the Academy Summer Sports Camp, begun flying lessons, become a member of Civil Air Patrol and registered with the Academy. 

She's keenly aware of what it takes in terms of academic achievement, physical fitness requirements and community involvement to be competitive for an Academy appointment. "I play year-round softball, am in an athletic training program with a sports trainer, and participate in community service projects, along with always studying hard to keep my grades up, and taking AP classes to raise my GPA," she said. 

In December 2008, she attended the Armed Forces Bowl game in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Air Force Academy Day held for prospective cadets. 

"We got to hear Lt. Gen. [John] Regni and Col. Chevy Cleaves talk about the Academy program, and we met a few cadets. I have watched the Military Channel program 'Inside America's Military Academies' over and over," said the Montgomery High School student who is ranked 19th in her class of 443.

Miss Rogers' grandfather, who served in the Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1949, has told her, "If you graduate from the Academy, your life is pretty much set." He also reminds her of the ever-present risks associated with the profession of arms. But in the end, he says, "Everything is worth it," and he continues to encourage Amy to follow her dreams. 

Those dreams include flying the F-22 Raptor faster than the speed of sound all over the world. 

"I want to fly the F-22 because it is one of the top military aircraft in the world and I think it would be a blast to drive," she said. "My desire to fly must be in my blood, because I have many relatives who are pilots. One uncle attended a training program in the 50s called Aviation Cadets, and said it was the best time of his life. He became a pilot, and worked for Lockheed, working on and flying several confidential projects/missions. He flew his private Cessna 340 for several years. I also have two great uncles who flew, but not in the military. My grandfather was in the Air Force from 1943-1949 and my father also had his private pilot's license, and had his own plane for many years." 

All family pilots had told her of their love for aviation. The first time she went up in the Cessna, she completely understood why. "Now I can't wait to get my license," she said. 

Despite her youth, Miss Rogers sees an Air Force career from a broader perspective than one might think. 

"The most attractive things I find in an Air Force career are the travel opportunities, being around the best aircraft in the world, serving my country, and just the overall experience that comes with it," she said. "Of course the least attractive thought is dying in the line of duty. But the way I think of it is this -- everyone has to die one day, why not do it fighting for the United States." 

Her mother, Beverly Rogers, got a small taste of Academy life as well as the flavor of surrounding communities while escorting her daughter for the week. Among the fast-paced week's agenda surrounding the sports camp, she witnessed the superintendent's change of command and visited Manitou Springs and the Royal Gorge just outside Cañon City. 

"This has been one of the most exciting and memorable weeks of my life, and for Amy, the most life-changing week of her life," Mrs. Rogers said. "The Academy is the most majestic surrounding I have ever seen. Just knowing the honor, loyalty, and sacrifice the cadets and the Academy represent, I feel so honored just to be here." 

Amy told her mom on the way home that she definitely is going to keep pushing toward her dream of an appointment to the Academy, that she wants it now more than ever. "Her friends and family will be so proud of her when that day comes, I believe all her hard work, focus, and dedication will pay off if she keeps on the same track," Mrs. Rogers concluded.