Parents' Weekend gives families glimpse into cadet world

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS --  Parents of cadets flooded the Academy Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 to reunite with their sons and daughters during Parents' Weekend, an annual event held Labor Day weekend allowing parents and family members to experience a small part of day-to-day cadet life.

Commandant of Cadet Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams said the event is designed to show how important cadets' families are to the Academy.

"This is a terrific event highlighting not only the importance of the Academy as an institution that develops leaders of character, but an event that also pays tribute to the never-ending support of our cadets' families," he said. "Parents' Weekend is our way of saying 'thank you' -- it's a tribute to cadets' parents and families and all they have done and continue to do for this great nation. It's wonderful to welcome our extended Air Force family members here. I hope they know how deeply we appreciate their support not simply as an institution but as Airmen."

The weekend's events included tours of the Jacks Valley cadet training area as well as a Cadet Wing Parade. Also in the lineup was the first football game of the season, with Air Force defeating Nicholls State, 44-16.

While in past years parents attended classes with cadets, cadets were released from classes to spend time with their families between activities.

Mary and Bernie Lyons, residents of Buffalo Grove, Il., drove 18 hours to visit their son, Cadet 4th Class Austin Lyons. The Lyons hadn't seen their son since Acceptance Day, Aug. 5.

"He plays football," Mary Lyons said of her son. "So we're looking forward to seeing the football game. And just seeing the campus - we didn't get much of a chance last time to walk around and see. It's such a beautiful place."

The Lyons recalled the time spent together working their son's application. While the process was long, both parents agreed it was worth it, especially now as they get to watch their son progress at the Academy.

"He worked very hard to get in," Bernie Lyons said. "And it seemed like every couple of weeks there was a new step in the application, so we were always checking the computer, saying 'Okay, we're on to the next step.' We're really proud of him."

While Parents' Weekend is an exciting time both for C4C cadets and their parents, upper degree cadets also look forward to it.

Cadet 2nd Class Patrick O'Shea said despite being in his third year at the Academy, Parents' Weekend is still highly anticipated.

"I always have at least someone come out - my dad's the only one who came out this year," he said. "But it's just a great time to get out and meet everyone's families. And every year it's different - every year you're looking forward to something new. It's just a great time to show your family around and show them what you do."

For O'Shea, Parents' Weekend has become a family tradition spanning not only his time at the Academy, but his brother's.

"My older brother came here also, so it's always something I'd look forward to every year when we came out for Parents' Weekend," he said. "I've seen it from both sides now, which is really cool."

Williams said the weekend festivities reminded him of his own cadet experience.

"I was extremely proud to show the Academy to my parents 25 years ago and I am just as proud to show the Academy today," he said.