Building connections: USAFA Band, Admissions team for outreach

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vann Miller
  • Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The U.S. Air Force Academy Band and Admissions staff teamed up for an outreach jaunt through Wyoming and South Dakota to play for the public and educate children on the benefits of Academy and Air Force life.

"In many communities, there are students who have never interacted with the military or don't know the difference between being recruited to enlist or being recruited to attend (the Academy) and become an officer," said Lt. Col. Cindy Provost, an Admissions regional director. "These students approach the age when they could be preparing for the Academy admissions process but don't know enough about the Air Force to consider applying."

A prior outreach to the Lakota Nation Invitational in South Dakota late last year garnered a crowd of thousands, Provost said.

"Between our presence there last December - when we reached almost 15,000 participants and audience members - and our visit to South Dakota, I'm confident more Oglala Lakota understand the opportunities the Academy offers," she said

Provost discovered the lack of Native American Tribes of South Dakota cadets while prepping for the tour.

"It was surprise to find that none of our current cadets are of Sioux decent," she said. "This fact highlights the importance of these outreach trips. We're trying to do a better job of informing Native American communities about the military service academies - specifically the Air Force's Academy - and that's why we decided to conduct an outreach event at the Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer City, S.D., and celebrate the culture, traditions and living heritage of the North American Indian Tribes."

Band concert producer and tour manager Tech. Sgt. Sarah Stewart cited the band's Laramie, Wyo., performance - he first stop of the tour - as an example of how the Air Force and civic leaders create memorable events, show respect for veterans and educate concert-goers about the Air Force.

"Our concerts connect with those who have served in the military and remind them their service is not forgotten,' she said. "We're also educating and inspiring future leaders to the magnificent opportunities we offer in the Air Force and at the Academy."