Air Force Academy Preparatory School Cadet Candidates Graduate, Overcome COVID-19
In all, 195 cadet candidates overcame not only the academic, military and leadership challenges set forth by the USAFA Preparatory School, but also the coronavirus pandemic to take the next step on their professional military journey.

Class of 2024 Exemplar
Since 2000, each USAFA class has chosen someone who "exemplifies" the type of person its members wish to emulate. The Class of 2024 recently selected Maj. LeRoy W. Homer Jr. '87 as its class exemplar.

Prep School Exemplar
The Prep School Class of 2021 held its annual Exemplar Dinner earlier this week honoring its selected exemplar, Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger '80. The Prep School Exemplar Program is a way for each class to honor and identify with a past military person, alive or deceased, who inspires its members.

Class of 2021 Makes a Splash
Although the Air Garden is not quite complete, contractors filled a few pools to allow Firsties to celebrate their last day of academic courses. The chilly weather didn't stop USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86 from joining in the fun. There were no fountains when Gen. Clark graduated from the Academy in 1986, so he was unable to participate in this tradition then. Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and Gen. Clark for finally getting your fountain jump!

Service Academies Global Summit (SAGS)
This year's SAGS will be held on June 15th virtually. It is a great opportunity to hear from a strong line of graduate leaders such as Dana Born '83, Jay Silveria '85, and Chris Howard '91. See a full list of speakers and register today!

7258' — Your Association at Work
Read the latest issue of the AOG's newsletter.

Gift Offers Extra Connectivity
Kevin and Kathleen Lavery, P'20, saw the impact the Air Force Academy rugby team had on their son, 2nd Lt. Nate Lavery, while he was a cadet. To give back and to support future rugby players, the couple provided the funding for a new scoreboard on the pitch, which was first used last fall.

All Academy Challenge
The 2021 All Academy Challenge will take place May 16-20. The friendly competition among graduates of the five U.S. service academies aims to determine who can get the highest percentage of their graduates to make a gift during the challenge. Graduates who participate in the 2021 All Academy Challenge help the Air Force Academy focus on needs both strategic and immediate.

Class Giving Projects
Graduates who support their reunion giving projects play a vital role in the advancement of Air Force Academy programs. Class giving projects provide an outlet for Academy alumni to stay connected to each other while supporting current cadets. Active class giving projects are listed on the class giving web page.

Crowdfunding Campaign Supports Cadet Squadron 5 Memorial
The late 2nd Lt. Travis Wilkie '18's memory will now live on in Cadet Squadron 5. Through a crowdfunding effort supported by the Air Force Academy Foundation, a memorial cabinet now on display contains a story board of his life and accomplishments and memorabilia donated by squadron mates, friends and family.

Air Force Awards A-10 Pilot
Although Capt. Taylor Bye '15 faced adversities during her in-flight emergency, she managed to skillfully and safely land her A-10 with minimal damage, earning her the Air Combat Command Airmanship Award.

Special Tactics Training Complex Dedicated to Fallen STO
In a split-second while on a mission in 2015, U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Roland '10 made the last leadership decision he would ever make. Without hesitation, he chose to protect his team and give them the best shot at overcoming an insider attack in Afghanistan, sacrificing his life in the process. To honor the fallen Special Tactics Officer's actions and courageous leadership, the 24th Special Operations Wing hosted a dedication ceremony in Roland's honor.

AFIT Instructor Earns AETC Outstanding Civilian Airman of Year Award
Teri French '93, an instructor of engineering management within the Air Force Institute of Technology's Civil Engineer School, received the 2021 Air Education and Training Command's Outstanding Airman of the Year Award Civilian Category III.

Female Air Force Pilots Changing the Narrative
Maj. Vanessa Beaudreault '10, Maj. Caitlin Miller '11, Capt. Ilma Vallee '13, and Capt. Corinne Easter '15 share their stories about pursuing a career in flight. Today, they're all helping train the next generation of servicemembers at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Grad Stars in New Hindenburg Documentary on PBS
The cause of the infamous Hindenburg crash has baffled experts for more than 80 years. On Wednesday, May 19, PBS will air a documentary exploring new evidence with Lt. Col. Jason O. Harris '01. Watch the trailer!

Inspector General Gives High Marks to Academy's COVID-19 Vaccination Process
A report issued this month by the 10th Air Base Wing Inspector General's Office said more than 10,000 people received coronavirus vaccinations this year at the Air Force Academy.

USAFA Leaders Visit AFIT
Key academic leaders from the U.S. Air Force Academy met with Air Force Institute of Technology leaders, faculty and students during a visit to the AFIT campus. The purpose of the visit was to reinforce relationships and discuss priorities, initiatives and opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.

10th ABW Agencies Outfitted for Sensory Related Needs
The workforce at the Airman Family Readiness Center, bowling center and community center library used training materials designed by a nonprofit that certifies organizations to assist people suffering sensory overload, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and other unseen injuries.

Academy's Equestrian Center at Full Gallop During Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic may have left many feeling isolated, but one organization at the Air Force Academy is designed to give base residents a chance to get outside and stay in touch with nature: the equestrian center.

Hendrickson Wins 125 kg Title at 2021 UWW Junior Nationals
Air Force Academy freshman heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson won the 125 kg title at the 2021 UWW Junior Nationals. Hendrickson has qualified to be a member of Team USA at the 2021 UWW Junior World Championships in Ufa, Russia, Aug. 16-22.

Ferguson, Laufenberg, Silvanic Sign as NFL Free Agents
Parker Ferguson has signed with New York Jets, Nolan Laufenberg with the Denver Broncos and George Silvanic with the Los Angeles Rams. All three have agreed to terms, pending contract and Secretary of Defense approval.