“Today you step into a different world,” President Barack Obama told this year’s Air Force Academy graduates, paying tribute to their dedication and hard work before shaking the hand of every new 2nd lieutenant.

“You are part of the finest, most capable military the world has ever known. No other nation even comes close,” Obama said. “It’s that fundamental faith — that American optimism — which says no challenge is too great, no mission is too hard. It’s the spirit that guides your class — ‘never falter, never fail.’”

During their time as cadets, the president said, the military situation for the U.S. has changed radically, for the better. He pointed out that when they signed on to the academy in 2008, the Iraq War was still raging, and Osama bin Laden was still at large. The war is over, and bin Laden was captured and is dead, he said.

The commander-in-chief told the cadets that are natural leaders, but warned that they faced an even greater challenge as they move forward.

“Make no mistake, how we’re viewed in the world has consequences — for our national security, for your lives,” the president said.

The president then spent more than two hours handing out diplomas, while families and friends screamed in applause.

Cadets were delighted that the president was there to congratulate them. The president typically attends the academy graduation every four years.

“It’s good to know the president has our back,” said graduate Nate Christian. “It’s really cool he’d come out and talk to us about what’s going to happen over the next five, 10, 15 years, or however long we serve for.”

Graduate Bryan Stigall said the president’s message was just as important as his presence at the ceremony.

“Power does not come from the biggest gun, but the best leader,” was what Stigall took away from Obama’s speech.

Graduate Jennifer Millis made it simpler.

“He said to us that we’re going to do great things. And I am!” she yelled happily.

Congressman Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, criticized the president prior to the graduation, and said Obama needed to focus more on issues in Washington.

“Mr. President, we need more jobs, not more speeches,” Lamborn said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, a day before Obama’s address to the cadets. “Your failed economic policies have created an economy where half of our graduating college seniors will either be unemployed or underemployed.”

Obama next heads to Denver, where he will headline a reception for 700 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.

Then, he’s expected to fly to California, where he will appear at a dinner at a private residence that will also include a performance by David Crosby and Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. About 60 people are expected at the dinner for $35,800 apiece.  

Obama is expected to finish the day at a fundraiser in Redwood City, Calif.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Barack Obama shakes hands with a graduate during Air Force Academy graduation Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) Photo by

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTEPresident Obama addresses cadets during graduation ceremonies for the Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremonies were held Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazettey

MARK REIS

Newly minted Second Lieutenants toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of Air Force Academy graduation Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by