Members of the United States Space Force assigned to the United States Air Force Academy visited the Cripple Creek-Victor Junior/Senior High School on Thursday, Oct. 5.

The guardians discussed education opportunities with students and assisted with the launching of model rockets built by Teller County STEM students.

“We are thrilled that members of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be returning to engage with our STEM students to launch rockets,” said Annie Durham, Cripple Creek-Victor School District career and technical education director. “Being in a small, rural, and somewhat isolated district, it can be challenging for our students to have opportunities like this on a regular basis. I hope this is a tradition that will continue for years to come”.

According to the U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications press release, the Academy’s Space Force Detachment, Delta 13, Det. 1, Space Training and Readiness Command, “motivates, informs, influences and inspires cadets about space ensuring they graduate with an understanding of Space Force operations and the nation’s reliance on space systems.”

More than 400 Space Force officers have graduated from the Academy since 2020.

“We’re excited to inspire the next generation of guardians and airmen when we visit Cripple Creek-Victor School District this week,” said Col. Marc Sands, Space Force Liaison Officer to the U.S. Air Force Academy prior to the visit. “We’re honored guests, sharing educational opportunities and the importance of Space Force operations with Teller County students.”