Air Force Academy cadets toss their hats in the air as the Thunderbirds fly overhead. About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)
Nearly 1,000 cadets graduated from the Air Force Academy Wednesday in a ceremony that features a speech from Mattis and a performance of the Air Force Thunderbirds flying team.
Air Force Academy cadets toss their hats in the air as the Thunderbirds fly overhead. About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Max Olson fixes his cap while waiting to enter the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)World War II veteran Gene Rogers and his wife Elsie Stuart are “very proud and very happy” to be AFA to watch their grandson James Rast graduate. (Tony Peck, The Gazette)Cadets begin to march into the stadium as the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony begins in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Media members prepare as the stands fill at Falcon Stadium for the 2018 Air Force Academy graduation. Photo by Tony Peck, The Gazette.Cadets wait in the tunnel outside of the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Anya Wallace scrunches her face as a fellow cadet adjusts her cap before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets cheer as they first enter the tunnel before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)The cadets are getting ready for the USAFA 2018 graduation ceremony at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Jerilee Bennett)Cadets march onto the field during USAFA 2018 graduation ceremony at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Jerilee Bennett)Cadets toss their caps after being formally dismissed at the end of the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony while the USAF Thunderbirds fly over in their honor in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets toss their caps after being formally dismissed at the end of the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony while the USAF Thunderbirds fly over in their honor in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)A graduated 2nd Lt. holds his degree while proudly wearing his class ring over his gloves while watching his fellow classmates cross the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Sijia Chen holds her diploma over her head to show her family in the audience during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Friends and family of now 2nd Lt. Noelle Heiser hold signs and cheer as her name is called during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Sijia Chen and Alyssa Garman hug after crossing the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets high-five each other as they pass their classmates to walk across the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Ryan Harden looks down the row at his classmates to see if he should stand up and follow the other cadets across the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)A newly graduated second lieutenant waves towards the crowd cheering her name during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Newly graduated second lieutenants laugh after attempting to pose for a photo during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Newly graduated second lieutenants put each other’s new bars on their dress uniforms during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)General David L. Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, addresses the 2018 Air Force Academy class at the beginning of the commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)After being officially dismissed, the 2018 2018 Air Force Academy class hug each other after the commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Justin Westbrook, left, talks with classmates Bret Wagner and Andrew Larson before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets fidget with their dress uniforms while waiting in the tunnel for the start of the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The Thunderbirds put on a about a half hour show after the graduation. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Kids run onto the field to collect cadets hats, a long tradition. The hats had $20.18 in each hats and sometimes inspirational quotes. About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Kids run onto the field to collect cadets hats, a long tradition. The hats had $20.18 in each hats and sometimes inspirational quotes. About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Kids run onto the field to collect cadets hats, a long tradition. The hats had $20.18 in each hats and sometimes inspirational quotes. About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Cadets graduate to second lieutenant during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Roman Petersen-Ruud looks back at the audience during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)A newly graduated second lieutenant points to a classmate after they cheered his name during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)The newly graduated second liutenants hold their right hand up to take their oath at the end of the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)After waiting in the tunnel for the ceremony to begin, the 2018 Air Force Academy graduates march into the stadium during the commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Second Lieutenant cheer on Squadron 40 as the last cadet graduates at the end of the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)A newly graduated second lieutenant hugs another graduate during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Air Force Academy graduates pile into the tunnel leading to the stadium during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)The last 2018 Air Force Academy graduates file into the tunnel waiting to enter the stadium before the commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Graduating cadets cheer as they walk through the tunnel into the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Graduating cadets link arms around each other while posing for a group photo before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Many cadets celebrated after they got their diplomas. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)The Thunderbirds perform after the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)The Thunderbirds perform after the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)The Thunderbirds perform after the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)The Thunderbirds perform about a half hour show after the graduation as seen from the Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs after Class of 2018 with about 980 cadets were formally dismissed from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)The Thunderbirds perform about a half hour show after the graduation as seen from the Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs after Class of 2018 with about 980 cadets were formally dismissed from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Sijia Chen hugs her fellow graduate after walking across the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)A cadet and her loved one talk before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets walk through the tunnel towards the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)A diploma and bars sit under the chair while the graduates watch their classmates walk across the stage during the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)John Wendt looks towards the entrance of the tunnel into the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Laura Fowler, left, Jessica Um and Ariana Cisneros take a selfie while their fellow cadets mingle before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Anya Wallace smiles at a fellow cadet while waiting in the tunnel before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Cadets wait to enter the stadium before the 2018 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette) (KELSEY BRUNNER)Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the 2018 Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Mattis was presented a painting by local artist Rick Broome. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the 2018 Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Mattis was presented a painting by local artist Rick Broome. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)About 980 cadets graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Professors and other academia enter the stadium before graduation. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Secretary of Defense James Mattis got a standing ovation from the crowd and other dignitaries on the stage before speaking at the Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Joseph Stookey and Cristen Cortes celebrate at the end of the graduation. Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets enter the field for graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets enter the field for graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Air Force Academy cadets celebrate before and after receiving their diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Cadets enter the stadium before the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)
