Tag: air force academy graduation
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EDITORIAL: Vance to AFA grads: Value AI, hallow humanness
Credit Vice President JD Vance for threading a messaging needle on Thursday at the Air Force Academy graduation that too many 2026 commencement speakers have mangled. Whether or not you agree with the vice president’s politics, the war in Iran or anything else about the Trump administration, one can appreciate how Vance last week “understood…
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Fast facts: Air Force Academy’s 2026 graduating class
The Air Force Academy graduated its 68th class of cadets Thursday at Falcon Stadium, with Vice President JD Vance delivering the commencement address. Here are some key numbers about the class of 2026: 931 – total grads this year compared to 909 in 2025 1,071 – admitted students in 2022 for the class of 2026…
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Veterans protest Iran war, military use while VP Vance speaks at Air Force Academy graduation
As 931 Air Force Academy cadets walked the stage in Falcon Stadium to receive their diplomas and listened to Vice President JD Vance’s commencement speech, a group of veterans offered their own words of wisdom to graduates. A protest organized by About Face Veterans, El Paso County Progressive Vets and 50501 brought together around three…
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2026 Air Force Academy graduation: Thunderbirds air show canceled after successful flyover
The Air Force Thunderbirds flyover of Falcon Stadium took place without incident on Thursday, but the team canceled the air show that was scheduled to follow the commencement. The aerial demonstration team performed a second flyover following the hat toss, but due to low clouds, the full show was canceled. Last year, overcast skies and…
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Thunderbirds arrive in Colorado Springs ahead of Air Force Academy graduation
Seasoned Colorado Springs residents have learned to spot signs that the Air Force Academy commencement is only days away. Traffic on Interstate 25 gets heavier, particularly on the north end of town. Banners and yard signs appear in neighborhoods and businesses, congratulating the latest class of new Air Force second lieutenants. And the telltale roar…
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Sisters graduate from Air Force Academy, West Point 5 days apart
Newly minted officers and sisters Abby and Darby Horne will support each other 364 days a year — taking a day off when Army plays Air Force in football for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Abby Horne was among the graduating cadets who exploded in celebration Thursday, tossing her hat in the air as the Thunderbirds few overhead.…
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Thunderbirds prepare for unsettled weather during Air Force Academy graduation
Flight with Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin grounded due to maintenance issue Wednesday
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Thunderbirds set to fly over Air Force Academy graduation
The Air Force Thunderbirds will grace the skies over northern El Paso County before zooming over the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium at commencement May 30. The flyover is the dramatic culmination of the graduation ceremony, with the Thunderbirds zooming over the stadium as graduates’ hats are tossed in the air. For Air Force Maj.…
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Air Force Academy graduation tickets available
Residents can pick up free Air Force Academy graduation tickets starting on Wednesday in Monument and Colorado Springs. Tickets for the May 30 commencement are available at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 166 2nd St. in Monument. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Colorado Springs Visitor…
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PHOTOS: 2021 Air Force Academy graduation
More than 1,000 Air Force Academy cadets became officers Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Falcon Stadium. The graduation ceremony included a speech from Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs.