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2August 29, 2008Superintendent welcomes parents,guestsBy Lt. Gen. John RegniAcademy SuperintendentWelcome to theAir Force Academyand congratulationson your cadet’soutstanding achievements since he or shearrived as a memberof the Class of 2012.History hasLt. Gen. John Regniproven ongoingsupport from family and friends plays ahuge role in fostering an overallsuccessful cadet experience at theAcademy. This weekend is for you. It willreveal the life of your cadet even deeperas you see first-hand many aspects of theAcademy you’ve only heard or readabout. Take a close look at our world-class military, academic, athletic, airmanship and character-developmentprograms designed to push your son ordaughter beyond his or her preconceivedlimits.Much has changed in your cadet’s lifesince he or she arrived at Doolittle Hall toin-process in June. Every cadet’s abilityhas been challenged, from the marble ofthe Terrazzo through the mud at JacksValley, and each has developed a deeperunderstanding of the team concept, whilegaining further insight into the Air Forcemission and family.Developing leaders of characterremains our No. 1 priority. We achievethat through continual emphasis of ourAir Force’s Core Values: Integrity First,Service Before Self, and Excellence In AllWe Do. This four-year challenge willmake them the best second lieutenantsAmerica can produce as they enter theactive-duty force in 2012.In the meantime, the members of2012 possess the skills, strengths andexperiences to meld into a team that’ssecond to none – perpetuating the historyof the Long Blue Line.More than ever, Americans at largeare critically analyzing the competenceand caliber of our nation’s senior militaryleadership. The stage is being set for yoursons and daughters to be in the futurespotlight. The road ahead is clearly atough one; however, I’m confident theClass of 2012 will excel.Thanks for supporting your cadet,the Air Force Academy and our greatnation.Enjoy this very special weekend; itmarks one of many milestones in the livesof Air Force Academy families.Prep school leader applauds candidates’ first stepsBy Col. Todd ZacharyCommander, Academy Preparatory SchoolDear parents andfriends, on behalf ofthe U.S. Air ForceAcademyPreparatory Schoolstaff and faculty, Iwould like towelcome you to the2008 Parent’sCol. Todd ZacharyWeekend and to theAcademy, the premier center of excel-lence in developing officers of character.Your son or daughter is demonstrating outstanding commitment anddetermination by attending the AcademyPreparatory School. We appreciate thattheir values, characteristics, and motivation are a reflection of what you havetaught them. Today’s global environmentis a demanding one, filled with challenges and opportunities for our nation.Our young men and women must beprepared to face this global environmentwith the skills and confidence needed tosucceed. Our mission at the PreparatorySchool is to develop and hone these skillsthrough a challenging academic, athletic,military and character developmentprogram. I’m confident that your son ordaughter will leave the PreparatorySchool ready for the Air Force Academyand poised to continue their development as officers of character, ready toface any challenge in service to ournation.Please accept my sincerest thanks foryour continued support.Welcome and enjoy your UnitedStates Air Force Academy!AOG welcomes newest class to Long Blue LineBy William “T”Thompson Esq., Class of 1973Association of Graduates President and CEOAs the newest addition to thestaff of the Association of Graduates, I’m humbled and honoredon behalf of our 29,000 membersto extend congratulations to theClass of 2012 upon completion ofBCT — the first hurdle in yourcadet careers. Over 40,800 graduWilliam “T”Thompsonates have endured the rigors ofBCT. It is one of the many cadet experiences that willbond you as a class and forever be a source of fondmemories and camaraderie. The nation is expectinggreat things from your class. Your future and that of thecountry changed with the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Ourhomeland now faces a real and constant threat ofattack. These are extraordinary times which demandextraordinary leadership to not only win the waragainst terrorism, but to guide our economy andinspire confidence in all sectors of society.The Academy’s and the Air Force’s Core Values –Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence InAll We Do – are the cornerstones of the profession youhave chosen. These are beacons that will guide you forthe rest of your life. Now, more than ever, our countryneeds leaders of character to lead the nation. The AOGis eagerly waiting to see you set new standards forintegrity and honor.The Association of Graduates stands ready tosupport you during your cadet career and for the restof your life. During the last few years, the AOG hasgiven millions to the Academy for Academy projectsand cadet programs the government was unable tofund. The money from donations funded characterdevelopment programs, club activities, guest speakers,foreign area studies and a host of other programs andprojects that make the Academy experience uniqueand special. Private donations allowed the AOG toassist in funding the Mitchell Hall Projection Systemthat you enjoy at each meal.Once again we were happy to develop the“Preflight Checklist” to pass along extra knowledgeand information that you and your families neededprior to your arrival. Parents have no doubt found theparent handbook with the Academy’s calendar that weproduce invaluable. It is packed with plenty of information about cadet life. The AOG also runs theWebGuy Web site at usafawebguy.com where manyTo responsibly inform and educate theAcademy community and the publicabout the Air Force AcademyLt. Gen. John Regni —Academy SuperintendentMaj. Brett Ashworth —Director of Public AffairsCapt. Corinna Jones —Chief Internal InformationKen Carter — Editorkenneth.carter@usafa.af.milButch Wehry — Senior Staff Writerwhalen.wehry@usafa.af.milAnn Patton — Staff Writerelizabeth.patton.ctr@usafa.af.milDenise Navoy — Graphic DesignerThe Academy Spirit is published by ColoradoSprings Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in noway connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with the U.S. Air Force Academy. Thiscivilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S. military services.Contents of the Academy Spirit are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government,the Department of Defense or the Department of theAir Force.The appearance of advertising in this publication,including inserts or supplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department of Defense, theDepartment of the Air Force, or Colorado SpringsMilitary Newspaper Group, of the products or servicesadvertised. Everything advertised in this publicationshall be made available for purchase, use or patronagewithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politicalaffiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser,user or patron. The printer reserves the right to rejectany advertisements.Editorial content is edited, prepared and providedby the U.S. Air Force Academy Directorate of PublicAffairs. The editor reserves the right to edit articlesto conform to Air Force policy and Associated Pressstyle. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos unless otherwise indicated.SubmissionsSend submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 CadetDrive, Suite 3100, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 808405016 or deliver to Suite 3100 in Harmon Hall.Deadline for free classified ads on a space-available basis is noon every Tuesday for that week’s publication date. Paid classified advertising is accepted bythe publisher at 329-5236. The number to call for display advertising is 634-5905.Deadline for all stories is noon Friday, one weekprior to the desired publication date. Refer questionsto the Academy Spirit editor at 333-8823.The Academy Spirit also accepts story submissions by fax at 333-4094 or by e-mail: pa.newspaper@ usafa.af.mil.parents of the class of 2012 spent hours searching forphotos or videos of their son or daughter.These are just a few examples of the services wehave already provided you and your families. Over athird of the Class of 2012 has signed up for our LifeMembership at Graduation program, and nearly 900parents from the class have joined the AOG, with mostof them taking advantage of our special four-yearmember option. If you have not joined ouroutstanding organization yet, we encourage you to doso to ensure you have the same extraordinary experience that cadets who have gone before have had.As you embark on your four-year journey, it is important to note that your time here is preparing you toserve in the most technologically proficient force in theworld. America’s citizens expect the Academy to provide qualified men and women to lead that force in thenew millennium. The Association of Graduates and itsmembers are confident that the Class of 2012 is readyto meet the challenges that lie ahead. You should beproud that your Academy once again has been rankedone of the top institutions in the country by U.S. Newsand World Report. We extend our best wishes to all ofyou – and we look forward to welcoming you as amember of the Long Blue Line in four years.What is your favorite class this semester? Why?“English. I’m good at writing and “Behavioral Science. It’s verylike to write about actual events.” interesting and we do hands-onwork which Ienjoy.“History. By learning about it wecan learn from the mistakes ofothers. It’s important to knowwhere we camefrom.”“Engineering. All the topics wediscuss are career fields I mightpursue.”Cadet 2nd ClassThomas BraxtonCadet Squadron 10Cadet 4th ClassSarah RadakovichCadet Squadron 12Cadet 4th ClassMichael WojdanCadet Squadron 12Cadet 4th ClassMister JacksonCadet Squadron 12

3August 29, 2008Parents’ Weekend ScheduleTodayVisitors entering the Academy should bring their baseaccess/parking pass and a photo ID.Please display your parkingpass in your vehicle while on base.Guests should refrain frombringing large bags,coolers,backpacks or other items that willrequire additional scrutiny/searches from security personnel.Note that hand-held cell phones may not be used while drivingon the Academy.Upper class cadets can obtain parking passes for guests.Lost parents may receive assistance at the Fairchild Hall busstop (base of CoreValues Ramp) from 5:30 a.m.through noon.Disabled/handicapped guests may park in the lot northof the parade field. Guests should bring their state handicapped placard. Shuttles with hydraulic lifts will transportguests to Cadet Area.6 to 8 a.m.BreakfastMitchell HallMANDATORY FOR ALL CADETS.First-Class cadets may bringguests. Non-cadet tickets ( 2.10 each) must be purchased bycadets. First-Class cadets not hosting guests and all othercadet classes may stay to eat or grab a snack and depart.Snacksare available until 9 a.m.8:25 – 9:102nd Period10:00 – 11:00 Cadet Parade11:30 – 12:30Noon Meal12:30 – 1:153rd Period2:20 – 3:053:15 – 4:004:10 – 4:555th Period6th Period7th Period7:30 to 9:10 a.m.Flight Simulator TourFairchild Hall, Rm. 2H28Fourth-Class cadets and guests only.12:30 to 9:30 p.m.Worship Services.Guests are invited to attend services at the Cadet Chapel today.For additional information, please call (719) 333-2636.12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Islamic Service/Friday Prayers7 to 8:15 p.m.Jewish Sabbath Service8:15 to 9:30 p.m.Jewish Shabbat Oneg Reception8:30 to 9:30 a.m.VECTOR! Program OrientationArnold Hall Banquet RoomA parent orientation to the cadet character seminar “VECTOR!,”which all Fourth-Class cadets will take in their first year at theAcademy.1 to 2 p.m.9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cadet ChapelThe cadet chapel is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.,except Sunday when it’s open following Sunday services (1:30-5 p.m.).1 to 3 p.m.Athletics Open HouseFalcon Athletic Center, Cadet Field House, Cadet GymCome visit Athletics facilities to learn all about the manyathletics programs available at the Academy.The Falcon AthleticCenter is open Monday through Friday only (closed holidays)but other Athletics facilities will be open throughout theweekend.Information FairArnold HallOffers invaluable information and giveaways from many Academyand community organizations. Purchase your BCT video andcadet photos here.Professional photo sittings with your cadetwill also be offered.7:30 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.11a.m. to 5 p.m.Association of Graduates (AOG)Doolittle HallOpen to visitors on weekdays only.Closed on Monday holiday.7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Attend ClassesFairchild HallGuests may attend classes with their cadets with prior permission from instructors.7:30 – 8:151st Period 1:25 – 2:104th PeriodLunchMitchell HallFourth-Class cadets and guests only may attend.MANDATORYFOR ALL FOURTH-CLASS CADETS.Non-cadet tickets ( 3.85each) must be purchased by cadets. Lunch for visitors is alsoavailable at the Field House,Visitor Center,Falcon Club,ArnoldHall and various squadron picnics (prices/times vary).Basic Cadet Training (BCT) VideoArnold Hall Theater, if availableWatch the basics as they learn to become cadets during BasicTraining 2008.After you see this one-hour video,go to the CadetWing Media booth in the ballroom to purchase a copy.8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cadet Wing ParadeStillman FieldMANDATORY FOR CADETS.Come out to the parade early(9:30 a.m.) to see the Wings of Blue and a glider demonstration,as well as various aircraft flyovers.Cadets will be releasedon the field following the parade to meet their guests. If theparade is cancelled due to severe weather,guests may visit theInformation Fair at Arnold Hall or check with their cadet tosee whether their squadron has moved up their Open Houseto 10 a.m. to noon.7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.10 to 11 a.m.Airfield Open HouseAcademy AirfieldStaff will be available to provide orientations and answerparent’s questions.Come view static displays of aircraft.Cadetsmust escort their guests to the airfield.VECTOR! Program OrientationArnold Hall Banquet RoomA parent orientation to the cadet character seminar “VECTOR!,”which all Fourth-Class cadets will take in their first year at theAcademy.2 to 4 p.m.Prep School Huskies Football GameAcademy Prep School Field1:25 to 3:05 p.m.Flight Simulator TourFairchild Hall, Rm. 2H28First-, Second- and Third-Class cadets and guests only.3 to 6 p.m.USAFA JV Football Blue & Silver ScrimmageTurf Field4:30 to 6 p.m.Squadron Open HousesVandenberg and Sijan HallsMANDATORY FOR CADETS.If the cadet parade is cancelled,Continued on page 4GRAND OPENING!Homes ready NOWLorson Ranch is a 1,400 acre Master Planned community with 169 acres of Open Space including Parks andTrail corridors. There are 5 school sites (3 elementary, 2 middle school) and a planned recreation center.Grand Opening special:The Dubois: 1,271 square feet,3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, and anunfinished basement: 193,875e-inMov y!readUp to 4 bedrooms. Up to 2,928 sq. ft. 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4August 29, 2008Parents’ Weekend Schedulesome squadrons may hold their open house earlier in the day(10 a.m. to noon).5 to 7:30 p.m.Dinner BuffetMitchell HallOpen to cadets and their visitors.Guests may pay cashier ( 3.85each).5 to 8 p.m.Dinner BuffetFalcon ClubCall for reservations (719) 333-4253.CADETS MAY LEAVE THE ACADEMY AFTER OPENHOUSE; MUST ATTEND ACCOUNTABILITY FORMATION AT FOOTBALL GAME SATURDAY MORNING.Saturday7 to 9 a.m.Breakfast BuffetMitchell HallOpen to cadets and their visitors.Guests may pay cashier ( 2.10each).9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Brunch BuffetMitchell HallOpen to cadets and their visitors.Guests may pay cashier ( 3.85each).10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Call for reservations (719) 333–4253.10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Brunch BuffetFalcon ClubMonday7 to 9 a.m.Breakfast BuffetMitchell HallOpen to cadets and their visitors.Guests may pay cashier ( 2.10each).11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Lunch BuffetMitchell HallOpen to cadets and their guests. Guests may pay cashier( 3.85 each).Orientation TourJacks Valley (BCT)Shuttle buses will run from Field House parking lots every 15minutes.The last bus departs for Jacks Valley at 1:30 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.the last bus returns to parking at 2:30 p.m.Cadets must escort SECOND-THIRD- AND FOURTH-CLASS CADETStheir guests.Walking shoes and unopened,clear water bottles MUST SIGN IN.recommended.10:45 p.m.FIRST-CLASS CADETS MUST SIGN IN.9:30 a.m.All Second-,Third- and Fourth-Class cadets report to squadronaccountability formations at the stadium.10:30 a.m.First-Class cadets report to squadron accountability formations at the stadium.NoonFalcons vs. Southern Utah Football GameFalcon StadiumFor tickets, call USAFA Athletic Ticket Office (800) 666-8723or (719) 472-1895 or purchase on-line at ets.html.Cadets are requiredto attend the game but do not need tickets and must sit withthe Cadet Wing.4 p.m.Cadets may leave the Academy after game; MUST SIGN INBY MONDAY, 7:10 P.M. (10:45 P.M. FOR FIRSTIES).Sunday8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Worship Services.Guests are invited to attend services at the Cadet Chapel orthe Community Center Chapel.For additional information,pleasecall.Cadet Chapel (719) 333-2636;Community Center Chapel(719) 333-3300. Cadet Chapel Sunday Services are:8 to 9 a.m.Catholic Mass9 to10 a.m.Protestant Traditional Service10 to 11 a.m.Catholic Mass11 a.m. to noon.Protestant Contemporary ServiceNoon to 1 p.m.Catholic MassGive blood. Save lives.Donate today at Memorial’snew blood donation centerlocated in the heart ofBriargate.Briargate Medical Campus8890 N. Union(Union and Charity)To schedule anappointment or mobileblood drive, call365-5411 or visitmemorialhealthsystem.com.

5August 29, 2008H2H assembly honors past, targets futureBy Capt. Timothy PeckhamDepartment of HistoryOn Aug. 21 and 22 the Academyhosted 22 retired Academy permanentprofessors and deans of the faculty for thebiennial “Heritage to Horizons” EducationalAssembly. During these two days, theretired professors joined the current facultyto honor the accomplishments of the pastand plan for the successes of the future. Thisassembly continued the theme of learningfrom our unique past while shaping ourfuture.“Drawing lessons from the past is difficult and challenging, but it can be worthwhile. The idea of a recurring event makesit possible to mobilize the professors’ experience and expertise, an otherwise dormantresource,” Brig. Gen. Dana Born, Dean ofthe Faculty, said as she quoted Brig. Gen.Carl Reddel from comments he madeduring the 2006 Heritage to Horizonsevent.This year’s program covered currentissues including discussion of Academyoutcomes, faculty composition, academicfacilities update, curricula review, newacademic schedule of calls and the accreditation self-study status.After opening discussions with theSuperintendent, Lt. Gen. John Regni, andother Academy senior leaders, along withrepresentatives from all five missionelements, Academy admissions, and theDirector of Plans and Programs, returningpast permanent professors took time outto visit their former classrooms and laboratories. Additionally, they visited withpresent faculty members and cadets toassess curricula, core requirements andchallenges facing Expeditionary Air Forceofficers.Assembly members had lunch withthe cadets in the Mitchell Hall Staff Towerwhere they received a warm welcome. “It’sa pleasure to return to the Academy.Cadets always provide a warm andrespected welcome!” commented Brig.Gen. (retired) Orwyn Sampson, formerBiology Department head and permanentprofessor.The assembly enjoyed a “Back toSchool” reception at the Falcon Club atthe end of their first day where they wereable to catch up with colleagues (past andnew) and drawing on their 324 years ofcombined service to the Academy aspermanent professors, share ideas forenhancements with current faculty andcadets.On the second day of the assembly, thisdistinguished group of educators addressedthe issue of Academy accreditation anddiscussed the status of the ongoing selfstudy. “Upper leadership has done awonderful job applying leadership opportunity down to the lowest levels, and Icommend the U.S. Air Force Academyon that,” said Col. (retired) Sam Grier,With so many choices to complete your degree,WHY CHOOSECOLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY?Adult Studies program distinctives: Take classes at Peterson AFB or online Special military tuition rate Bachelor’s and master’s degrees available Take classes one evening per week Five week courses and online coursesfor busy adults Credit for previous college courses andlife learning experiencesNew classes begin soon!800.44.FAITH www.ccu.eduFor more information or to apply,call Tom Boven at 719.596.9235or via email at tboven@ccu.eduwww.ccu.edu/usafColorado Christian University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schoolsformer Computer Science Departmenthead and permanent professor.At the end of the day, past and presentpermanent professors welcomed theAcademy’s newest permanent professor,Col. Andrew Armacost, at his investitureceremony at Doolittle Hall. This ceremonyacts as the official public recognition of thepresidential nomination and Senate confirmation of the coveted position of permanent professor. Colonel Armacost, a 1989Name and RankROTC distinguished graduate, is theyoungest permanent professor in thehistory of the Academy.This gathering of former Academyprofessors and current staff fulfills thevision Academy leadership expressed twoyears ago that this Assembly becomes arecurring biennial gathering for the betterment of, not only the faculty, but mostimportantly the cadets, and ultimately theAcademy, our Air Force and our Nation!DepartmentBrig. Gen. Philip CaineDept. Commandant Military Instr.Brig. Gen. Philip ErdleEngineering ScienceBrig. Gen. Cary FisherEngineering MechanicsCol. Ken FlemingEconomicsBrig. Gen. Jesse Gatlin Jr.EnglishCol. Sam GrierComputer ScienceBrig. Gen. Jim HeadPhysicsCol. Rich HughesBehavioral Science & LeadershipBrig. Gen. Alan Klayton Electrical & Computer EngineeringBrig. Gen Dick LeeLawBrig. Gen. Daniel LitwhilerMathematicsCol. John MayPhysicsBrig. Gen Hans MuehChemistryCol. David PorterBehavioral Science & LeadershipBrig. Gen. Carl ReddelHistoryLt. Gen. Ervin RokkeDean, Political ScienceBrig. Gen. Orwyn SampsonBiologyBrig. Gen. Jack ShuttleworthEnglishBrig. Gen. Michael SmithAeronauticsBrig. Gen. David SwintCivil EngineeringBrig. Gen. Mal WakinPhilosophy & Fine ArtsBrig. Gen. James WoodyManagementYears Served asPermanent 986, 19951982-1997

6August 29, 2008Formula for academic success starts with EIBy John Van WinkleAcademy Public AffairsIt was seven lessons deep into thesemester, but the numbers just weren’tadding up.Cadet 4th Class Katie Dials was tackling her pre-lab work in Chemistry 100 onMonday, calculating the atomic mass fora chemical formula in her homework. Butthe compound kept adding up to a highernumber than what the computer waswilling to accept.For Cadet Dials, her Chem 100 assignment directed her to determine the atomicmass created in several chemical equations as part of her pre-lab work forWednesday. While she was using apainstakingly thorough method to determine the result of the chemical formula,the answers still weren’t adding up right.So she went looking for a chemistryprofessor to figure out what wasn’t working.In some colleges, the combination oflimited office hours and limited instructoravailability makes tracking down a professora near-mythical quest of epic proportionsequivalent to searching for the Loch Nessmonster or trying to track down Bigfootfor an autograph.This is not the case at the Academy,where faculty availability is not a myth butan indisputable fact demonstratedhundreds of times daily.Faculty availability is a critical elementto the academic success, and even thesurvival of many cadets. Time is a cadet’smost precious commodity and timemanagement is a survival skill at theAcademy, maximum availability of instructors is a must.On any academic day in any department, cadets walk in and immediately findone or several instructors ready to dropeverything to take the cadets’ questionsand help them through their academicadventures.The Department of Chemistry takesthis one step further, staffing a study roomsix periods a day with one or more instructors, ready to provide one-on-one assistanceto cadets.During 2nd period on Monday, it wasstaffed by Capt. Jessica Kashka, a first-yearinstructor in the department. Sitting downwith Cadet Dials, she reviewed the processand equation, and coached the cadetthrough the equation until the error wasPhoto by John Van Winklefound.Cadet 4th Class Katie Dials, right, works on heating a copper sulfate pen“The good news is there are mathtahydrate with her lab partner Cadet 4th Class Andrew Finley.errors and not perceptual errors here, youset up the problem correctly,” Captain the first time. Then she was able to power way to do it and get a 90 on the assignment.”The one-on-one extra lesson that madethrough the rest of her homework soloKashka told the cadet.Cadet Dials was using the wrong value and submit it online – all because an that 90-point difference is but one examplefor atomic mass off the Periodic Table of instructor was available and willing to help. of the practice of Extra Instruction. Faculty“It was incredibly helpful,” said Cadet availability is an expectation at a militaryElements, which is the chemistry roadmapthat adorns each chem lab and classroom. Dials. “Instead of taking a zero on a home- service academy – so much so that TheIt was a rookie mistake easily corrected. So work assignment and using the answer to Princeton Review’s annual student surveywith the correct starting numbers in hand, figure out where my mistake was, I was able has ranked the Academy #1 in facultyContinued on next pageCadet Dials’ equation came out correct to work with an instructor to find the rightTicketsfor TroopsT

Pennsylvania's Bucknell University for the #8 program in the nation this year. The Academy ranked #2 in the nation in the category which combines aeronautical and astronautical engineering, for the eighth consecutive year, behind only Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Florida campus. In Electrical Engineering, the Academy again hit the .