The special moments and emotions were abundant from the Air Force Academy's graduation for 40 squadrons of the Class of 2019 on Thursday, May 30, at Falcon Stadium.
They are strong
It was hard to make out when shouted by a thousand voices, but the cheer the Class of 2019 issued at every mention of their graduation year has footsteps on the moon.
The cadets shouted "Strong," their shorthand version of Neil Armstrong. Every class picks an exemplar and 2019 picked Armstrong for his lunar feat as the first man on the moon and for his accomplishments as a Navy fighter pilot.
The graduation came just weeks ahead of the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing.
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Missing Thunderbird
One of the Thunderbirds that was to be part of the air show over Falcon Stadium on Thursday had to return to Peterson Air Force Base after a bird hit the jet's canopy soon after takeoff.
Initially reported as a mechanical problem, the Air Force later said it was caused by the jet striking a bird.
The F-16 landed without incident and did not rejoin the rest of the Air Force aerobatic team for the show that followed graduation at the Air Force Academy.
President Donald J. Trump salutes as he walks past a row of cadets while entering the Air Force Academy graduation. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
- JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE
Air Force cadet Parker Hammond got called up out of the cadets to the stage by President Donald J. Trump. Hammond battled cancer and was still able to graduate at the Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
- JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE
Colin Zavislak and Hunter Ahlquist react after the hat toss of the Air Force Academy graduation. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
- JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE
A spectator uses a program to shield himself from the bright sun before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
President Donald Trump walks into the stadium at the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
President Donald Trump and Gen. David L. Goldfein, chief of staff of the Air Force, watch as the cadets march into the stadium for the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The Secretary of the Air Force Heather A. Wilson speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
A cadet returns to his seat after receiving his diploma during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd in the east stands during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd in the east stands during an aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
Children wait at the edge of the field for the hat toss and the chance to grab a cap at the close of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
Graduating cadets Bailey Little, left, Michael Snell and Braxton Stocking help each other pin their 2nd Lt. boards onto their uniform after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
President Donald Trump walks into the stadium at the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The Class of 2019 marches into Falcon Stadium before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Air Force Academy. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The Class of 2019 marches into Falcon Stadium before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Air Force Academy. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
Graduating cadets celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
Graduating cadets celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
Cadet Nina Rogers celebrates after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
A cadet waves to the crowd while waiting in line to receive her diploma during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
- CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE
A light at the end of the tunnel
Jesse Sidhu, a sophomore cadet, must wait two more years before he graduates, but for him, witnessing a graduation is akin to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s pretty inspirational,” Sidhu said. “This place isn’t easy.”
A recent letter from his older brother told the academy cadet that he inspires his older brother to be a better Marine.
Sidhu said he wrote back telling his brother that, “He motivates me to be a better airman.”
Difficulties at the academy aren’t without purpose, Sidhu acknowledged.
“Challenges every day, in little ways,” he said. “They make you more confident as a leader, build character as a person.”
Thinking of his prospective future in the Air Force, Sidhu once again returned to his brother, who is a first sergeant, currently deployed.
Sidhu said he wants to fly an F-15E Strike Eagle so he can “be helping out the guys on the ground.”
“They’re having a bad day and you’re there to help,” he said.
Read more about a bit more about the graduates and their families here:
Trump 2020
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As President Donald Trump took the stage Thursday at the 2019 Air Force Academy graduation, he touted the investments his administration is offering the armed forces.
His introduction to the crowd was filled with thunderous applause.
“You just like all those brand new, beautiful airplanes we’re buying,” the president joked.
Red ‘Make America Great Again’ hats peppered the thousands in the stands at the academy’s Falcon Stadium.
“To dominate the future, America must rule the skies,” Trump said.
“We have things under development, the likes of which you’ve never seen. The likes of which you can’t conceive,” he continued. “We are so advanced, and when you see what’s coming you won’t even believe it.”
The boasting was met warmly by parents and students at the academy. The president promised that no other military in the world is as prepared for success and domination as that of the United States.
“We love you Donald,” many shouted from the stands.
“Four more years,” another shouted.
Trump broke his serious demeanor several times early in the afternoon to smile, point and wave at his supporters.
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- CONRAD SWANSON AND RACHEL RILEY The Gazette
Last hurrah for Heather Wilson
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson added the word former ahead of her title as soon as the last graduate crossed the stage.
Wilson, leaving for the top job at the University of Texas at El Paso, said her formal goodbyes at the Pentagon on Wednesday and made the graduation ceremony her last official act in office. It's an appropriate place to finish for Wilson, because it's where she started.
Wilson graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982, and later traded in her uniform for a seat in Congress. As the Air Force boss under Trump, she's overseen a budget boost and a rethinking of the service's space arm.
"It has been my honor to be the first graduate of this institution to have become the secretary of the Air Force, Wilson said.
She offered a few words of wisdom to the Class of 2019 and a big thank you.
"Thank you for becoming airmen," she said.
Inspiration for a youngster
Justin Yates, a freshman cadet, watched as his fellow classmates prepared to graduate, his first time witnessing the ceremony.
For Yates, who spent the day ushering visitors around Falcon Stadium, the event was surreal. A carrot his superiors have dangled in front of him since his first day at the school.
“You don’t believe it’s actually happening,” Yates said. “And now that it’s here, it’s very awe inspiring.”
Turn and burn
Running late to Colorado Springs, Trump didn't spend much time leaving town.
At Peterson Air Force Base, Trump bounded up the stairs to his 747, pausing briefly to wave to to a gathering of cops before ducking inside.
Air Force One was off the ground in minutes.