U.S. Air Force Academy marks 70 years since Founding

Krista Witiak
·2 min read

(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is celebrating its 70th birthday, remembering the important moments in its history and the great things it has accomplished.

Steven Simon, Lt Col, Retired, Class of 1977, joined host Krista Witiak on FOX21’s Loving Living Local to answer a series of rapid-fire questions about the AFA.

Join the USAFA community in honoring 70 years of integrity, service, and excellence! The entire cadet wing will march in formation during the Founders’ Day parade on April 6 at Stillman Field. The gates open at 8 a.m. to the public, and the parade will start at 10 a.m.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE U.S. AIR FORCE:

  1. What year was USAFA born?

    • On April 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signed Public Law 325, establishing the United States Air Force Academy. On July 11, 1955, the doors opened at the temporary location, Lowry AFB, in Denver.

  2. When and how did cadets arrive to the current location:

    • On August 30, 1958, cadets were bussed to the North Gate, and the freshman class marched to the Cadet Area from the North Gate; the rest of the Cadet Wing was there waiting for them.

  3. What is the mission at USAFA?

    • The U.S. Air Force Academy’s mission is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force and Space Force in service to our nation.

  4. How many cadets have graduated from USAFA?

    • Including the Class of 2023: 55,643 (7,197 women, 48,446 men)

  5. How many cadets are there in 2024?

    • There are 4,033 cadets in the Cadet Wing; There are 2,834 men and 1,199 women.

  6. Has the size of the student body changed over the years?

    • Yes, it started at 2,550 and went to 4,417.

  7. What is the USAFA motto?

    • Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do. Developed at the Air Force Academy, these were adopted as the Core Values for the entire U.S. Air Force and are on the wall above the ramp to the Terrazzo in the Cadet Area.

  8. What is the USAFA mascot?

    • The Falcon – also the nickname for all of the sports teams.

    • Also, Cadets earn the right to be Falconers and fly live falcons.

  9. Who are some of the most famous USAFA graduates?

    • Chesley Sullenberger, Class of 1973 (famously landed a civilian airliner on the Hudson River, New York City)

    • Gregg Popovich, Class of 1973, Winningest Coach in the history of the NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Texas.

For more information about the Academy, visit www.usafa.edu.

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