Into the Wild Blue Yonder

Another member of my family who I wanted to keep folks updated on is my cousin, Zach. Zach jumped on plane to the United States Air Force Academy nearly two weeks ago for what will be 4 years of tough academics, physical training, and Air Force Officer Training. If all goes well (and I'm sure it will), he will graduate a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 2012. We are all very happy for Zach and this outstanding accomplisment of his. I want to extend credit towards his parents as well, because they were part of driving force behind Zach's appointment into the Academy. Zach's parents live in North Carolina with his brothers, Nathan and Nolan.

Zach with his parents

Over the last two years, Zach has worked very hard to get into the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. After many tests, trials, and more hard work than I ever knew about, he was offered an appointment into the Academy. This kid's smart, folks, and I have confidence that no matter what he decideds to do with his life (both during his service and after), he's going to do well for himself.

Zach's Mom and Dad (My Aunt and Uncle) were both members of the Air Force, so it was really neat to see him not only go for the USAF, but to have an opportunitiy to obtain one of the best educations in the country, if not the world...

Here are a few statistics from Zach's class (Class of 2012):

Class of 2012 Profile

-From among the 9,000 applications, 1,642were offered appointments;

-there were 1,369 acceptances

-at press time 1,357 had in-processed.
-Grade Point Average: 3.85
-Average Combined SAT math and verbal: 1,290
-Average ACT: 28-29

-There are 47 prior enlisted members arriving
-between regular Air Force and Reservists.
-Seventeen percent were either high school class president or vice president.

-Sixty-two percent were in the academic honor society.
-Ninety-five percent were athletic award winners.
-Thirty percent were in band/orchestra.
-Twenty-eight percent were Boy/Girl Scouts.
-Nine percent were Civil Air Patrol.
-Thirteen percent were JROTC.

-Two hundred ninety-five are women, 21 percent of the overall class.
-Two hundred eighty-seven are minorities, 20 percent of the overall class.
-Sixteen international cadets represent Belize, Brunei, Ecuador, El Salvador,
-Honduras, Korea, Lithuania, Madagascar,Peru, Poland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore,
-Slovenia, Taiwan and Tunisia.

-The appointees’ introduction to cadet life started Thursday with a full day of inprocessing
which included medical processing, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron and
dormitory room assignments. It also marked the start of 38 days of Basic Cadet Training
designed to prepare the basic cadet trainees for entry into the Cadet Wing.

-During the first 18 days, most of the basic training is conducted within the cadet area.

-On July 14, the trainees march to Jacks Valley to set up a tentcity and live there
for 12 days of field training. The trainees march back from Jacks Valley to the Cadet
Area on July 26, and finish Basic Cadet Training on Aug. 2.
-The fall academic semester begins Aug. 7.


The guy is going to be busier than he ever has been in his life (and he's ALWAYS been a busy, active student). Say a prayer for all our servicemen and women any time you can and keep them in your thoughts.

Zach, if you ever get a chance to read this, we're all thinking about you, buddy. We wish you the best of luck and want you to know that we all support you 110%! Go get 'em!

Que Air Force song......

United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO