No Safe Spots Or Comfort Puppies

Not to sound….well….mean, but some kids attend a college where to cope with the stresses, they need “safe spaces” and puppies to cuddle. Such is the delicate state of the current generations psyche.

Cadet Maas doesn’t require any of that. And to show the stark contrast between those two examples is what occurred on the campus of the United State Air Force Academy during the lead up to the big Navy vs. Air Force football game recently.

During a Noon Meal Formation that week, there was an impressive aerial demonstration on the Academy’s Terrazzo (Tzo) as well as circling over the Academy. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers directed a variety of aircraft throughout the demonstration.

To begin, a CV-22 Osprey landed on the Tzo and showed the power of their ground support. The aircraft involved in more of the aerial portion while activity was taking place on the Tzo included a F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-35 Lightning II, and F-22 Raptors.

How cool are these Osprey's!

Landing on the Terrazo, which is the center green space in the middle of the dorm complex.

Overall, these aircraft mimicked air power applications used in modern conflicts. On the ground was a simulated rescue mission.

Beautiful photo. See the pilot?

Appears to be an open cockpit.

After. Burners.

Meanwhile, on the ground.....

...a mock rescue mission was taking place.

You can see the cadet squadrons lined up in the background.

Not only did Cadets and USAFA Staff get to witness this impressive show of aerial power, also in attendance were three reunion classes (’63, ’68, and ’73) and their families. Cadet Maas stated it was a very cool thing to witness.

In other news to get you caught up on what’s been happening for the very busy Cadet, the soccer club season recently ended. Graham said he had a blast. Taking the place of soccer club are two new clubs: The German Club, and The Eisenhower Scholars club. The German club is a no-brainer, since Graham will be getting a minor in German to go along with his major in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations.

The Eisenhower Scholars club is very interesting as well. I sort of envisioned a bunch of boys sitting around with brandy and cigars discussing the topics of the day. Something like this:

In fact, Graham said it is something akin to just that. Discussing and debating important news of the day from a variety of topics. It seems to be a big deal, as he texted us after his very first meeting.

This club will serve Graham well with his long range goals. 

As it has already in Minnesota, USAFA also experienced its first snowfall recently. Gorgeous photos of the campus were posted and shared by their team of photographers. 

Actually, this photo was shared by Graham. Not far from his dorm.

The Terrazo with the Cathedral in the background.

See? Gorgeous. 

As far as academics, all that needs to be said can be summed up in these two recent text messages that we received:

Surprised? No. But above what we expected for this first college semester. 

Graham respectfully declined, but intends to take some additional history classes as electives.