It's Not Over Yet!

We can now share some very exciting news for Cadet Maas. We had to wait until Thanksgiving so Graham could share his news updates first with the immediate Maas-Dohn family inner sanctum.

There are two significant announcements, in fact. We’ll go with the first one that he told us on October 28^th. As a parent, you always worry when you get a text telling you to “call me with Mom when she gets home.”

Once we connected, Graham shared that the United States Air Force Academy has awarded him a scholarship and graduate school slot to pursue a Master’s degree in Philosophy. So, after a “free-ride” earning his undergraduate degree, Cadet Maas will receive a full scholarship to attend a yet-to-be-determined university within the United States after he graduates from USAFA on May 25. He is currently evaluating various university graduate programs and will begin applying in early December.

There are, of course, some stipulations. Instead of completing his Master’s within a typical two-year timeframe, Graham will have to complete his within 18-months. Hey, he has balanced full workloads well beyond his years since middle school, so this won’t be any more than a speed bump obligation for him. The additional requirement is that once he earns his Master’s degree, at some point he will return to USAFA to teach in the Philosophy department for three years. This teaching stint will likely take place after serving his military commitment.  Which, brings us to the other very exciting news.

On November 16, the USAFA seniors, or Firsties, experienced Job Drop Day, when they learned which Air Force jobs they will perform after graduation. During their junior year, cadets review and then rank their job preferences. Rarely does a cadet receive his or her first job choice, so each is asked to rank up to six jobs. Even then, some cadets don’t get any of those six!

Job Drop Day is a tradition that each of the 40 USAFA squadrons take great pleasure in making a fun experience. For Squadron 4, the Fightin’ Fourth, parents were able to join a private Zoom call to watch as their sons and daughters were put through various drills, such as having to slurp whipped cream from a pie plate only to find further instructions and more tasks awaiting them. Finally, they were given a balloon to pop with their job written on a piece of paper hidden inside.

Cadet Maas has the red rope over his left shoulder, in the foreground

They had to do extra drills, such as pushups, to finally receive their job!

 

We were able to spy a huge smile from Cadet Maas…..then up on the screen popped…

There is a happy face!

The Fightin' Fourth Firstie's

Acquisition Management (AF job 63A) was his first preference in his ranking order. But adding to this was placement into the Space Force, which he’d be secretly hoping for. So, he got his #1 job choice, with the added bonus of being in the young Space Force military branch. Let’s take a deep dive into Acquisition Management.

Acquisition Management officers are responsible for researching, producing, and sustaining Air Force assets. Additionally, they help deliver capabilities that enable current and future warfighters. Their daily duties include: Manage cost, schedule, and performance. Meet with stakeholders, monitor contractor performance, and conduct program planning. 63As are assigned to numerous bases across the United States. Deployments are very rare, something Mom and Dad are very happy with.

During his time in this role, Graham will be leading as many as 30 people. 63As normally work with civilians and contractors instead of enlisted Airmen. This is a great field for career development. Acquisitions allows them to manage mission-critical projects, learn from subject matter experts, and lead teams towards delivering the next generation of weapon systems.

So, in summary, Graham will:

      - Commission into the Space Force as a Second Lieutenant the week of May 23

- Graduate from USAFA on May 25, possibly with academic distinction, majoring in Philosophy with minors earned in German and Religious Studies

- Apply to graduate schools to earn his Master’s degree in Philosophy, enrolling in Fall 2022

- Will serve a minimum of 3.5 years in the Space Force in Acquisition Management, with location and training TBD

- Will return to USAFA to teach for three years at some point

At times, being at USAFA has had its dark days. But Graham’s hard work over these four years is certainly starting to payoff and he has many great opportunities in front of him. We couldn’t be prouder parents!