Ten members of the USMA Class of 2028, who were participating in an exchange semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), marked an important milestone in their West Point journey by taking the Affirmation Oath during a ceremony hosted by the West Point Society of Pikes Peak at Polaris Hall.

Class of 2028 Cadets Kevin Jud, Antonio Leandres, Cameron Griffin, Jackson Biancheri, Waylon Li, Henry Paul, John Sarager, Caleb Watson, Teresa Wojtalik, and Tyler Ishikawa are spending the fall semester at USAFA. While their classmates took the Affirmation Oath at West Point, the exchange cadets were joined in Colorado by members of the Class of 1978, their 50-Year Affiliation Class, to commemorate the occasion.

LTC (R) Thomas P. Bostick ’78, a WPAOG Distinguished Graduate and former Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, delivered remarks on selfless leadership and the enduring connection between generations of West Point graduates before administering the oath.

Frank Arduini ’78 also performed “The Long Gray Line,” a song he composed for his class, reinforcing the evening’s theme of connection and service across generations.

Following the ceremony, Bostick was joined by some of his Class of 1978 classmates: LTC (R) Michael D. Berendt, Lloyd M. Alston Jr., Frank Arduini, COL (R) Mark D. Mingilton, COL (R) Robert J. Walcott Jr., LTC (R) Gordon W. Crom, Kenneth J. Rackers Sr., Stuart P. Drury, Maurice J. “Reese” Delorey, and COL (R) Thomas C. Carroll. The graduates presented 50-Year coins to the cadets and spent time sharing their experiences with the next generation of the Long Gray Line.

The ceremony also brought together members of the USAFA and Army communities. USAFA leaders, cadet group commanders, squadron mates, faculty, and staff attended the ceremony, along with MAJ Travis Anderson ’10, representing the Provost.

Senior Army leaders from the 4th Infantry Division also participated, including BG Ed Matthaides, deputy commander for operations; LTC Matt Hill, commander of the 6th Air Cavalry Squadron; and LTC Dan Krueger, division G-3. Their participation helped establish a sponsorship program connecting Fort Carson officers with the West Point exchange cadets across a range of branch interests, providing additional opportunities for Army mentorship and exposure during the cadets semester in Colorado.

Special thanks go to the members of the West Point Society of Pikes Peak, who helped make the evening possible. Mike Berendt served as master of ceremonies and coordinated participation by members of the Class of 1978. Additional support came from Lance and Erin Kohler ’91, Amy Murrell ’80, Joani Berendt, Stover James ’76, Bill Kenny ’74, Jake Couch ’05, MAJ Betsy McCracken, the Army exchange TAC at USAFA, and other Society volunteers.

The evening concluded with an informal reception, giving cadets, graduates, Army leaders, and members of the USAFA community an opportunity to continue conversations about branch experiences, leadership, and service.

Through the 50-Year Affiliation Program and the support of graduates, the Class of 2028 exchange cadets celebrated Affirmation surrounded by members of the Long Gray Line—connecting their commitment to serve with generations who have gone before them.