Eight Fall Semester Exchange Cadets from the USMA Class of 2027 took their Oath of Affirmation at the U.S. Air Force Academy on August 18 in Polaris Hall.

The West Point Class of 1977 Fall Semester Exchange Cadets at USAFA are sponsored by the West Point Society of the Pikes Peak Region (WPSPPR), and members of the society attended the ceremony in support of the cadets.

The eight members of the USMA Class of 2027 are Ethan Wiltz, Kyra Dunnirvine, Ryan Palmer, David Riggs, Massimo Luciano, Noah Haack, Rachel Luo, and Andrew Smith. Their classmates took the Oath on August 17 at West Point.

Volunteers Stover James ’76, Joani and Mike Berendt ’78, Kirk Brown ’73, Lance Kohler ’91, CPT Betsy McCracken (the Army exchange TAC at USAFA), and others from the society made this a memorable event. 

LTC (R) Pete Selleck, former Chairman and President of Michelin North America, and Distinguished Graduate of the 50 Year Affiliation Class of ’77 made the formal remarks and administered the oath.

After Pete’s remarks on living a life of purpose, he was joined by his USMA 1977 classmates Vic Tise, Steve Morrow, Mark Ellis, Jack Keaton, Bob Simmons, Mark Daniels, and Dave Mechtly.  The group presented 50 Year coins to the cadets and enjoyed engaging the next generation of the Long Gray Line.

Also present were three of the four USAFA Cadet Group Commanders, and COL Diamond Cookson of Group 4, who shared his thoughts with the cadets and audience as well. The Dean was represented by COL Brad Wambeke and was joined by many members of the faculty, staff, and Cadet Wing. 

In addition to several Society Members, the U.S. Space Force was also represented by MAJ Derek Hartman ’14 on the faculty, and 1LT Rondell Thomas ’22 at Peterson SFB. Once again this year, the WPSPPR are working with Fort Carson officers to sponsor these cadets across almost all branch interest areas with a goal of getting them some real Army exposure during the semester they are here.