USAFA Cadet passes away

If the Academy, or his family, eventually decide to release the details surrounding his death, then so be it. But honestly, the Academy really has nothing to gain by releasing details, and his family is grieving. I understand parent's are worried about their cadet's safety, so is my mom, but does knowing all the details affect our safety? Not at all. The Academy leadership will use the information they have to make appropriate and effective decisions that will keep the Wing safe. It's our job, and our families, to support the Academy's leadership and our fallen comrade's family during a difficult time. I completely understand feeling left out of the loop, and wanting to know what actually happened, but we are not entitled to that information. If we have a legitimate reason to know one day, then they will tell us. General Williams cares deeply about the Wing, and I have absolutely zero doubt that he is always making decisions with us in mind.


Well, yes and no. I get where this is coming from. During my 1/c year one of my classmates was going through the process of being Court Martialed (the first CGA cadet ever to be Court Martialed). It was a media circus. As a cadet we kept thinking "this is our lives… just let this happen on its own. We don't need the public eye." And maybe, on some level, we were right.

I think I had more perspective a few years later. First, the Air Force Academy, and Air Force in general, is a public institution, funded by the U.S. taxpayer and accountable to the same (oh and serving the same). In that frame, yes, the public does have a right to know, and the Air Force has a responsibility to disclose. That DOESN'T mean the public needs every detail. That doesn't mean the public needs photos and statements from 20 cadets and a play-by-play. But it DOES mean the Air Force has a responsibility to disclose the cause of the death.

There is a line between the invasiveness of it and the process of informing. Unfortunately cadets and midshipmen sometimes get stuck in that grey area.
 
  • Like
Reactions: d22
Always very sad when i see these. All the classmates/family members must be feeling horrible. My thoughts and prayers with the family and friends.
 
My personal observations are this entire situation was not well handled.

The following 4 things have contributed to the unease some people are experiencing:
1) The tragedy broke via the public press and USAFA official facebook release before the family of the cadet and the cadet wing were notified.
2) The way in which the tragedy was addressed by the Gazette was designed to promote speculation and sensationalism.
3) There has been a lack of follow up/information/update on the attacks this past winter.
4) The historic lack of openness of the USAFA and other military institution.

This is a horrific tragedy. My deepest sympathies to the cadet's family and friends.
 
If the Academy, or his family, eventually decide to release the details surrounding his death, then so be it. But honestly, the Academy really has nothing to gain by releasing details, and his family is grieving. I understand parent's are worried about their cadet's safety, so is my mom, but does knowing all the details affect our safety? Not at all. The Academy leadership will use the information they have to make appropriate and effective decisions that will keep the Wing safe. It's our job, and our families, to support the Academy's leadership and our fallen comrade's family during a difficult time. I completely understand feeling left out of the loop, and wanting to know what actually happened, but we are not entitled to that information. If we have a legitimate reason to know one day, then they will tell us. General Williams cares deeply about the Wing, and I have absolutely zero doubt that he is always making decisions with us in mind.
So you agree with the decision to issue the press release before notifing the Wing?
 
While everyone is entitled to their opinion about the information distribution, having cadets share their opinions with the public doesn't change the situation and is not (especially in this case) the right thing to do.
In the end, we still lost a brother. And it's a loss we will mourn for a long time, and that is what truly deserves our attention.
Here's a toast.
 
Very tragic. I've hike those trails before and if she went off trail it could be difficult to find her depending on har far west she went.

I pray that the family makes it through this extremely difficult time. I don't know how I would deal with losing a son and a wife so closely together.
 
While hoping that the Mom is found wandering aimlessly, but nonetheless safe, it is good time to reflect on the notion that "everyone, good or bad, is some mother's child."
 
This is breaking my heart! Praying Mom is found safe. God Bless the cadets for organizing a search party. A cadet near and dear to my heart (DS's past girlfriend of 3 years) was very close to the cadet that has passed. Its a very difficult time on the hill. Holding them all close in my thoughts and prayers.

I understand what USAFA83GradWife said about the sensationalizing. When I first read the original release, I wondered why they had to add any information about the previous attacks in the winter, with no indication the two were even remotely related. Though subtle, that comment is what led to rapid speculation on what took place.
 
"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'"--Revelation 14:13

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." --Revelation 21:4

I don't even know what I can say. My heart breaks for the whole family. May God be with them in their grief.

Job 36:15
 
Wow, that's so hard. Just horrible. I pray he and Peter find strength to push on and heal. So sad.
 
Back
Top