USAFA Update on Cadet Deaths

[Capt MJ]

I was very sorry to see this, so hard on the heels of the two at USNA.

I am NOT posting any links to stories about possible causes of death, because I think the official statement is not out yet.

Air Force Academy cadets eye May graduation after second cadet death in 3 days

"We will make it to the finish line."

www.airforcetimes.com

Two Air Force Academy cadets found dead on campus within 48 hours of each other

“I am heartbroken to confirm that since Thursday we have mourned the loss of two of our First-Class cadets here on our campus, and our entire Academy community is understandably shaken,” said superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria.

www.stripes.com

 

[Capri120]

Unfotunately, it took these tragic events to make the leadership listen.
That's as much as I'll say.

Our prayers, thoughts, and support are with the families and our cadets.

Many, many organizations, individuals and families are now jumping in to support the entire USAFA family to ensure the C1Cs make it as a class to graduation.

 

[MidCakePa]

Unfotunately, it took these tragic events to make the leadership listen.
That's as much as I'll say.

While making this statement may feel bold and even cathartic, it’s terribly unfair to those at USAFA whom you hit with this vague yet blanket implication, and surely troubling to families with students who are considering USAFA.

You may feel “in the know” by making this statement, and even feel justified to state “I’m not saying anything else,” the implication being “the facts will speak for themselves.” But that’s a disservice to those on this forum who are considering whether USAFA is right for them.

Who knows — your statement may ultimately be justified. But you’ve essentially kicked a rumor mill into high gear without providing any evidence or clarity. And that’s a shame.

 

[THParent]

...Unfotunately, it took these tragic events to make the leadership listen.
That's as much as I'll say...

Maybe say less, is as much as I'll say.

 

[Capri120]

I apologize if you construe it that way, and guess I can see how you would.

It has been an extreme rollercoaster ride for parents with C1Cs still in residence over the past couple of weeks, especially when your own cadet is one who passes very little along, which we accept as veterans, who have been in situations that require such.

 

[raimius]

There is concern amount the grad community, to say the least. We do understand that we don't have a complete picture, but many are not particularly enthused with what we have heard.

 

[Capri120]

Parents...calm down

Here is an article about this. Two people have died at USAFA. Neither resulting from the Corona Virus https://www.airforcemag.com/2-cadets-found-dead-in-3-days-at-air-force-academy/

www.serviceacademyforums.com

""

Excerpt: "Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, USAF Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond all flew to the Academy on March 30 to talk to cadets and better understand the current environment on campus."

Even upper leadership came to LISTEN.

Read into it what you want. No apologies this time, except to the moderators.

My DD is there! Where is your DD or DS?

 

[dhen81]

Unfotunately, it took these tragic events to make the leadership listen.
That's as much as I'll say.

Our prayers, thoughts, and support are with the families and our cadets.

Many, many organizations, individuals and families are now jumping in to support the entire USAFA family to ensure the C1Cs make it as a class to graduation.

I agree with your sentiment

 

[justdoit19]

I read this...very good. An article from a first class cadet perspective. Prayers for these souls. And for those trying to make sense of it and complete their mission.

Dear USAFA

The Class of 2020 is without question one of, if not the Class at the Air Force Academy that has faced the most prolonged adversity over the course of four years. At the moment, we are fighting two adversaries, mental resiliency and COVID-19.Yes, Upper Leadership is right. They are asking a lot...

www.grindtofly.com

 

[Capri120]

I read this...very good. An article from a first class cadet perspective. Prayers for these souls. And for those trying to make sense of it and complete their mission.

Dear USAFA

The Class of 2020 is without question one of, if not the Class at the Air Force Academy that has faced the most prolonged adversity over the course of four years. At the moment, we are fighting two adversaries, mental resiliency and COVID-19.Yes, Upper Leadership is right. They are asking a lot...

www.grindtofly.com

Thank you. This was the "letter" I had read when first posted and wished I had a means to share.

 

[A1Janitor]

I apologize for not understanding the letter and possibly asking questions some will find inappropriate. My intent isn’t bad.

What are the issues against the AFA? I understand the trying times with virus and the disruption with their final year. I understand the grieving over losing classmates on a very personal level.

What does leadership have to listen to? What changes need to be made? Is it more than the normal support that would be needed in these trying times?

 

[justdoit19]

Well that’s also only one perspective. My point is that this is hard for EVERYONE. UNPRECEDENTED. Not a single doubt in my mind every is doing their very best....I’m home with my own family and THIS IS HARD.

Unrelated to these cadets, I think that this will be a case study in many things, including our need as humans for social interaction and touch. Hugs. Just look at our isolated elderly. My mom one of them. This lack of family, touch, hugs, social support is very difficult. With no end to that isolation anytime soon!

It’s. Just. Hard.

Prayers for our whole world.

 

[A1Janitor]

Well that’s also only one perspective. My point is that this is hard for EVERYONE. UNPRECEDENTED. Not a single doubt in my mind every is doing their very best....I’m home with my own family and THIS IS HARD.

Unrelated to these cadets, I think that this will be a case study in many things, including our need as humans for social interaction and touch. Hugs. Just look at our isolated elderly. My mom one of them. This lack of family, touch, hugs, social support is very difficult. With no end to that isolation anytime soon!

It’s. Just. Hard.

Prayers for our whole world.

My post wasn’t directed at you - I agree with this.

 

[raimius]

From what I've heard, they are basically locked down to their (now individual) rooms, with a few exceptions. Apparently, the permanent party has been instructed to punish any cadet who breaks the 6ft social distancing rule with 30 tours ("tour" = marching a terrazzo square for an hour with a drill rifle). Many don't consider this a particularly helpful or healthy work/living environment.

 

[A1Janitor]

From what I've heard, they are basically locked down to their (now individual) rooms, with a few exceptions. Apparently, the permanent party has been instructed to punish any cadet who breaks the 6ft social distancing rule with 30 tours ("tour" = marching a terrazzo square for an hour with a drill rifle). Many don't consider this a particularly helpful or healthy work/living environment.

This makes sense to me. Thank you.