FALCON FAMILY NEWS


July 2009


CLASS STATISTICS (as of 30 June 2009)
Class Men Women Total
2010 842 189 1031
2011 869 214 1083
2012 955 268 1223
2013 1091 277 1368
WING 3757 948 4705


N1H1 VIRUS

The Air Force Academy health professionals are continuing to care for a small number of basic cadets who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for Influenza Like Illness. As of 22 July only 23 Basics were still in isolation. More than 181 have returned to training and 123 tested positive for the virus. The test results were received from the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidermiology Lab at Brooks City-Base, Texas and then forwarded to the CDC.

None of our cadets were hospitalized and all are doing well.

Health officials stress that H1N1 flu behaves similar to typical seasonal influenza and it has been emphasized to the cadets the need to take standard seasonal flu preventive measures such as hand washing and cough etiquette. The Air Force Academy is taking all necessary precautions to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel as well as family members, and is following CDC guidelines for treatment, testing and prevention. The Academy is also consulting with the CDC, Air Force Surgeon General and El Paso County Public Health Department.

For the latest information on H1N1 numbers in the United States, click here: CDC

As of this writing, the CDC lists 40,617 total confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 within the Continental United States, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.


ACCEPTANCE PARADE

The Acceptance Parade will take place at Stillman Field (Academy parade field), Wednesday, August 5, 9:00 a.m. Following the pin-on ceremony, fourth-class cadets will be permitted to escort their parents and visitors within the cadet area, and eat lunch on the Academy grounds from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. The cadet area includes the Terrazzo, Field House, Cadet Gym, Athletic Fields, Cadet Chapel, Arnold Hall, Visitor Center, Fairchild Hall and the fourth class cadet's academic year squadron. Off-limit areas include Mitchell Hall and any squadron besides the fourth class cadet's academic year squadron. Parents can bring picnics for their cadets or eat at Arnold Hall (Subway and Godfather’s Pizza), Visitor Center (Subway), or the Field House snack bar.

Can I bring stuff to my cadet at the Acceptance Parade (printer, bike, other large items)?

The items fourth-classmen are allowed to have their first year are extremely limited. In accordance with the Cadet Sight Picture, fourth-classmen are allowed two items of personal memorabilia in addition to what they have been issued. All other items need Air Officer Commanding (AOC) or Academy Military Trainer (AMT) approval. Parents are advised to have their cadets verify what they are bringing or shipping to USAFA is an item they are allowed to possess prior to bringing or shipping the items.


PROPER ADDRESS FOR CADETS

After BCT:

C4C John Jones
PO Box xxxx
USAF Academy CO 80841-xxxx (pob) note zip is 80841 when just using pob


PACKAGES MAILED VIA UPS OR FED EX

C4C John Jones
2302 Cadet Drive PO Box xxxx
USAF Academy CO 80840-xxxx (note zip is 80840 in this case)

Post office box is used as a means of identification when the cadet picks up the package.


PARENTS’ WEEKEND PACKETS

Only 4-degree families will be mailed packets. The packets will include a Parents’ Weekend brochure and two vehicle passes. Upper class cadets will be e-mailed a condensed version of the agenda and instructed to forward it to their families. They will also be instructed to pick up vehicle passes from their squadron representatives and mail them to their families. (If a person does not have a vehicle pass, they can still get on base by showing a valid driver’s license; make sure you have a current proof of auto insurance as well) The entire Parents’ Weekend schedule can be viewed on the USAFA web site: Parents' Weekend.


THANKSGIVING BREAK

Break begins after LMD (last military duty) on November 24. Flights should be scheduled no earlier than 5:30 p.m. from the Colorado Springs Airport and 6:30 p.m. from the Denver Airport. Cadets must sign back in no later than 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 30.


CLASS OF 2013 CADET COMPUTER ISSUE

Issue Date: Monday, 3 August 2008

Specifications: Costs: Software Pre-Loaded: Items Not Included: Email Address: C13first.last@usafa.edu - There are some exceptions for long names, e.g. Christopher shortened to Chris.

Common Issues and Questions: I’ll be happy to address any other questions the parents ask. They can call me at 719-333-3994 or email larry.bryant@usafa.edu


MEMORANDUM FOR: CADETS AND PARENTS OF CADETS RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT PLAN PROCEEDS
  1. The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Financial Management (FM) Office may not accept Cadet scholarships containing restrictions. Restrictions are any condition or limitation an agency places on the use of their scholarship funds. Some examples include “must be used for tuition, room and/or board,” “student is required to maintain a specific GPA,” “scholarship funds will be paid back if Cadet disenrolls,” etc. Cadet scholarships without restrictions or silent on restrictions will continue to be accepted. Educational investment funds (e.g., 529 plans) may not be accepted due to their federal and state tax restrictions and, based on the specific plan, may have other restrictions on how the funds are used. Normally a university financial aid office monitors these restrictions; however, a financial aid office does not exist at USAFA because we do not charge for tuition, room or board like other universities or have the authority to maintain separate billing and receiving accounts required to monitor the restrictions levied by law. The following will assist with scholarship and/or investment plans questions.

    1. Scholarships: Scholarships should be payable directly to the Cadet. When the agency is unable to make payment directly to the cadet, the scholarship may be accepted by USAFA/FM for credit to the Cadet’s pay account provided there are no restrictions on the scholarship and the check is payable to the U.S. Treasury. Scholarships silent on restrictions will be treated as non-restrictive and accepted. Scholarships accepted by USAFA/FM are never refunded to the agency granting the scholarship, even if the Cadet disenrolls.

    2. Investment Plans: The individual owner or administrator of the educational investment plan determines the valid use of the funds based on specific fund requirements and any state, federal and/or IRS restrictions. The owner/administrator shall consult their financial advisor, tax advisor or legal advisor to ensure the specific fund rules are followed and if there are procedures for providing proceeds directly to the Cadet. Investment plan proceeds will not be accepted by USAFA/FM, and if received, shall be returned to the originator.

  2. USAFA is prohibited by law (10 U.S.C. 4360) from charging Cadets for tuition, room or board and does not issue IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement. Any tax consequence resulting from receipt of scholarships and/or educational investment plan proceeds is the responsibility of the Cadet. Additional information on educational benefits is available on the IRS web site; see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

  3. Tuition, room, board and Cadet income and expenses at USAFA:

    1. USAFA cannot charge for tuition, room or board in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4360. Tuition, room and board are provided to Cadets without charge.

    2. Cadet monthly base pay is $929.40 effective 1 Jan 09. Cadet pay is equal to 35% of a 2nd Lieutenant pay in accordance with 37 U.S.C. 203(c).

    3. Cadet estimated expenses for Academic Year 2009/2010 (1 Jul 09-30 Jun 10) are:
      Expense Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
      Uniforms 4,020 360 590 790
      Computer 2,312 72 72 66
      Personal Service Fees 1,474 405 405 390
      Arts and Athletic Fees 170 170 170 170
      Media and Textbooks 2093 1,269 1,269 1,355
      Total $10,069 $2,276 $2,506 $2,771

    Definitions:

    Personal Service Fees include barber, tailor, linen, dry cleaning and laundry.
    Arts and Athletic Fees include reduced tickets to shows and sporting events.
    Media includes KAFA radio, basic training yearbook and freshman yearbook.

    NOTE: Exact expenses are known only by the individual Cadet based on their specific circumstances. The amounts shown above are only an estimate. The individual Cadet receives a monthly Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) which provides information on actual expenses.
  4. Please e-mail usafa.fm@usafa.af.mil if you have questions on the information contained in this memorandum which supersedes Memorandum 22 April 2008, same subject.
TERRY W. ANDERSON, YC-02, USAF
Financial Management Policy


DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THE CLASS OF 2013

The United States Air Force Academy's Class of 2013 entered and took the Oath of Office on 26 Jun 2009.

High School Honors and Activities (excludes turnbacks) Applicants and Nominees
Applicants 9897 Class President 10%
Candidate Pool 6940 Class Vice-President 5%
Qualified Candidates 2253 Valedictorian 7%
Offers of Admission 1667 Salutatorian 2%
Admitted: National Honor Society 65%
New U.S. Cadets 1351 Boys’/Girls’ State or Nation Representative 12%
New International Students 11 Yearbook/Newspaper (Editor or Business Mgr) 3%
Turnbacks Returning 6 Yearbook/Newspaper (Other Staff Mbr) 11%
Total 1368 Debate Team 9%
Women Dramatic Production 14%
Two hundred and seventy seven (277) women (20.3% of the class) were admitted with the Class of 2013 Band or Orchestra 25%
Chorus/Glee Club 11%
Boy/Girl Scouts 28%
Minorities Eagle Scout/Gold Award 13%
The Class of 2013 includes a total of 312 (excluding Internationals) minority cadets (23.0% of the class) with ethnic backgrounds as follows: JROTC Cadet 11%
  Civil Air Patrol 10%
  Academic Bowl Team 10%
Athletic Letter Awards (1 or More/Any Sport) 83%
Non-Minority 1045 or  77.0% Football 25%
Hispanic 129 or  9.5% Basketball 11%
Asian/Pacific Islander 90 or 6.6% Baseball 9%
African American 81 or 6.0% Track 29%
Native American 12 or 0.9% Swimming 12%
    Soccer 12%
Geographical Distribution
Cadets were admitted from every state in the nation and from the Territory of Guam. The Class of 2013 also admitted 11 International Students from Colombia, Crotia, Ghana, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Lithuania, Serbia, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, and Tabago
Sons and Daughters of Alumni
The Class of 2013 includes 73 sons and 24 daughters of Service Academy Graduates (7.1% of the class).
Note: One male and one female cadet had parents attending two different academies. Both academies are counted in the Academy alumni section:
Academy Alumni Sons Daughters
US Air Force Academy 57 20
US Military Academy 9 2
US Naval Academy 4 2
US Coast Guard Academy 3 1
US Merchant Marine Academy 1 0
College Board Scores (SAT)
Excludes USAFA Prep graduates and International cadets
Mid 50% Range Mean
Verbal 600-680 639
Math 630-700 664
American College Testing Program Scores (ACT)
Excludes USAFA Prep graduates and International cadets
Mid 50% Range Mean
English 27-32 29.6
Math 28-33 30.3
Reading 28-33 30.1
Science Reading 27-32 29.4
Rank in High School Class
Excludes those reporting class size < 5
Top Tenth 53%
Top Fifth 76%
Top Quarter 82%
High School GPA
HQ USAFA/XPN 3.86



PARENTS’ CLUB PRESIDENTS’ CONFERENCE

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the reception, which will be held at the Football Stadium Press Box, for the club presidents or alternates on Wednesday evening, 2 Sep and the all-day conference at Doolittle Hall on 3 Sep 2009. If your club changes presidents, be sure to remind them to save these dates. Registration forms will go out in late July.


2009 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Location Time
05 Sep Nicholls State USAFA 12:00 p.m. MT
12 Sep Minnesota Minneapolis MN 5:00 p.m. MT
19 Sep New Mexico Albuquerque NM 5:30 p.m. MT
26 Sep San Diego State USAFA 12:00 p.m. MT
03 Oct Navy Annapolis MD 3:30 p.m. ET
10 Oct TCU USAFA 5:30 p.m. MT
17 Oct Wyoming USAFA 12:00 p.m. MT
24 Oct Utah Salt Lake City UT 2:00 p.m. MT
31 Oct Colorado State Fort Collins CO 2:00 p.m. MT
07 Nov Army USAFA 1:30 p.m. MT
14 Nov UNLV USAFA 4:00 p.m. MT
21 Nov BYU Provo UT 1:30 p.m. MT



AT USAFA, EDUCATION ISN’T LIMITED TO JUST CADETS
By LtCol (Dr.) Michael Wajdowicz

The 10th Dental Squadron’s Cadet Dental Clinic at the United States Air Force Academy is home to a very special training program sponsored by the 10th Medical Group and accredited by the American Dental Association. The training program is an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency, one of only 12 in the Air Force. Every year, a class of hand-picked dental school graduates is assigned to the10th Dental Squadron’s residency program for post graduate training in comprehensive dentistry. In order to attend the residency program here at USAFA, top dental school graduates must apply and meet a very competitive residency selection board which selects only the very best of applicants. The dentists selected spend a year of training in advanced clinical techniques and procedures under the mentorship of board certified or board eligible dental specialists. These specialists are hand- picked for their expertise in their given fields to be on the AEGD teaching staff.

Dental residents are qualified, licensed dentists who undergo training in Restorative Dentistry (fillings), Periodontics (treatment of gum disease), Endodontics (root canals), Prosthodontics (implants, crowns and bridges), Orthodontics (correction of malocclusion), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (wisdom tooth removal and trauma care) and practice management. Residents learn how to handle emergent dental conditions as well as dental trauma by rotating as the “on-call” dentist for USAFA’s Acute Care Clinic. The training program is heavily clinically oriented and definitely “hands-on” although the residents receive lectures from the teaching staff and nationally known dental experts. Dental specialists oversee the residents while they perform advanced procedures, many of which are well beyond the scope of the majority of civilian general dentists. Air Force Advanced Education in General Dentistry residencies are some of the very few training programs in the nation to credential their graduates to administer intravenous conscious sedation.

In addition to providing care to active duty military members and eligible Department of Defense beneficiaries, the USAFA AEGD residents receive valuable training in treating pediatric, special needs, and medically compromised patients during rotations to the Peak Vista Community Health Center Dental Clinic in downtown Colorado Springs. Here, the residents learn how to treat the dental needs of children and patients with complex medical problems. Additionally, residents will rotate to and treat patients at the Colorado Springs Homeless Shelter. These broad experiences well prepare them to meet the dental needs of military members and their families at overseas locations.

Although patient care is at the heart of the residency, dental residents are trained in critically evaluating current dental literature, presenting educational lectures and performing dental research. Annually, the USAFA residents present their research in the form of table clinic lectures at the Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. This internationally known dental meeting is attended by over 11,000 dentists and dental auxiliaries. Air Force residents and USAFA residents in particular have been lauded by the Hinman Meeting officials for the quality of research and the professional manner in which their research was presented.