Latest news with #USAFA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Final salute as cadets: USAFA class of 2025
(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — After four years of discipline, determination, and growth, 909 cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) are now commissioned officers, ready to take flight in service to their country. Despite the weather on Thurs. May 29, family and friends packed the stands to celebrate the class of 2025, including graduates from 14 different countries. As the stadium filled with each cadet marching to their seats, loud cheers could be heard from all around, especially from the Meccia family. 'We are happy for Gabriella, ' said Palmina Meccia, Gabriella's mom. 'She was doing gymnastics and military, and her four-year degree, and managed to get it all done and have good grades. We're very proud of her.' FOX21 was able to catch up with Gabriella, shortly after becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force, who was thankful for everyone who showed up to support her. 'It's such a good feeling, and being next to all of my friends, it's just amazing, I can't describe it, especially since the last four years have been so hard, but my family has helped me through it, and I am just so happy,' said Gabrilla. USAFA graduate, Ethan Suman, was also at a loss for words when describing this extraordinary moment. 'I couldn't be prouder,' said 2nd Lt Ethan Suman. 'I'm so happy my family and friends supported me along the way. I'm trying not to tear up, but it's hard not to. Just thank you, everyone, so much. UPDATE: USAFA Thunderbirds Air Show canceled Troy Meink, the 27th Secretary of the Air Force, offered inspiration and encouragement as the new officers began the next chapter in their service. 'There is nothing your class couldn't overcome; it's exactly that tenacity we need,' said Sec. Meink. 'Welcome to the Air Force and Space Force, we are counting on you.' Unfortunately, the Thunderbirds were grounded because of bad weather. Still, families say the weather couldn't dampen the spirit of a milestone day. 'I'm very proud of Gabriella; she persevered after having so many obstacles, like everyone who attends the academy does, but she really persevered and came out on top,' said Gabriella's brother. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
ICE identifies jet ski suspects in Air Force cadet candidate's death as illegal immigrants
The suspect and her alleged accomplice linked to the jet ski hit-and-run death of an Air Force cadet candidate over Memorial Day weekend have been identified as illegal immigrants, according to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. During a Wednesday news conference in Grapevine, Texas, Joshua Johnson, acting field director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Emergency Removal Operations in Dallas, confirmed that 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo are both illegal immigrants from Venezuela. Gonzalez was allegedly operating the jet ski that struck and killed 18-year-old Ava Moore on Sunday at Grapevine Lake. Moore was a United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet candidate and part of USAFA's Class of 2029, according to the military school. "It's my understanding that both the individuals crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024," Johnson said. "They were arrested at the time of entry, processed on a notice to appear, and then released on their own recognizance." He added that ICE has lodged immigration detainers against the suspects, and that after the criminal justice proceedings against them in Texas are complete, they will be processed for removal. Capt. Joseph Quintero, game warden at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, announced that Gonzalez has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Read On The Fox News App Perozo has been charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors, after allegedly driving away from the scene with Gonzalez. He said both were arrested in Dallas on Tuesday, and that the relationship between them remains unclear. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton first announced that the pair were in the country illegally on Tuesday night. "We've arrested an illegal alien for killing Ava Moore and another illegal alien connected to her death," Paxton wrote in a Tuesday post on X. Texas Police Arrest Suspect After Fatal Jet Ski Hit-and-run "Ava Moore's senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place," Paxton wrote in a news release. "My heart breaks for Ava's family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy," Paxton continued. ICE did not respond to a request for comment. Five Illegals Charged In Alleged Maritime Human Smuggling Attempt That Left Child Dead "We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations," the Texas Game Wardens said in a statement. Paxton added that his office "will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava." According to FOX 4, Moore was just weeks away from her lifelong dream of joining the military. She was scheduled to leave for Air Force basic training and was home in Texas visiting family during Memorial Day weekend. Moore was reportedly a student and star basketball player at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado. Three Illegal Immigrants Charged After Fiery Texas Crash Leaves One Dead "You know, we talked throughout the course of the year that at some point in her career she was going to be a four-star general because she loved it," her coach, Ke'sha Blanton, told the outlet. "She made those around her better." Blanton said she is feeling sadness and anger over Moore's death. "They took a bright, bright star from our lives," she said. Investigators said two women were on a jet ski that struck Moore on Sunday evening. According to police, a passenger on the jet ski remained on the scene, while the operator of the craft allegedly fled and then left with a male. The pair allegedly crashed into a vehicle during their escape from the scene. Moore was pulled to shore and treated for severe head trauma before being taken to a nearby hospital where she later died, the outlet reported. "Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe," the Grapevine Police Department shared in a article source: ICE identifies jet ski suspects in Air Force cadet candidate's death as illegal immigrants
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
U.S. Air Force Academy graduation guide: traffic, entry, Thunderbirds and more
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduation will be hosted on Thursday, May 29, at Falcon Stadium inside the Academy. Gates at Falcon Stadium open at 6 a.m., guests are encouraged to come out early and watch the performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and graduation is set to begin at 9 a.m. A livestream of the graduation will also be available and will kick off at the same time graduation begins. While the ceremony takes place early in the morning, USAFA residents and visitors should expect heavy traffic, closures, and event detours beginning Thursday, May 28. Beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, individuals can expect the following roads to be closed until 4 p.m., and on May 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Stadium Boulevard from Pine Drive to North Gate Boulevard Community Center Drive from E. Douglass Dr. to Stadium Boulevard Academy Drive from Lot 6 to Stadium Boulevard Parade Loop from SUAFA Cemetery to Stadium Boulevard Santa Fe Trail from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop As for the local community, individuals can expect traffic delays on I-25 near the Academy during the day. For those going on base, the Air Force Academy has adjusted entry protocols, and during specific times, no base pass or pre-registration will be required for U.S. citizens, however, it is a requirement for all visitors to have a U.S. government-issued ID or passport if over the age of 18. On Thursday, May 29, visitors will be able to get on base without a base pass between 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. While graduation is set for 9 a.m., in the event of severe weather, the ceremony could be rescheduled or moved to the Cadet Field House (Club Arena), and the announcement will be made the morning of the ceremony. Those looking to see the Thunderbirds, the aerial demonstration will take place at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, weather permitting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
USAFA cadet candidate killed in alleged hit-and-run while kayaking in Texas
(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — A woman who died while kayaking in Texas has been identified as an 18-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet candidate. On Sunday, May 25, Texas Game Wardens responded to a water fatality involving a personal watercraft and a kayaker at Lake Grapevine in Tarrant County, Texas. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), details indicated that a personal watercraft occupied by two women allegedly struck the victim and killed the 18-year-old. The passenger of the personal watercraft remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders. TPW said that the operator left the scene with a man, and while leaving the area, the operator and the man then struck another car. On Monday, May 26, TPW announced it was looking for both the operator and the driver of the vehicle and asked the public to help locate them. On Tuesday, May 27, the suspect allegedly tied to the 18-year-old's death, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, was arrested. 'We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations,' wrote TPW. On Tuesday, the Air Force Academy confirmed the victim, Ava Moore, was a cadet candidate who had graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025, and had accepted an appointment to join the Academy as a member of the Class of 2029. 'We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,' said Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind. 'Ava's constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team. Our team is focused on providing support to Ava's family, her Prep School Squadron, the Prep School Women's Basketball team, and the entire Academy family.' 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ava's family, friends, and loved ones,' USAFA wrote via Facebook. 'Ava, may you find blue skies and tailwinds as you rest forever in peace.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunderbirds arrive at Peterson May 27
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The Air Force Thunderbirds will arrive in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, May 27, ahead of the 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) on Thursday, May 29. The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, commonly referred to as the Thunderbirds, will conduct a site survey of the Academy on Tuesday before landing at Peterson Space Force Base (SFB). Then, on Wednesday, May 28, professional golfer and 2014 USAFA graduate, Kyle Westmoreland, will hop into the cockpit of one of the iconic F-16s for a once-in-a-lifetime flight over the Pikes Peak Region. 2025 U.S. Air Force Academy graduation: What you need to know According to Peterson SFB, the Thunderbirds serve as America's premier air demonstration team, showcasing the precision and professionalism of Airmen while inspiring a new generation of pilots. Flying six F-16 fighter jets in tight formation, the Thunderbirds execute breathtaking aerial maneuvers, demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of the Air Force's advanced fighter jets and the highly skilled pilots who operate them. The Thunderbirds are stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas and perform approximately 75 demonstrations across the nation in a year. In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of the combat force. According to the Air Force, if required, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis AFB. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours. The Thunderbirds will perform a flyover during the cap toss at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, ahead of a celebratory aerial display that lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
