VOL. 47 NO.36 SEPTEMBER 7, 2007 Blood drive has new online option By Academy Spirit staff Do you have what it takes to save three lives without breaking a sweat? Your donation can save a service member injured in combat. The next Armed Services Blood Program Drive is scheduled in Arnold Hall, Sept. 18-20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All types are needed, especially Type O-Negative and Type AB blood. The ASBP is the only agency that collects blood for the military. Blood donated during this drive will go directly to wounded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donating has never been easier. The ASBP blood donation appointments can now be scheduled on the web. Visit www.military blood.dod.mil and click the blood Courtesy Photo drop button to access online appoint- Humanitarian healthcare ment scheduling. Master Sgt. Dennis Fulmer, 10th Medical Operations Squadron, NCOIC of occupational therapy (middle) and the Donors can search for an physical therapist division officer, U.S. Navy Lt. Gwendolyn Smith (right) make an airplane splint in the operat- appointment in one of three ways: ing room aboard USNS Comfort.The Comfort is on a four-month humanitarian deployment to Latin America and 1. Search by Sponsor Code - if the Caribbean providing health care in a dozen countries. you donate with a unit or group or at a particular location, you can use the sponsor code for that unit/ group/location to find those specific Commandant’s building drives. 2. Search by ZIP code - find any ASBP blood drive near your zip at Lowry dedicated code. 3. Search by city, state - find any Early Academy asset Base site in Denver on July 11, 1955, where 306 young men took the oath as members ASBP blood drive near your city. designated a The online system places the of the Academy’s first class, the Class of Photo by Johnny Whitaker appointment on the schedule, historic landmark ’59. Walter Cronkite broadcast live from Springs and Lowry AFB has been closed, forwards a confirmation notice and the fledgling Academy site. Aircraft filled for one brief period, General Twining’s sends a reminder before the appoint- By Steven A. Simon, USAFA ‘77 the sky in an aerial tribute to the nation’s words, Walter Cronkite’s distinctive voice, ment. Graduate/Donor Liaison newest service academy. General Twining and the sound of aircraft hung in the air. “Appointments are offered from prophetically warned that, “Everybody In fact, fighters from nearby Buckley 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for civilians, family “Expect Great Things.” will be looking over your shoulder, and they AFB unwittingly provided some members and those who would prefer A half-century before a national depart- will be critical, for they have a right to comforting jet fighter audio as the cere- to have an appointment instead of ment store chose those words for an adver- expect great things.” mony began. The presence of the Cadet being a walk in,” said Academy tising campaign, they were uttered by Dignitaries again assembled at Lowry Honor Guard and the six-piece stellar spokesperson John Van Winkle. then-Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Nathan Tuesday to honor the Air Force Academy. brass of the Academy Band added pomp For more information visit Twining. He spoke at the Air Force Though the Academy had long ago moved and solemnity to the scene. www.militaryblood.dod.mil. Academy’s temporary Lowry Air Force south to its permanent location in Colorado See DEDICATION, Page 5 I N News Feature Sports S K-9 competition From wild Calhoun era I coming to mild kicks off D Page 3 Page 14 E Pages 12-13 Academy Spirit 2 COMMENTARY September 7, 2007 The Power of Choice By Chief Master Sgt. Arvin Davis meanings don’t change based on where we sit. When you think of the date USAFA Command Chief We’ll always highlight dress and appearance, and customs and courtesies because they define the 9/11, what comes to mind? Every day of our lives we all character and very fabric of our professional mili- have the power of choice. It’s one tary organization at home and abroad representing of those freedoms we all enjoy, our nation 24/7—we never get a second chance at a “Tall buildings collapsing many times without much positive first impression. and the families of those thought, and an automatic reaction We’ll also underscore the value of considering who died.We wish we to other outside events. We choose others’ dignity and self-respect regardless of sex, could have done more and what to eat, when to exercise, to race, national origin or religion. Our successes and avoided it.” wake up or go to sleep. We choose professionalism are characterized by our individual what we watch on television or the discipline to conform to the most basic of rules, so music we listen to and, most of the time, what we when its time to follow the critical ones, we react wear—simple, yes. Most notably, we all chose to instinctively without hesitation or question when no Tech. Sgt. Jasmin Blackburn serve our country’s Armed Forces, either in an one is watching us. Indeed, the power of choice can Cadet Wing Information Manager officer, enlisted or civilian capacity—many to see take us down some interesting roads. the world, some to be a part of something bigger So, as we all approach the proverbial fork in the than themselves, others for family security, a road and when you’re deciding whether to turn left world-class education here at the Academy or for or right, I’ll challenge you to remember what a patriotism. It’s a call to service and personal sacri- successful author, Mary Crowley, tells us of “It makes me glad to be fice that very few have experienced and a choice choices, “We are free up to a point of choice, and here contributing to my we should be justifiably proud of. It’s that sacrifice then the choice controls the chooser.” country. It makes me that defines us as a disciplined military service. Grab the reins now and carefully weigh your proud to be one of those Still, with that service is an around-the-clock choices, along with the possible consequences, the who serve.” obligation to sacrifice, at times, individuality and path your life or career will take based upon future some of our powers of choice for what’s best for the actions. Don’t allow a moment of weakness to team. define your service to your nation while at USAFA. We’ll always value honor, integrity and excel- Don’t be in the small percentage of people who Cadet 3 Class Adrian Haywas lence through focused messages on responsible choose to rebel against or ignore rules, regulations Cadet Squadron 28 drinking, providing genuine peer and leader feed- or codes in the name of individuality. back, or displaying common courtesies with each You’re quickly approaching your fork in the other, whether within the cadet wing or the air base road, what are you going to do? Think about it now Cwing;h officer,ar enlisted,act civilianer orD cadete ...v theelopbeforem youe getn there.t “It makes my heart go racing. It could happen again, and, God willing, it won’t.” CharacterCharacter CCornerorner What do you stand for? By Center for Character Development Ann Richardson Academy Financial Management If you don’t stand for what’s right, specting a co-worker? Cadet Sight Picture you’ll fall for what’s wrong. Some might say, “Those are small In the grand scheme of life we all things.” But, there’s an old saying, “People know we stand for liberty and freedom for don’t care how much you know, until they our own citizens and our allies. know how much you care.” “Fighting terrorism. I’ve But the real test of our character is People know how much you care and deployed twice because of what we do daily. what you care about by what you’re willing it.” These questions may seem trivial, to stand for. but they express our true values. Do a quick personal assessment. Let Do you stand for others running into those you work and live with know what a building when reveille or retreat is played? your values are — then live up to those Do you stand for military members values daily. filling their cars’ tanks not wearing a hat? Stand for what’s right, so you Master Sgt. Juan Sagaribay Do you stand for someone disre- won’t fall for what’s wrong. 10th Security Forces Squadron Character Counts airs Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on KAFA radio 97.7 FM. Directorate of Public Affairs mission: The Academy Spirit is published by of the products or services advertised. Submissions To responsibly inform and educate the Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a Everything advertised in this publication shall Academy community and the public about the private firm in no way connected with the U.S. be made available for purchase, use or patron- Send submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 Cadet Air Force, under exclusive written contract with age without regard to race, color, religion, sex, Air Force Academy Drive, Suite 3100, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840- the U.S. Air Force Academy. This civilian enter- national origin, age, marital status, physical 5016 or deliver to Suite 3100 in Harmon Hall. Lt. Gen. John Regni — Academy Superintendent prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- handicap, political affiliation or any other non- Deadline for free classified ads on a space-avail- Maj.