Scattered T-Storms Scattered T-Storms Thunder Storms Strike up the band. 80 43 77 45 71 48 Page 5 Vol. 47 No. 38 September 21, 2007 AF salutes 10th ABW Academy organization receives outstanding unit award Page 3 Decisions, decisions Options galore help cadets declare majors Page 7 Photo by Lewis Carlyle Honoring the fallen Members of the cadet honor guard fold the colors at the Academy’s annual Homecoming Memorial Ceremony Sept. 14.The ceremony honored 57Academy graduates who died of combat-related or other causes, and those whose remains have been recovered from previous wars, since the 2006 Homecoming Memorial Ceremony. Each name, the year of graduation and the last cadet squadron to which the graduate were assigned was called out during the ceremony, which also included the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute. Academy recognizes retired general By Steven Simon, USAFA ‘77 ulatory letter to General Wakin. outstanding service to the Academy since Leatherneck-turned- Graduate/Donor Liaison General Wakin’s personal commit- he hung up his uniform. He delivered cadet ment to academic and military excellence approximately 300 lectures on character and USMC background instills Retired Brig. Gen. Malham Wakin is at the Academy has spanned nearly five ethics to Academy staff, faculty and grad- discipline in four degree the recipient of the Academy’s 2007 decades and has positively impacted virtu- uating cadets. He serves as advisor to the Page 13 Distinguished Service Award, which recog- ally every Academy program. He retired Superintendent on matters of ethics and nizes outstanding service and unfailing from the Air Force in 1995, after spending moral development and advisor to the support to the Academy. 36 of his 42 years on active duty at the Director of the Center for Character Lt. Gen. John Regni, Academy Academy. He served in a variety of capac- Development on character education and Superintendent, presented the award at ities on the faculty, finishing his career as promotion. General Wakin gave keynote Falcon Stadium during the first quarter of Professor and Head of the Department of lectures at the Academy’s annual National the Air Force football team’s victory over Philosophy and Fine Arts and as the Character and Leadership Symposium, TCU, Sept. 13. Chairman of the Humanities Division. instructed cadets in the Philosophy 499 “The selection is a true testament to His post-career contributions earned course and served on Academy Honor your exemplary support throughout the him the DSA. Code review groups. Most recently, he was years,” wrote General Regni in his congrat- General Wakin has continued his See AWARD, Page 4 Falcons work overtime AF defense stiffens down stretch. Patent no longer pending for cadet Harrison’s OT field goal a winner. Page 14 By Butch Wehry 2nd Class James Nicholas. “I brought the later, James came back with a solution. Academy Spirit staff problem home to Jay, who was still in They made a prototype and it worked. INSIDE high school. I did not really believe he They applied for a patent. Commentary 2 A cadet’s father brought the problem could solve the problem, but it was over Today, J-Track-Module is the stan- News 3 of an industrial air filter device to his the Christmas school break when the dard device for Mr. Nicholas’ company Community 11 son’s attention. weather was lousy and gave it to him for and is currently being used at more than Features 12 “I had a general idea of a solution, something to do.” 30,000 locations in 50 countries around Sports 14 but just could not make it work,” said Young p eople who take physics the world. Part of an air filtration Classifieds 16 Mr. David Nicholas, parent of Cadet should not be discounted. A few hours See PATENT, Page 4 2 Spetember 21, 2007 Directorate of Public Affairs mission: To responsibly inform and educate the Academy community and the public about the Air Force Academy Lt. Gen. John Regni — Grateful to be a patriot Academy Superintendent Maj. Brett Ashworth — By Chief Master Sgt. Stefen Dunson Director of Public Affairs Superintendent, Cadet Wing Staff. Sgt. Tim Jenkins — NCOIC, Internal Information “The point is, Wayne Amann — Editor Recently, our nation honored some [email protected] of its finest men and women by pausing we who serve Butch Wehry — Senior Staff Writer [email protected] to recognize all patriots. Ann Patton — Staff Writer By a joint resolution approved our nation’s military [email protected] December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), Denise Navoy — Graphic Designer the Congress designated September 11 of see everyday as The Academy Spirit is published by Colorado each year as “Patriot Day.” Each unit, Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive agency, organization and citizen decides Patriot Day.” written contract with the U.S. Air Force Academy. This how they will honor that day. civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. A very powerful way of doing so is by Contents of the Academy Spirit are not necessarily the reflection. Nearly every person I walked However, it does not escape those who Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the past asked me the same question, “What have been there or those who have personnel who have lost their lives during Air Force. were you doing when it happened?” I’ve provided training and support to the war Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute answered it so many times my response mission. Freedom, Northern and Southern Watch, endorsement by the Department of Defense, the is nearly automatic. However, no matter It also does not escape the families of and the many other operations around the Department of the Air Force, or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, of the products or services how many times I give an answer, the those who have sacrificed during the world that have kept and continue to keep advertised. Everything advertised in this publication other person and I almost always end many lengthy separations. Plus, we cannot our nation safe. shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ori- our discussion with an involuntary forget the patriotic civilian workforce We’re grateful that a nation pauses to gin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political moment of reflection. The moment begins that ensures stability at military installa- acknowledge the thousands who have affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The printer reserves the right to reject by remembering the surge of emotions on tions, including those in the combat zone, sustained both physical and psycholog- any advertisements. that day: the anger, the sadness, but then around the world when our military ical combat injuries and that our nation’s Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the U.S. Air Force Academy Directorate of Public the resolve. personnel are deployed. leaders will continue to provide the Affairs. The editor reserves the right to edit articles Our nation can boast quite a few The point is, we who serve our support they need for recovery. to conform to Air Force policy and Associated Press style. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos unless other- remarkable patriots in its past. Among the nation’s military see everyday as Patriot We’re grateful that a nation pauses for wise indicated. many famous names are Gen. George Day. We are grateful for the proclamation all returning veterans and will not forget Submissions Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick that not only recognizes the civilian the sacrifices they made to keep this great Henry and Benjamin Franklin. bravery and sacrifices on that fateful day nation safe. Send submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3100, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840- Some of our nation’s lesser-known in September, but also brings attention to We’re grateful that a nation pauses for 5016 or deliver to Suite 3100 in Harmon Hall. patriots include the millions who have the challenges and sacrifices our mili- all active duty, guard and reserve forces Deadline for free classified ads on a space-avail- able basis is 12 noon every Tuesday for that week’s served their nation during current tary faces each day. and, whether stationed at home or abroad, publication date. Paid classified advertising is accept- conflicts and past wars. We’re grateful the nation pauses to we’re in their thoughts and prayers. ed by the publisher at 329-5236. The number to call for display advertising is 634-5905. What escapes the average citizen is, remember and recognize not only the Most of all, we are grateful to be Deadline for all stories is noon Friday, one week our nation has been engaged in conflict more than 3,000 men and women who lost members of the finest fighting force and prior to the desired publication date. Refer questions to the Academy Spirit editor at 333-8823. withinC hthe Southwestara Asiac ttheaterer of oper-Detheirve livesl oon pSeptemberme 11,n 2001,t but nation in the world. The Academy Spirit also accepts story submis- ation since the first Gulf War in 1991. also the more than 4,000 Soldiers, Sailors, “Lest we never forget.” sions by fax at 333-4094 or by e-mail: pa.news paper@ usafa.af.mil.