Our little cousin Alex (the erstwhile toe walker) is all grown up and enduring Boot Camp at the Air Force Academy! Photo at left is Alex during spring lacrosse.Alex isn't certain Air Force is the place for him but it's hard to turn down a prestigious opportunity without giving it a fair try. It's quite remarkable that all 3 of the Olsen boys have been accepted to the Academy!
Following Highland High School Graduation Alex only had about 2 weeks before Basic Cadet Training (BCT) started for the duration of his summer. Upon arrival at USAFA they take away cell phones, watches, civilian clothes and personal belongings.
Cadets in BCT get up every morning at 4:30 am and begin a day that's tough physically, mentally, and emotionally. Alex said BCT feels like "constant chaos."
Letters and postcards are allowed but no packages. Finally, in August, Alex will get a computer and can email. Hopefully he'll get his cell phone back but his squad has to follow all the rules collectively or they'll lose cell phone privileges.
Alex has been gushing with praise for the family and how excited he is to see Lisa and Bruce over Parent's Weekend (which isn't until Labor Day). Since new cadets can't leave the campus until Labor Day weekend the local LDS church sends in leaders to hold church services for the cadets who are members. Alex went to Sacrament Meeting last week and was so happy to get a break from BCT. Eric (who endured boot camp several years back) said: "Nothing like BCT to bring you closer to God!"
While Eric was somewhat kidding around; it's a really true statement! The Air Force really pushes cadets, constantly weeding out weak ones. Alex is a tough kid (especially physically) but when life is really hard there is nothing quite like the spirit you feel through worship and the peace it can bring! Historically the LDS cadets are often some of the finest at the Academy and I think their spiritual base really helps them survive the intensity, rigors, and challenges at USAFA.
The Academy guides their cadets to demonstrate the core values of the Air Force: "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do." I think that's a great template for any of us, not just Alex and his fellow USAFA Cadets!
