USAFA - The United States Air Force AcademyThe United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located just north of Colorado Springs, is an undergraduate college for the education of officers in the Unites States Air Force. 
It’s also a major tourist attraction in Colorado, with over 1 million visitors annually.It’s easy to spot the campus from I-25. Figured prominently at the base of the mountains, the Cadet Cathedral is a modern A-framed building shining silver in the sun. Designed to mimic aircraft, the church appears as if it could fly away at a moment’s notice. You’ll likely see gliders flying above the 18,000 acre campus, as part of the students’ flight training. In close proximity to the Cathedral is Falcon Stadium, named after their sports team--the Fighting Falcons. The Academy’s grounds also include a Visitor’s Center, two dormitories, a dining facility, a main academic building, a 700,000 volume library, an Aeronautics research center and a social hall complete with ballroom, lounges, and a 3000-seat theater. The best place to start is the Visitor’s Center, where you can learn about the history of the USAFA by watching a movie in their theater or reading displays in the main area.
We had the honor of having a cadet give us a small tour, as he was a friend of our extended family. He told us how students not only need to show exemplary academics, but also physical ability, leadership qualities, and they need a nomination from a member of Congress. This particular cadet had scored almost perfectly on his ACT’s, lettered in four sports, and obtained a nomination from a Congressman. In return, the US Government pays for his full education and he gets a monthly stipend while he’s attending the USAFA. He’s of course expected to serve after graduation. He’s hoping to learn to fly fighter jets. 
In the course of their education at the United States Air Force Academy, cadets are given extensive military and academic training. The Air Force Academy's Mission Statement is: to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation. Getting There: From I-25, take the North Gate via Exit 156B or take the South Gate via Exit 150. Follow the signs to the Visitor’s Center. Call for more info: 719-333-2025.   B-52 Monument, Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, U.S.A. Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com
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