2012 Graduation Program - United States Air Force Academy

10:00 o’clock
Falcon Stadium
PROGRAM
Military members are reminded that a salute will be rendered during the playing of Honors for the Graduation Speaker and
the National Anthem. During the National Anthem, all other citizens of the United States should face the flag with both hands at their
sides or with their hat or an open hand over their heart. Military retirees may render a salute during the playing of the National Anthem.
OFFICIAL PARTY ARRIVAL
MISTRESS of cEREMonIES - Cadet Chelsie Lehmann, Spring Wing Command Chief
GRADUATING CLASS MARCH-ON
NATIONAL ANTHEM - The United States Air Force Academy Band
INVOCATION - Chaplain (Colonel) Robert Bruno, United States Air Force Academy Chaplain
INTRODUCTION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
Lieutenant General Michael C. Gould, Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy
INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER - Mr. Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force
GRADUATION ADDRESS - President of the United States, Barack H. Obama
COMMENCEMENT AWARD
Cadet Paulo Dutra, Class President
Cadet Kevin Loudermilk, Summer Cadet Wing Commander
Cadet Samantha Reep, Fall Cadet Wing Commander
Cadet Benjamin Barringer, Spring Cadet Wing Commander
PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN AWARD - Mr. David Palenchar, President of the Air Force Academy Foundation
PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES - Brigadier General Dana H. Born, Dean of the Faculty
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS - President of the United States, Barack H. Obama
(Names of graduates are read by Colonel Carolyn A. M. Benyshek, Director of Admissions, and Dr. Dean H. Wilson, Associate Dean
for Student Academic Affairs and Academy Registrar. The President is assisted by Distinguished Guests and Academy Officials.)
OATH OF OFFICE - Brigadier General Richard M. Clark, Commandant of Cadets
“THE AIR FORCE SONG” - The United States Air Force Academy Band
DISMISSAL - Brigadier General Richard M. Clark, Commandant of Cadets
As the final names in Squadron 36 are called, children 7 to 10 years of age may gather just east of the scoreboard where they will be
escorted to the stadium floor to retrieve graduates’ hats following the hat toss. Each child may pick up one hat and will then be
escorted to seats in the southeast stands where parents may pick up their children following the ceremony.
USAF THUNDERBIRDS TEAM
AERIAL DEMONSTRATION
This aerial demonstration is conducted in honor of the graduating class of 2012. This event exhibits to the public the technical
and professional capabilities of the United States Air Force. The team is comprised of selected pilots assigned to the Air Combat
Command and demonstrates the coordination, discipline, and flying ability that combat-capable pilots require to fulfill
their vital role in our nation’s defense.
Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit spectators from being within 1500 feet of the flight path during acrobatic aerial
demonstrations. Therefore, for your own safety and to comply with FAA regulations, NO ONE will be permitted to leave the stadium
after the graduation ceremony until the completion of the Thunderbirds demonstration.
CEREMONY CONCLUSION
(The audience is requested to remain in place until the stadium gates open following the conclusion of the Thunderbirds performance.)