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Lets go Faclons, lets go!

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren Main
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colorado Springs, CO. --  In a valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains, more than 4,000 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets made their weekly pilgrimage to a football enthusiasts mecca; Falcon Stadium.

The air was buzzing with the loud roar of cadets and fans flooding in for the evenings game. The stands were swimming in a sea of blue and white, the Falcons colors.

It wasn't long after everyone was seated, that all eyes where on the sky as a C-17 from the 15th Wing approached. A moment later, six tiny specs, barely visible against the setting sun, floated from the back of the aircraft in a perfectly spaced line.

The crowd began to roar as chutes deployed and the small specs become more evident, and were quickly recognized as the USAFA jump demo team, Wings of Blue.

The first jumper spiraled into the stadium at an accelerated pace and gracefully landed along the 20 yard line, quickly followed by the other five. The crowd erupted into cheers upon their safe, but awe inspiring landings.

And then it was kick-off time. The teams took position on the field to start the game. With a snap, the ball was in play.

The Falcons tied San Diego State University in the first quarter with 17 points, but by half-time were down by 14 points.

Despite the grim outlook, the cheerleaders, the dance team and the spirit team ensured that the fans stayed riled up throughout the entire game.

"I love coming out to the games," one cadet said. "The spirit and camaraderie are unmatched."

Unfortunately, the Falcons weren't able to gain the lead and ended up losing the game 41 to 27, but not without giving San Diego State University, a close run for their money "up where the air is rare."

"It was great to be back," said Capt. John Cortney, KC-135 pilot and Academy graduate. "Even though we didn't win, I enjoyed the game."

The cadets and fans failed to see the loss as a set-back in the end. The team along with thousands of cadets gathered on the field to sing the Air Force song and show the true meaning of school and service pride.