1	United States Air Force Academy Graduation
2	"Before you go – Planning..." Before you go – Planning and preparation Graduation Events – Day by day The Extras – Personalize the event
3	Before You Go Rooms - you should already have reservations. Most hotels open their books for next year a couple of weeks after Graduation. Many times, rooms are released close to Grad time so if you need an extra, ask You might consider having an extra room for your cadet to use in case friends want to crash. Usually, cadets may stay off base from Friday night on
4	Before You Go Handicapped concerns - some events have a handicapped shuttle - allow extra time before and after Remember to take your Handicapped Placard Wheelchair/scooter rental - reserve scooters early - they are limited Oxygen
5	Before You Go Silver Dollar Salute - Tradition to give a silver dollar to the first non-officer who salutes Ask cadet if they would like you to obtain one for him/her Announcement - send with photo to local paper – must obtain release from Prestige Photo ( or whoever is the official photographer) Request to Congressperson to have flag flown over Capitol
6	Cadet Packing Your cadet should be mostly packed by Saturday! If he/she is not, you might want to offer to help or nag, whichever is most effective. Be prepared to store all of the cadet “stuff” - your hotel room might get crowded If you want any cadet uniforms, hats, or pins, give your cadet a list early or they will disappear If doing a DITY (Do-it-yourself) move, weigh the vehicle at official weighing station on the trip to COS and the way back. The cadet can then put in for reimbursement.
7	Packing for Parents Dress Code - Academy will suggest for each event - check the web site Dress in layers - you may go from hot & sunny to cold & rainy in a couple of hours Binoculars, camera & video - have someone other than parents document, if possible If you have a grandparent needing special handling, try to have someone else as an escort so you don’t miss anything
8	Itinerary: Create for Guests Route from airport to hotel List events of the day - firm time of departure, route to event, where to park, etc. Include maps List of cell phone numbers and room numbers for group Remind to hydrate – altitude sickness may cause you to miss an event if you don’t Distribute tickets and passes to guests (cadets get tickets from squadron - if they need more, they should ask cadet in charge. Passes are mailed from Academy in May)
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10	Graduation Events Expect changes up to the last minute – see web site http://www.usafa.af.mil Under USAFA Events select Graduation Week
11	Graduation Events Thursday, 22 May 2008
12	Graduation Events (cont.) Friday, 23 May 2008
13	Graduation Events (cont.)
14	Graduation Events (cont.) Sunday, 25 May 2008
15	Graduation Events (cont.) * Due to security restrictions, all guests will be screened by security personnel and may have purses or personal items searched. Bags/backpacks are highly discouraged and will be inspected. Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are permitted - please be prepared to remove lenses for security inspection at the parade field entrance
16	Graduation Events (cont.) Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - Day
17	Graduation Events (cont.) Tuesday, 27 May 2008 - Evening
18	Graduation Events (cont.) Wednesday, 28 May 2008
19	Graduation Events (cont.) Wednesday, 28 May 2008, (cont.)
20	Helpful Hints Most Important Advice – Be early! Choose your “Must attend” and put others in descending order Check with cadet to see that his/her agenda meshes with yours Sometimes, departments have special awards ceremonies which are added close to graduation day Saturday afternoon and Monday after parade are good times to tour Academy Early morning Thursday, get copy of local paper and Academy Spirit (on base)
21	Helpful Hints Monday’s parade, squadrons will be lead by fall’s leadership (i.e. sq & flight commanders); Tuesday will be spring leadership – sit by squadron number After Tuesday’s parade will be last chance for pictures of cadet in parade dress with hat Prior to commissioning ceremony, persons doing pin-on of new shoulder boards should practice with new boards! Prior to Tuesday’s parade, demo of Gliders, Wings of Blue, AF planes fly-over Class Crest wall changes after Tuesday
22	Special Events Dinners – individuals pay or hosted – notify in advance Party – Hotel vs Restaurant; when to have it – Monday night? Tailgate after Graduation – may not be allowed Flying W Ranch - hard for young kids and disabled because they need to carry plates through line, take water
23	The Extras Group Dinner or Party – Monday Night is a good time Gift Bag – Have water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, ponchos, itinerary Banner - use in hotel and/or stadium Personalized cigars Photo buttons Gift for Sponsor Family