USAFA Recommends USAFA Parents Clubs

The Long Blue Line

41,871 USAFA graduates
521 generals, including 26 4-star generals
1 member of Congress
38 astronauts
1,080 company presidents and CEOs
1 Medal of Honor
17 USAF Crosses
268 Silver Stars
36 POWs
37 Rhode Scholars

List courtesy of AOG

What are USAFA Parents Clubs?

Why do we need them?
Why should parents join?

There are now more than 90 Air Force Academy Parents' Clubs around the country. Each club is independently "owned and operated" by caring parents who have cadets enrolled at USAFA.


photo courtesy of Sonia Ottusch, 2012 mom

Parents' clubs exist because the Service Academy experience is not like any other college. If you are not an academy graduate, it is difficult to comprehend it. While parents of cadets and graduates may not understand what it's like to be a cadet, they do know what it's like to be the parent of a cadet. Parents' clubs exist to pass on that experience to new parents so they can learn faster and be more supportive.

Parents' clubs exist to help parents support their cadets. The Academy experience is not designed to be "fun," at least not all the time, and especially not the first year! How do you support your cadet and encourage success? One thing has significantly changed the cadet way of life -- e-mail. Cadets can (once the academic year starts) contact their parents daily, but this is a mixed blessing. It may make the cadet feel better to tell mom and dad what a miserable day he/she had, but mom and dad may be alarmed by what they hear. How do you know when your cadet is just "venting" and when he/she is saying, "I'm not sure this is right for me?" Parents' clubs can help. Parents' clubs are support groups for parents who want to help their children be successful in an environment with which the parents may be totally unfamiliar.

Parents' clubs exist because, try as we may, the hardships associated with the regimen cannot be adequately articulated. The pressures on the cadets and their parents are enormous from the very beginning and these pressures often disrupt communications between the student and the parents. Selection to attend the Air Force Academy is prestigious and comes with a full scholarship, but it is decidedly not for everyone. "How do I deal with the fact that my son or daughter may not want to stay at the Academy?" "How can I help my son/daughter make the right decision?" These are questions that parents' clubs can help answer.

Parents' clubs exist to have fun, and to have fun with their cadets. Shared experiences are usually more enjoyable than solitary experiences. Military balls, summer picnics, football parties, Parents' Weekend and trips to USAFA are just a few examples of activities that can be fun to do with your cadet and other cadets and parents.

Many clubs have orientations for the appointees and new parents prior to in-processing. This gives them the opportunity to ask questions of other cadet parents who have already "been there, done that." It's invaluable information!!

Parents' clubs exist to support the Academy. Parents' clubs help recruit other outstanding young men and women. They help host cadets when they travel for Academy-sponsored events. They sponsor tailgate parties at football games. They provide fans for "away" sporting events and cadet visits. They provide financial support for cadet activities, which make the Academy a more enriching experience.

CONTACT
Barbara Gutierrez, Parents Liaison
HQ USAFA/CMA
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3200
USAF Academy CO 80840-5002
719-333-3828, toll free: 877-268-3383
USAFA Parents' Liaison Website

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