RECOGNITION
Recognition marks the transition of the Fourth Class Cadets to upper class status. Recognition was scheduled to take place from 14-16 March 2024, however snow limited the Recognition activities to only 16 March, 2024. Those activities consisted of wing and squadron-run training, challenge courses and events, speakers and “Prop and Wing” ceremonies, concluding with a celebratory dinner Saturday evening.
Parents do NOT attend Recognition Events, but traditionally congratulate the Fourth Class Cadets on their achievement in some way.
Recognition marks the transition of the Fourth Class Cadets to upper class status. Recognition was scheduled to take place from 14-16 March 2024, however snow limited the Recognition activities to only 16 March, 2024. Those activities consisted of wing and squadron-run training, challenge courses and events, speakers and “Prop and Wing” ceremonies, concluding with a celebratory dinner Saturday evening.
Parents do NOT attend Recognition Events, but traditionally congratulate the Fourth Class Cadets on their achievement in some way.
Recognition Coins Explanation Video
Recognition Coin (aka Version 1.0)
Recognition is a more than just a three-day training event marking the end of an exhausting year of mental and physical challenges. The process of Recognition begins on day one when each class in-processes and begins their journey to becoming commissioned officers. It highlights the teamwork, determination, fortitude, and knowledge that each cadet develops. Recognition is a major milestone for Academy graduates in their journey and is steeped in pride and tradition, bonding them with those who came before them. So, too, is the Class of 2027 Recognition coin, which honors and combines the achievement of successfully completing the Fourth-class year with the rich legacy of past classes and graduates.
The Class of 2027’s class color is gold. It is fitting that this color is prominent in the Recognition coin design, and was selected as the base alloy color. The front of the coin features the coveted Prop and Wings. This insignia is presented to each Recognized Fourth-class cadet by upper class cadets. These Prop and Wings tie each cadet to the rich legacy of service. The original insignia was used by the U.S. Army Air Service in 1918 during WWI, and then by the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1926-1947. That insignia was gold in color. Cadet Prop and Wing insignia typically have a silver finish. Cadets who are descendants of these early services, as well as those who have direct family who graduated from the Academy, are authorized to wear gold Prop and Wings in honor of that legacy. Notable in the coin’s gold Prop and Wing design is the propeller, which actually spins.
The background behind the Prop and Wings is silver, in honor of one of the four Academy class colors. It also symbolizes the very fitting, vivid depiction from John Gillespie Magee, Jr’s High Flight that Cadets memorize: “Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of…”
Featured at top-center on that silver background is a raised 2 7 in honor of the Class of 2027. At the bottom is LXIX, the Roman numerals recognizing the Class of 2027 as the 69th graduating class. Flanked on either size of the LXIX are two red Academy lightning bolts. These represent the dominating red classes from years gone by.
Surrounding the silver field is a black ring with the Class motto, rising from it in gold: “All earned, Nothing Given.” Between the “All Earned” and “Nothing Given” is a red Polaris Star. The Polaris Star represents the guiding moral compass on each Cadet’s journey and development as leaders of character.
The back of the coin features the Air Force Academy coat of arms and is composed of the emblem, crest, and 13 stars. This coat of arms incorporates a blue background, which further ties the Class of 2027 to the blue classes that came before them.
Encircling the coat of arms are the Academy core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.
Recognition is a more than just a three-day training event marking the end of an exhausting year of mental and physical challenges. The process of Recognition begins on day one when each class in-processes and begins their journey to becoming commissioned officers. It highlights the teamwork, determination, fortitude, and knowledge that each cadet develops. Recognition is a major milestone for Academy graduates in their journey and is steeped in pride and tradition, bonding them with those who came before them. So, too, is the Class of 2027 Recognition coin, which honors and combines the achievement of successfully completing the Fourth-class year with the rich legacy of past classes and graduates.
The Class of 2027’s class color is gold. It is fitting that this color is prominent in the Recognition coin design, and was selected as the base alloy color. The front of the coin features the coveted Prop and Wings. This insignia is presented to each Recognized Fourth-class cadet by upper class cadets. These Prop and Wings tie each cadet to the rich legacy of service. The original insignia was used by the U.S. Army Air Service in 1918 during WWI, and then by the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1926-1947. That insignia was gold in color. Cadet Prop and Wing insignia typically have a silver finish. Cadets who are descendants of these early services, as well as those who have direct family who graduated from the Academy, are authorized to wear gold Prop and Wings in honor of that legacy. Notable in the coin’s gold Prop and Wing design is the propeller, which actually spins.
The background behind the Prop and Wings is silver, in honor of one of the four Academy class colors. It also symbolizes the very fitting, vivid depiction from John Gillespie Magee, Jr’s High Flight that Cadets memorize: “Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of…”
Featured at top-center on that silver background is a raised 2 7 in honor of the Class of 2027. At the bottom is LXIX, the Roman numerals recognizing the Class of 2027 as the 69th graduating class. Flanked on either size of the LXIX are two red Academy lightning bolts. These represent the dominating red classes from years gone by.
Surrounding the silver field is a black ring with the Class motto, rising from it in gold: “All earned, Nothing Given.” Between the “All Earned” and “Nothing Given” is a red Polaris Star. The Polaris Star represents the guiding moral compass on each Cadet’s journey and development as leaders of character.
The back of the coin features the Air Force Academy coat of arms and is composed of the emblem, crest, and 13 stars. This coat of arms incorporates a blue background, which further ties the Class of 2027 to the blue classes that came before them.
Encircling the coat of arms are the Academy core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.
Recognition Coin Version 1.27
Coins such as the one honoring the Class of 2027’s Recognition are traditionally referred to as challenge coins. They are unique keepsakes that represent important milestones, accomplishments, or experiences. They are symbols of membership, belonging, and camaraderie, and the forging of strong bonds through the experiences of those who possess them. And so is born the Recognition 1.27 coin.
The Class of 2027’s culminating training event, the long-awaited and anticipated Recognition and the freedoms the Class would earn, did not go quite as planned. In March 2024, as often will happen in springtime in Colorado, winter weather came through the region. The heavy snow and ensuing abundance of caution by permanent party significantly curtailed the scheduled training. Instead of intense training, many cadets donned ski gear and enjoyed time outside sledding and skiing, or having snowball fights. Ultimately, the Class of 2027 was allowed to participate in some curtailed training, though they are now the subject of some good-natured, traditional military humor. Their Class motto quickly (albeit unofficially) transitioned from “All Earned, Nothing Given” to “Mostly Earned, Some Things Given.” A second Recognition coin was quickly designed. It features many of the same details as the original coin, but builds on the shared experience of Recognition 2024.
This second coin, referred to as Version 1.27, has nuanced changes on the front. At the top, the Recognition 2024 changed to Recognition *. The asterisk represents a footnote, and also in this case a snowflake. At the bottom of the coin, it now includes the unofficial Class motto. All other features on front are unchanged.
On the back of Version 1.27, the Academy coat of arms is replaced with a large silver snowflake surrounded by a blue field with other snowflakes.
Although Recognition 2024 wasn’t the culminating event anyone hoped for, the Class of 2027 nonetheless rightfully earned their Prop and Wings and were simultaneously inducted into the culture of military humor.
Coins such as the one honoring the Class of 2027’s Recognition are traditionally referred to as challenge coins. They are unique keepsakes that represent important milestones, accomplishments, or experiences. They are symbols of membership, belonging, and camaraderie, and the forging of strong bonds through the experiences of those who possess them. And so is born the Recognition 1.27 coin.
The Class of 2027’s culminating training event, the long-awaited and anticipated Recognition and the freedoms the Class would earn, did not go quite as planned. In March 2024, as often will happen in springtime in Colorado, winter weather came through the region. The heavy snow and ensuing abundance of caution by permanent party significantly curtailed the scheduled training. Instead of intense training, many cadets donned ski gear and enjoyed time outside sledding and skiing, or having snowball fights. Ultimately, the Class of 2027 was allowed to participate in some curtailed training, though they are now the subject of some good-natured, traditional military humor. Their Class motto quickly (albeit unofficially) transitioned from “All Earned, Nothing Given” to “Mostly Earned, Some Things Given.” A second Recognition coin was quickly designed. It features many of the same details as the original coin, but builds on the shared experience of Recognition 2024.
This second coin, referred to as Version 1.27, has nuanced changes on the front. At the top, the Recognition 2024 changed to Recognition *. The asterisk represents a footnote, and also in this case a snowflake. At the bottom of the coin, it now includes the unofficial Class motto. All other features on front are unchanged.
On the back of Version 1.27, the Academy coat of arms is replaced with a large silver snowflake surrounded by a blue field with other snowflakes.
Although Recognition 2024 wasn’t the culminating event anyone hoped for, the Class of 2027 nonetheless rightfully earned their Prop and Wings and were simultaneously inducted into the culture of military humor.
EXEMPLAR
The Exemplar Dinner for the Third Class Cadets took place during the fall semester, on September 26, 2024. Since the Class of 2000, each subsequent class chooses someone who “exemplifies” the core values of USAFA- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The Third Class Cadets celebrated their selection of Lt Col William E. Dyess at a formal dinner.
The Exemplar Dinner for the Third Class Cadets took place during the fall semester, on September 26, 2024. Since the Class of 2000, each subsequent class chooses someone who “exemplifies” the core values of USAFA- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The Third Class Cadets celebrated their selection of Lt Col William E. Dyess at a formal dinner.
Exemplar Coin Explanation Video
Exemplar Coin
The Class of 2027 selected Lt Col William E. Dyess as their Exemplar. This man, nicknamed the “One Man Scourge,” truly lived by the core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, and more. This coin honors this amazing hero and serves as a reminder to the Class of 2027 of what it means to serve, lead, and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make.
The Exemplar coin is 2” in diameter (as compared to 1.75” for the Recognition coins) and heavier. The front features one of the planes flown by Dyess, the P-40 Warhawk. This dominating design is antique silver, and raised off of the surface of the coin, with the nose, wingtips, and tail extending off of the edges of the coin. It features period-correct roundels on the wings, and serial number 199827 laser engraved on the vertical stabilizer. The serial number honors legacy classes and the Class of 2027. Across the leading edge of the wings and across the cowl is the Class of 2027’s new slogan that honors Lt Col Dyess – SCOURGE. The front of the coin also features a black background encircled with a red ring, honoring Lt Col Dyess’ participation and survival in the Bataan Death March and the colors from the medal he received from that experience. His rank, name, date of birth, and date of death are raised on the red ring in the base medallion antique bronze color. Lastly, Lt Col Dyess died when he was only 27 years of age. On either side of the fuselage against the black field is a raised gold-colored 2 7 in honor of his age and the Class of 2027.
The back of the coin features an outer ring in the base medallion antique bronze, with seven virtues and values engraved into it: Excellence, Integrity, Courage, Pursuit (in part honoring the 21st Pursuit Squadron that he commanded), Sacrifice, Service, and Leadership. At the bottom of the ring is a red Polaris Star, symbolizing a navigational orientation toward the virtues and values.
Lt Col Dyess was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The center of the back of the coin features the color pattern of that medal. In the middle, against the blue field, is the Heraldic Sea Lion with red Philippine Defense Medal. This sea lion is drawn directly from the Battling Bastards of Bataan (survivors of the Bataan Death March and their flag) and mascot of the Bataan Military Academy.
The Class of 2027 selected Lt Col William E. Dyess as their Exemplar. This man, nicknamed the “One Man Scourge,” truly lived by the core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, and more. This coin honors this amazing hero and serves as a reminder to the Class of 2027 of what it means to serve, lead, and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make.
The Exemplar coin is 2” in diameter (as compared to 1.75” for the Recognition coins) and heavier. The front features one of the planes flown by Dyess, the P-40 Warhawk. This dominating design is antique silver, and raised off of the surface of the coin, with the nose, wingtips, and tail extending off of the edges of the coin. It features period-correct roundels on the wings, and serial number 199827 laser engraved on the vertical stabilizer. The serial number honors legacy classes and the Class of 2027. Across the leading edge of the wings and across the cowl is the Class of 2027’s new slogan that honors Lt Col Dyess – SCOURGE. The front of the coin also features a black background encircled with a red ring, honoring Lt Col Dyess’ participation and survival in the Bataan Death March and the colors from the medal he received from that experience. His rank, name, date of birth, and date of death are raised on the red ring in the base medallion antique bronze color. Lastly, Lt Col Dyess died when he was only 27 years of age. On either side of the fuselage against the black field is a raised gold-colored 2 7 in honor of his age and the Class of 2027.
The back of the coin features an outer ring in the base medallion antique bronze, with seven virtues and values engraved into it: Excellence, Integrity, Courage, Pursuit (in part honoring the 21st Pursuit Squadron that he commanded), Sacrifice, Service, and Leadership. At the bottom of the ring is a red Polaris Star, symbolizing a navigational orientation toward the virtues and values.
Lt Col Dyess was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The center of the back of the coin features the color pattern of that medal. In the middle, against the blue field, is the Heraldic Sea Lion with red Philippine Defense Medal. This sea lion is drawn directly from the Battling Bastards of Bataan (survivors of the Bataan Death March and their flag) and mascot of the Bataan Military Academy.
COMMITMENT DINNER
Commitment Dinner for the Second Class Cadets takes place at the start of the fall semester. Once cadets return to the Academy for their Second Class year, this formal dinner represents their active duty commitment. Members of the Legacy Class are invited to attend the Commitment Dinner to celebrate with the Second Class Cadets.
Commitment Dinner for the Second Class Cadets takes place at the start of the fall semester. Once cadets return to the Academy for their Second Class year, this formal dinner represents their active duty commitment. Members of the Legacy Class are invited to attend the Commitment Dinner to celebrate with the Second Class Cadets.
RING DANCE
This formal and prestigious ball is exclusively for Second Class Cadets. It is held during Graduation Week, before the second-class cadets become first-class cadets, and is where they receive their class rings and unveil the class crest. The rings are traditionally placed in a glass of champagne and are caught in the teeth following a toast.
This formal and prestigious ball is exclusively for Second Class Cadets. It is held during Graduation Week, before the second-class cadets become first-class cadets, and is where they receive their class rings and unveil the class crest. The rings are traditionally placed in a glass of champagne and are caught in the teeth following a toast.
100s NIGHT
100s Night for the First Class Cadets takes place approximately 100 nights before graduation. 100 Nights is a formal dinner where they wear mess dress. It is an opportunity for the First Class Cadets to join with the Legacy Class to celebrate 100 days until graduation and their commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force or a sister service. Cadets also receive their base assignments and are given liberty for the weekend to celebrate.
100s Night for the First Class Cadets takes place approximately 100 nights before graduation. 100 Nights is a formal dinner where they wear mess dress. It is an opportunity for the First Class Cadets to join with the Legacy Class to celebrate 100 days until graduation and their commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force or a sister service. Cadets also receive their base assignments and are given liberty for the weekend to celebrate.
GRADUATION WEEK
Graduation week is the culmination of four years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and preparation to become leaders of character in our nation's Armed Forces. Events this week are attended by families and friends, and include a parade, commissioning ceremonies, and the long-awaited graduation ceremony and celebratory flyover of the Air Force Thunderbirds as the Class of 2027 is released to begin their careers as commissioned officers.
Graduation week is the culmination of four years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and preparation to become leaders of character in our nation's Armed Forces. Events this week are attended by families and friends, and include a parade, commissioning ceremonies, and the long-awaited graduation ceremony and celebratory flyover of the Air Force Thunderbirds as the Class of 2027 is released to begin their careers as commissioned officers.