Eight members of the USMA Class of 2026, 2d Class Cadets Maxwell Felter (A3), Jack Maraziti (B4), Elizabeth Pfisterer (F3), Alexandra Maranto (I4), Ethan Reinhardt (G4), Reid Wesley (A2), Jamin Hofmann (A3), Ethan Goebel (H1), took their Oath of Affirmation at a ceremony held on August 22 at Polaris Hall at the United States Air Force Academy. MG (R) Steve Best, member of the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1976 and President of the Denver Society, made formal remarks and administered the oath. He was then joined by his Class of 1976 classmates Jim Lawson and Stover James. The group presented 50-Year coins to the cadets.

USAFA Vice Commandant of Cadets, COL Pete Gryzen, multiple Cadet Group Commanders, as well as dozens of members of the faculty, staff, and Cadet Wing were also in attendance. Representatives from Fort Carson were also present including Deputy Chief of Staff LTC Chris Colbert ’05, Keri Brandt from the Div Staff, and Chris Degaray ’90 from Garrison.

The West Point Society of Pikes Peak received offers from many Fort Carson officers to sponsor cadets across almost all branch interest areas with a goal providing them real Army exposure during the semester they are at USAFA.

Afterwards, there was a catered reception hosted by the West Point Society of Pikes Peak where grads and others were able to engage with cadets by sharing branch experiences and expressing support as they embark on their commitment to service and country.