U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colorado – Approximately 1,100 cadets in the class of 2028 received their fourth class epaulettes, symbolizing their induction into the cadet squadron, during a ceremony Aug. 7 at Stillman Field.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Acceptance Day ceremony marks the completion of basic training for each new class. Successful completion of basic training is one of the first steps cadets take toward earning their officer commission in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

During the ceremony, the Cadet Squadron’s summer commander, Cadet 1st Class Micah Stark, relinquished command to the fall commander, Cadet 1st Class Grace Beal.

“One of the most important things I want the class of 2028 to take away from today is that this is the end of the first chapter of their academy journey,” Stark said. “The first chapter of the cadet experience is cadet basic training. This is a pivotal moment in their lives. They have so much ahead of them that begins now. They now have a foundation.”

With family and friends in the stands watching, the class marched in parade formation. Each new cadet took the oath of honor before receiving their new status as a fourth-degree cadet.

The class receiving their epaulettes was the first of three times they will receive a pin during their cadet career, Stark said. The second pin will occur when cadets receive their brace and wings toward the end of their fourth year. The final pin will be when they receive their lieutenant bar upon commissioning.

For the cadets, the ceremony is an important event in which they will recognize their achievements so far in their careers at the academy, said Stark.

“This is a momentous day for them because it is the beginning of a long list of accomplishments they will have by the time they graduate from the Academy,” Stark said. “Reception day is not only a big day for the basic training cadets. It is also important for their families. They are seeing their sons and daughters for the first time since they dropped them off for basic cadet training. Seeing the progress their children have made over the last five and a half weeks here is a true revelation for them.”

Cadet 4th Class Patrick Denham of Colorado Springs was one of the Class of 2028 cadets to be inducted into the cadet force. He is the son of 1995 Academy graduate Bill Denham and his wife Claudia. Both parents expressed their pride in what their son has already accomplished.

“It was wonderful to see Patrick take his next step toward the dream he’s had since seventh grade,” said Claudia Denham. “We were so proud to see Patrick swear in and take his oath, which signifies his commitment to serve his nation. We expect fourth grade to be challenging, but we have no doubt he will rise to the challenge.”