Thunderbirds greet cadets and public before graduation

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds greeted people at the Air Force Academy’s visitor center one day before cadets graduate.

Ketanny Alves, a graduating cadet, said the Thunderbirds embody the Air Force’s core values and that she was excited to meet them.

“To say that I’m a part of that team is just very humbling and very empowering as well,” Alves said.

Some of the iconic pilots said they love meeting cadets.

“It’s just awesome to go up there and shake their hands and say, ‘Congratulations,'” said Lauren Venturini, who is the executive officer of the U.S. Thunderbirds. “We know it’s a grueling four years that they go through to graduate from the Academy.”

For John Caldwell, who graduated from the AFA in 2002 and is the team’s leader, coming back to the Academy is nostalgic.

“If you would have told me the day that I graduated that ‘Someday you’re going to be flying the jets that flew over your head and leading the Thunderbirds,’ I would’ve said you’re crazy,” Caldwell said.

The Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony will take place at Falcon Stadium at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the event.