USAFA grads laugh, cry and yell for joy just moments after ceremony

After four years, 984 graduates became Second Lieutenants today after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. It’s only moments after that iconic hat toss that, reality sets in.

The second those hats leave their hands, emotions run high.

One graduate said, “we made it!” Another said, “it doesn’t feel real!”

They walked across the stage, shaking hands and saluting U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. One said, “you hear the stories about the guy and you know he’s just an incredible warrior and an incredible leader and to look him in the eye and shake his hand is one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The emotions started right as they ran off stage to hug the Second Lieutenant who went before them, but not all thought they’d make it. “I didn’t think half of us would make it. And we all did. It was the most amazing thing,” a graduate said.

Meanwhile, others were ready to move on to their next step and saying, “I’m not going to say I hate this place cause I don’t, I love it but I can’t wait to get out of here.”

On the other side, another graduate with tears in his eyes hugged his friend saying, “my best friend right here, we did it together, coming from the prep school.”

Their graduation ceremony was their first step to their military commitment. These Second Lieutenants will have to serve at least five years in the U.S. Air Force.