New Air Force Academy commandant assumes command of cadet wing

Just a day after graduation, cadets gathered once again at the Academy but this time, It wasn’t to accept a diploma. USAFA has its new Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson.

Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria explains what exactly this position entails.

“Provide military instruction and experience, provide sound officer role models, and instill integrity and dedication required of our professional arms,” said Silveria.

She now commands the 4,000-student cadet wing and more than 200 personnel, and the cadets gave their first salute to their new leader.

Brig. Gen. Edmondson said, “It’s an amazing feeling, to stand here on a beautiful Colorado day with the Rocky Mountains in the background at our Air Force’s academy with 3,000 of our nation’s sons and daughters standing in front of us is an incredible feeling.”

As for what she will do first, “To get out amongst the cadets and experience their experience at the Air Force Academy, to continue to lead them, to train them, to develop them, to mentor them and to challenge them,” said Brig. Gen. Edmondson.

And not coming from the Academy, she understands there might be a bit of a learning curve.

Edmondson said, “There is a learning curve. As a new experience like any other job in the Air Force, there is always a pretty steep learning curve, there is an incredible staff here that are working hard to get me ready for that. I can’t wait to meet and greet those 1,000 new cadets.”

According to the Edmondson, the academy is thriving now more than ever, and she is thrilled to push the program to newer and higher limits.