Cadet First Lieutenant Mai Le accepts Air Force Academy Appointment

Post date: May 30, 2017 9:43:9 PM

By Senior Member Brandi Mitchell, Bellingham Composite Squadron 

Cadet First Lieutenant Mai Le has accepted appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2021!

The Air Force Academy is among the most selective colleges in the United States. Many Candidates for admission are judged on their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, athletics, and character. To gain admission, candidates must also pass a fitness test, undergo a thorough medical examination, and secure a nomination from a U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative in the candidate's home district.

The United States Air Force Academy offers a four-year program of instruction and experience designed to provide cadets the knowledge and character essential for leadership, and the motivation to serve as Air Force career officers. Each cadet graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

Recent incoming classes have had about 1,400 cadets; historically fewer than 1,000 of those will graduate. About 10% of incoming students have also been Civil Air Patrol cadets. Upon graduation, Cadet Le receives a 2nd Lt Commission in the USAF along with a Major in Aeronautical Engineering and a Minor in French.

Cadet First Lt. Le leaves this advice for the cadets she has had the honor of leading and those she looks forward to leading in the future, “Things don’t go the way you plan. There are sacrifices to be made for bigger and better outcomes. Hard work can get you anywhere. Don’t procrastinate. You don’t have to have a lot of shiny stuff [medals and awards] to be a good cadet. BUT it doesn’t hurt to strive to get them.”

Cadet First Lt. Le currently serves as a Flight Commander in the Bellingham Composite Squadron.

C/1st Lt Mai Le poses with Col Tracey Meck, USAF, retired, her Air Force Academy Liaison Officer and Joe the Falcon, the U.S. Air Force Academy Mascot. (Photo: C/SSgt Rachel Reed, Bellingham Composite Squadron)