Hunter Carpen began his first eight weeks of basic cadet training near Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 26. The swearing-in ceremony and Oath of Allegiance for his class was administered June 27. Basic training is only the first step before starting his academic program.
Acceptance Day follows basic training on August 7, when Carpen will officially be recognized as a cadet at USAFA. The academic year starts a week after that ceremony.
“Hunter would like to pursue aeronautical engineering and flight in the Air Force. He wants to fly fighter aircraft in service of the country. He is willing to make the more than 10 years commitment required to achieve these goals,” said his father, Dwight Carpen.
“Hunter has always wanted to be an astronaut and fly jets. From about seven-years-old he has maintained that dream. Hunter’s grandfather retired after 25 years in the US Army. He had attended a military college prior to entering the Army and had a long and prolific career. His grandfather’s experiences and counsel helped Hunter in this decision. Our family has a long legacy of service in the armed forces, and we are all proud of that,” said Dwight.
Being accepted into the academy is a huge achievement. The admissions requirement for the USAF Academy is a 3.8 GPA or higher, and the acceptance rate is 14%.
Established in 1954, the academy provides a unique learning environment, with a student-to-faculty ratio of nine-to-one. There are 235 career choices, which vary from aviation to cyber technology to medical training. Acceptance to the academy includes free room and board, tuition, medical and dental care. Cadets earn approx. $1,185 per month.
Upon graduation, the cadets enter the Air Force or Space Force as a second lieutenant. In exchange for the free education, the cadet must commit to serve at least five years on active duty and three years as an inactive reserve, depending on the career choice. Pilot training is currently a 10-year commitment, as is a graduate or medical school program.
Carpen exceeded the requirements for acceptance. With a 4.0 GPA and advanced placement courses, he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was presented with his Air Force Academy Appointment by Colonel Joe Martin U.S. Air Force (ret.) at the Madras High School Scholarship presentation. Graduating with Highest Honors, Carpen achieved class Co-Valedictorian at MHS. His Congressional nomination came from Rep. Cliff Bentz, for admission consideration at three of the four United States Service Academies.
“Hunter was one of the few seniors courageous enough to take AP Biology his senior year. His determination and work ethic resulted in him acing both semesters. I get the pleasure of working with a large number of the seniors at MHS and not all of them know what they want or where they are going. Hunter knows exactly what he wants, and he has the strength of character to make it happen. I have every conference that Hunter is going to be a huge asset to the United States Air Force, and I am so proud of him,” stated Ian Garrett, Madras High School science teacher.
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