The last week of May we had the privilege of attending the US Air Force Academy graduation exercises in Colorado Springs to see our friend Clinton Borchardt of Lubbock graduate.  Clinton was in the first story I posted to neighborsgo.com about the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl game.  Air Force was playing the University of California, so our friends came to town and we all had a great time.

And we had a great time at Clinton’s graduation too.  The weather did not cooperate quite as we would have liked, but that did not dampen our spirits.  It certainly did not dampen the spirits of the 1,012 graduating cadets or the spirit of President George Bush who gave the graduation address.  This was, of course, a very patriotic and emotional experience for everyone.  The President’s words rang true as we looked upon America’s latest generation of heroes prepared to serve and protect our country.

After his graduation address President Bush stayed on the platform to congratulate and thank every cadet.  He was gracious in all respects as he met each cadet with a smile and a handshake or a hug or whatever was asked of him.  If a cadet pointed to family in the stands then President Bush would wave to that cadet’s family.  One cadet handed President Bush his cell phone and asked him to say “Hi” to his mom; which he did.  And many of you may have seen a “chest bump” replayed on various television shows.  This was just President Bush again being gracious and having a really good time with the cadets.  I can tell you that many family and friends in the stadium voiced their appreciation for the President and his willingness to oblige the cadets’ requests.

Clinton is going on to medical school next.  The Air Force needs good doctors and Clinton will be one of them.  Before starting medical school this Fall Clinton and his brother Tanner are spending a month in Europe.  As soon as they return we will travel to Lubbock to visit our friends for a bit longer than we did in Colorado.  Our trip to the Air Force Academy graduation may have been short, but the memories will last a long time.