United States Air Force Academy Poem

*United States Air Force Academy*

Arrive to the Force with character unbroken,
Attached to the pod of integrity intact,
You’ll thrust the vastness of skies unopened,
A new history of self you’ll now enact.
Founded on a base we will instill,
Grounded on the emblem of excellence,
Training with rigor and will until
You’re ready to soar with air defense.
You’ll patrol in service of Silver and Blue,
To dive into labor, lad, is your first task,
You’ll enter as a Doolie, learn with the crew,
Then fly through class until you make First Class.
Wear the class ring when set at the gates,
Use the rudder of honor to yaw,
Pride the stars of the 50 states,
And leave this base then the world in awe.
Do you have your honor? Your valor? Your truth?
Then you are now fully cleared to take off,
You may become another’s recruit,
But these stripes you will never take off.

From Alma Mater Vol. 3: The West
You can read the full four-volume Alma Mater collection here.
©2016. Original Clyde Aidoo. All rights reserved