‘It’s really special’: U.S. Air Force Academy families celebrate 2026 graduates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Hundreds of United States Air Force Academy cadets became officers Thursday at Falcon Stadium.

It’s a big day for the graduates, and also for their friends and families who have witnessed the years of hard work it took to reach this milestone.

Tara Siegfried said her brother Leonard, who is now set to become a pilot, has grown a lot as a person in his time at the Academy.

“I’ve heard that it’s hard, he has had a lot of fun, made a lot of great connections with people,” said Siegfried.

Siegfried was overflowing with pride on Thursday.

“I am a tough older sister, but I almost teared up watching him out there,” said Siegfried.

Leonard’s other sister, Reagan Gallagher, was feeling the same pride.

“He worked hard, he got where he wanted to, and I’m happy he’s happy,” said Gallagher.

Gallagher took advantage of the opportunity to grab a cadet cap off the ground after the graduates threw them in the air.

“There was a bunch of kids falling over, and I heard one kid say ‘stampeded’,” Gallagher continued. “So I just moved to the other side and got one.”

931 graduates became second lieutenants on Thursday.

For some, like Brian McDonald and Vic Thuotte, graduation day is a tradition going back generations.

“I am the class of 1996, my son Matthew is graduating today, so we are all very excited. And this is my father-in-law Vic, who is also a graduate,” said McDonald.

McDonald and Thuotte returned to their alma mater to watch their son and grandson Matthew walk.

“It’s really special,” Thuotte continued. “It’s like coming home.”

The family said Matthew is headed to pilot training for the Air Force.

It’s something his older brother, Chris McDonald, is excited to see him accomplish.

“he’s done a lot of cool things like jump, which is their parachuting program. He’s done rifle shooting, flying gliders, I know he’s been very excited for this,” said Chris.

For this family, the tradition doesn’t stop at graduation.

“We’re going to the Flying W,” Thuotte continued. “We’ve been there a number of times over the graduations. So we’re headed there tonight.”

After 47 months of preparation, these now second lieutenants are on to their next adventure after a day they’ll never forget.