Dobbins Hosts Largest Academy Day in U.S.

by Senior Airman Spencer Gallien, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,

The 94th Airlift Wing hosted the largest Armed Forces Academy Day in the U.S. on May 12, where more than 1,000 applicants, parents and grandparents were given the chance to meet with various elected officials who are integral to the application process for admission into a military service academy.

Last year, the state of Georgia had the largest amount of applicants attend the U.S. Air Force Academy of any state in the union.

"This event started 13 years ago, and we had just a handful of attendees," said Sen. Johnny Isakson. "This time we have more than 1,000."

The goal of the program is to allow high school students the opportunity to meet with representatives from each of the service academies, including West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy.

Billy Boardman, who attended the event with his grandfather Billy Cook, is a 9th grader interested in the possibility of going to college at one of the service academies.

"I didn't realize there's more than just the big three academies out there (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and West Point)," said Boardman. 

He also stated that he enjoyed learning about each of the academies and gaining a broader perspective on what each academy has to offer.

During the event, members of the Georgia legislature, as well as representatives from each academy, were given the opportunity to speak to all the applicants as a whole.

"I just experienced my freshman year in congress," said Rep. Rob Woodall, Georgia District 7. "However, I'm sure that's nothing compared to what you applicants will experience during your freshman year at your respective academies."

Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th AW commander, gave the opening and closing remarks during the Academy Day event, letting the applicants know how thankful he was for their interest in attending a service academy and the potential service they will perform for their country.

"America's Armed Forces are the best at what we do," said Tarchick. "I want to thank each applicant for coming to Dobbins today, to see what the service academies have to offer."

Isakson also expressed his gratitude toward the young men and women who are applying to attend some of the most rigorous college curriculums.

"We are so delighted for the men and women who are applying for acceptance into the different service academies," said Senator Isakson. "We are extremely proud that Georgia sent the largest number of applicants to the Air Force Academy last year and this year we're on track to continue that tradition."