Class exemplar
From USAFA Folklore
The class exemplar program was created to provide a clear and visible attachment for cadets to the great air power leaders of the past. Each class selects an exemplar who serves as the honorary leader of the class, setting its personality and character. The Class of 2000 was the first class to choose an exemplar.
[edit] Selection
The class exemplar is selected by a vote of the members of a given class. The class normally selects an exemplar committee, which takes nominations from class members for potential exemplar candidates. The criteria for candidates are: (1) the person has to be dead, (2) the person was preferrably an Air Force/Army Air Corps officer (although General Patton for the Class of 2005 was a notable exception), and (3) the person contributed significantly to the development of air power.
The committee narrows down the list of potential candidates, compiles biographical information on each candidate, and submits the list to the class for a vote. Prior to the vote, the list must be approved by the history department, the Comm, and the Supt. The exemplar is revealed to the class at the end of Recognition.
[edit] Class Exemplars
| Class | Exemplar |
|---|---|
| Class of 2000 | Lt. Gen. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle |
| Class of 2001 | Brig. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell |
| Class of 2002 | Capt. Lance P. Sijan, Class of 1965 |
| Class of 2003 | Major Richard Ira Bong |
| Class of 2004 | Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker |
| Class of 2005 | General George S. Patton, Jr. |
| Class of 2006 | General Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz |
| Class of 2007 | Lt. Col. Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom |
| Class of 2008 | 1Lt Karl W. Richter, Class of 1964 |
| Class of 2009 | Colonel Hubert "Hub" Zemke |
| Class of 2010 | 2Lt Frank Luke, Jr. |
| Class of 2011 | Brig. Gen. Robin Olds |
