Academy Cadet awarded post-graduate Marshall Scholarship (Photo)US Air Force Academy - 12/09/25 3:42 PM
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship. Upon his graduation this May, Tang will commission into the U.S. Space Force, making him the Academy’s first Space Force Marshall Scholar.
“I want to congratulate Cadet Tang for capturing a Marshall Scholarship,” said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Cadet Tang is a great example of a warrior-scholar that has forged his own path to excellence through the Academy’s rigorous and nationally recognized academic program.”
Founded by a 1953 Act of Parliament and named in honor of U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the Marshall Scholarship, a fully funded 2-year postgraduate program in the United Kingdom, commemorates the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan and expresses the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts.
“Cadet Tang’s selection as a Marshall Scholar is a testament to his outstanding leadership and commitment to making a difference in the world” said Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, Academy Acting Dean of the Faculty. “This honor reflects not only his dedication and hard work but also the inspiring mentorship and support from our faculty and staff, who continually encourage our cadets to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact in the world.”
A political science and management major, Tang has conducted research on nuclear nonproliferation with the Institute for National Security Studies in the Republic of Korea and Japan. Tang also interned at the Joint Staff Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Planning Division at the Pentagon and the Nevada Test Site. He was a member of the Academy’s Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association team and has served in many leadership positions where he oversaw policy reform and implementation for the 4,000-person cadet wing.
“Being named a Marshall Scholar is an incredible honor and opportunity to represent the Air Force Academy and the U.S. Space Force internationally. It is an incredible honor to be the Academy’s first Space Force officer-candidate to be named a Marshall Scholar,” said Tang, a native of Moraga, Calif. “The Air Force Academy prepared me for this scholarship and beyond by combining academic rigor with real military leadership experience and athletic training. The demands of balancing academics, research, military training and service forced me to develop discipline and resilience.”
Marshall Scholars have options to study at primary and partnering universities and colleges throughout the United Kingdom. Tang will spend his first-year pursuing and studying for a Master of Arts in War Studies at King’s College London, focusing on nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation. His second year will be pursuing a Master of Science in the Theory and History of International Relations at the London School of Economics, studying great-power politics and the theoretical foundations that shape global security today.
“The Marshall Scholarship represents the chance to deepen my understanding of nuclear deterrence and international relations alongside future UK leaders and strengthen the U.S.-UK relationship that is essential to global stability,” said Tang. “My selection as a Marshall Scholar is a testament to the village of people and the immense support I’ve received from my Academy mentors. The Academy provided me irreplaceable opportunities, such as conducting research internationally, interning at the Pentagon, and working with the top scholars on nuclear policy.”
“This opportunity will not only broaden his academic horizon but also empower him to contribute innovative solutions to global challenges, embodying the spirit of leadership and service that defines the U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Hasstedt.
Following his time in the United Kingdom, Tang hopes to become a space intelligence officer. He will be the Academy’s 26th Marshall Scholar.
Official photos: Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang
Colorado Springs SD 11 - 12/08/25 9:31 AM
Final toy collection during three exciting basketball games!
Mitchell High School’s Student Council is excited to celebrate the final week of this year’s Marauder Toy Nation toy drive, a beloved community initiative dedicated to bringing joy to neighboring elementary schools during the holiday season.
Throughout November and December, students, staff, families, and community members have generously donated new, unwrapped toys to support children across the community. Collection bins located throughout the Mitchell campus and at Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy have steadily filled, showcasing the spirit of giving that defines Marauder Nation.
To wrap up the drive, Student Council is hosting two events on Monday, December 8:
• Staff vs. Student Basketball Game – 2:30 p.m.
A fun and energetic match up featuring teachers, administrators, and student athletes.
• Family Night - Lady Marauder Basketball Games – 4:30 p.m. (JV) & 6:30 p.m. (Varsity)
Families and community members are invited to cheer on the Lady Marauders and enjoy a festive evening dedicated to giving back.
Admission to all events is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy, a monetary contribution, or the purchase of a Toy Nation sticker. All proceeds support the Toy Nation program. The final toy drop-off day will take place on December 10, and community members are encouraged to bring a new toy to help the school reach its donation goal.
ashlee.kimani@d11.org or 719-328-4406.
US Air Force Academy - 12/04/25 3:21 PM
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy released its 2025 in Review, showcasing significant achievements in its mission to forge leaders of character who are prepared to lead in air, space and cyberspace. The review, authored by U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, underscores the Academy's commitment to excellence across its military, academic and athletic mission sets.
The 2025 in Review details key accomplishments, including:
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Year-round Military Training and Warrior Ethos: Cadets undertook realistic and adversary-focused training experiences and field exercises to enable Ready Airman Training and support familiarization with the doctrine of Agile Combat Employment.
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Sustained Academic Excellence: Sustained top rankings from U.S. News & World Report, offered a broad range of academic programs, and achieved groundbreaking research in STEM fields. To date, 11 cadets and counting have captured prestigious competitive scholarships, including two Rhodes Scholarships.
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Competitive Athletics and Warfighter-Focused Physical Training: Multiple individual and team national championships, 36 All-American honors, and the introduction of new warfighter-focused physical education courses.
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Class Accomplishments: The review highlighted each class’s successes and an 11% increase in applicants over the previous 3-year average at this point in the admissions cycle.
"As the calendar year draws to a close with cadets and permanent party preparing for the holiday season, we are taking stock of a demanding but decisive year and our solemn responsibility of forging warrior-leaders for our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “As we look back on the year, we are exceptionally proud of the entire USAFA team for enacting purposeful transformation and delivering excellence, all while overcoming various challenges."
The full 2025 in Review provides a comprehensive overview of the Academy's progress and ongoing initiatives. Click here to read the full 2025 in Review
For media inquiries, please contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications Office at USAFA.media@us.af.mil.
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region - 12/04/25 1:17 PM
Colorado Springs, CO — The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is proud to host Breakfast with Santa: Military Family Celebration, a free Polar Express–themed holiday event designed to honor and support local military families. This festive gathering offers a magical holiday experience filled with connection, celebration, and community appreciation.
Breakfast with Santa will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 6th, at the Southeast & Armed Services YMCA, 2190 Jet Wing Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
This year’s event will feature a warm, family-friendly breakfast, holiday craft and activity stations, gifts for children from Santa, Military community resource vendors, and Holiday meal giveaways.
Registration is currently full at 750 participants. This will be our biggest year yet! We invite you to follow along as we highlight the meaningful work that the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region does. Follow us on Facebook here to view the impact that we make in the Military community. Interested in a Military Membership? Join the Y today at https://ppymca.org/join/military-membership/
“Breakfast with Santa is more than a seasonal celebration — it’s a heartfelt way for us to give back to Military and Veteran families who could use a little extra support. We see their sacrifices every day, and this event is our opportunity to show our deep appreciation by helping make their Christmas truly special.” - Kimberly Jones - Director of Military Programs