VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE NAMED COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER FOR U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATION

 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The U.S. Air Force Academy is honored to announce that Vice President JD Vance will serve as the speaker for the Academy's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Falcon Stadium.

Vice President Vance was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. He previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and is a Marine Corps veteran who served on active duty from 2003 to 2007.

The Class of 2026 graduation marks the Academy's 68th commencement ceremony, where more than 900 cadets will commission as officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. The Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform a flyover at the conclusion.

The ceremony will be open to ticket-holding members of the public. Tickets for the general public will be distributed through local chambers of commerce and partner organizations beginning May 20. Details on ticket distribution, base access, parking, and the full graduation week schedule are available at usafa.edu/graduation. The ceremony will also be livestreamed at usafa.edu/graduation and on the Academy's official YouTube channel.

Graduation week events run May 24–28, 2026, and include the Graduation Parade on Stillman Field, the Space Force Patching Ceremony, Awards Ceremonies, and the Commencement Ceremony. A full schedule is at usafa.edu/graduation.

News Release from the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs, CO 

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is excited to announce that Wilson Ranch Pool, and Monument Valley Pool will be opening for the 2026 summer season on Saturday, May 23. 

Thanks to the continued partnership with the City of Colorado Springs, the YMCA proudly operates two city-owned outdoor pools that provide the Colorado Springs community with opportunities to stay active, cool off, and enjoy time together throughout the summer. 

Both outdoor pools will offer lap swim and public open swim opportunities during the season. Pool capacities will be limited to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. NEW in 2026 - when you purchase a pool pass you can now make online reservations before your visit! 

The outdoor pool season runs through Monday, September 7, with modified operating hours beginning August 10, 2026 

Members and nonmembers may purchase the following admission options: 

YMCA Member Rates

Available for purchase May 23 – September 7

• $295 per Family Member
  (All family members must be active on the account at the time of purchase.)

• $175 per Individual Member

Nonmember Rates

Available for purchase now – September 7

• $500 per Family

• $380 per Individual

Additional admission options include:

• Monthly Pool Pass — Available for YMCA members only and valid for one month from the date of purchase

• Day Pass — Available for purchase daily by credit card or exact cash only; waivers are required for each visit

Please visit ppymca.org/poolpass  to purchase your pool pass today. We hope to see you this summer!

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will be available for media interviews at Peterson Space Force Base on May 26 as they prepare to perform a flyover during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 28.

On Tuesday, May 26, media representatives are invited to attend and capture imagery as the Thunderbirds conclude a site survey of the Academy and then land at Peterson SFB. This event will provide an opportunity to capture video footage and images of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcons and the skilled pilots and support crew who make the Thunderbirds’ mission possible. Planeside interviews with Thunderbirds pilots will also be offered, starting at 2:00 p.m. This engagement will provide valuable insights into the team's rigorous training, precision flying, and dedication to representing the United States Air Force.

Serving as America's premier air demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an elite 135-member unit representing 31 different career fields. Performing at more than 30 locations each year, the team flies six signature red, white, and blue F-16 fighter jets in tight formation to execute breathtaking aerial maneuvers. These demonstrations showcase the precision, professionalism, and global readiness of the U.S. Air Force, demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of its advanced fighter jets and highly skilled Airmen. Acting as ambassadors, the Thunderbirds connect with communities worldwide to inspire excellence and a new generation of pilots.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2:00 p.m. MST on Friday, May 22.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 1:00 p.m.
May 26. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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