USAF Academy Legacy Saber Program - Sponsored by the Class of 1970

USAF Academy Legacy Saber Program

Sponsored by the Class of 1970

Help start a new tradition:  Cadet Squadron Commander Change of Command Ceremonies!

The Air Force Academy has approved our Class’ initiative to start a new Academy tradition – a Cadet Squadron Commander Change of Command Ceremony using Legacy Sabers previously owned and donated by USAFA graduates.

In the Air Force, a change of command is an important event that is usually accompanied by a formal ceremony.  During Air Force Change of Command Ceremonies, the Command Tasking Authority formally sets objectives for the new commander, and the new commander clearly articulates his/her vision for the unit.  Additionally, Air Force Change of Command Ceremonies emphasize the importance of continuity of command, and the long and proud traditions of both the unit and the Air Force.  The new Cadet Squadron Commander Change of Command Ceremony will mirror an Air Force Ceremony.

The saber is the most visible symbol of cadet leadership.  We will donate 40 Legacy Sabers to the Academy.  Each USAF Academy Legacy Saber will be mounted in a custom-designed display case, that includes a plaque listing the name of each member of the Class of 1970 who graduated from that Squadron.  These Legacy Sabers represent the rich heritage that each cadet inherits as a member of their Squadron, as Academy graduates, and as members of the Air Force.

Each Legacy Saber will be removed from the display case before the Change of Command Ceremony and passed to the new Cadet Squadron Commander as the “Symbol of Command Authority” in a semi-annual change of command ceremony, in perpetuity.  When not in use, the Legacy Saber will be displayed in each Squadron Area.

Join us in making the Legacy Saber Program a reality!  We expect the cost of the Program to be $45,000.  You may donate in honor of your class or your squadron, in memory of someone you hold dear, or simply because this is a unique opportunity to help start a new tradition that will enhance leadership training and heritage awareness.  Just a bit more than $1,100 a Squadron will fully fund this important heritage program for our Academy!

If you have an older saber that you would like to donate for use as a Legacy Saber, or if you have any questions about this Program, please contact Steve Hoagland at hoaglandsw@gmail.com; or at 980 406-6566.

Any excess funds will be used to further the objectives of the Class of 1970 SEA Heritage Gift Fund.