Thomas B. Younker

The Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado has announced that Cadet First Class Thomas B. Younker of Hilton, has successfully completed all of the requirements necessary for graduation. Cadet Younker will receive his diploma with a B.S. degree in political science at Falcon Stadium on Wednesday, May 30, at the 43rd Commencement Exercises of the Air Force Academy, where the guest speaker will be the Vice President of the United States, Richard Cheney. Earlier that day on May 30, Cadet Younker will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force at a special ceremony held for the Senior Cadets and their families. Cadet Younker's grandfather, Walter A. Krozel, of Medina, NY, a retired Army Air Corps Officer, will be administering the oath of office when Younker receives his 2nd Lieutenant's bars. Krozel will be assisted by Cadet Younker's parents, Thomas and Gail Younker of Underwood Avenue in Hilton.

Cadet Younker has had a distinguished career at the Academy, and has served as the Commander of the Fourth Squadron for his final semester. For all four years he has been consistently named to the dean's list for Academic Excellence, and to the Commandant's List for Outstanding Military Performance. During his tenure, Cadet Younker has successfully completed cadet survival training, parachute jump, soaring in gliders (motorless planes), and has served as instructor and coordinator for basic training for incoming Fourth Class Cadets. He has also served in many leadership roles throughout his four years at USAFA.

Following a 60-day leave, the new 2nd Lieutenant will be reporting for duty at Hanscom Field Air Force Base near Boston. He is to be married on July 6, 2001 to Tracy Caswell of Hilton, whose brother, David, is a Second Class Cadet at the Academy. After a honeymoon in the Caribbean, Tom and Tracy will be moving to Massachusetts.