1576

I am #1576...the 1576th Black US Air Force Academy Graduate. I was barely 17 and the youngest preppie when I arrived at the USAFA Preparatory School in June 1999. This meant I got to cut the AF cake on the Air Force's birthday on September 18, 1999. What a special memory. I am currently serving as a Reservist at The Pentagon.

My brother (Lt Col Dear Beloved) was 16 when he arrived at The USAFA Prep School in June 1997. He was sent to Marion Military Institute from USAFA Prep on Day 2 since he was too young to legally enlist. When he arrived back at USAFA a year later, he was 17. He's currently serving on active duty at The White House.

My dad (Sgt Gordon Frederick Thomas, now Michael Beloved) of MacKenzie, Guyana voluntarily served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971 as a Precision measurement equipment laboratory technician. He joined the Air Force 19 days after he turned 18. He became a naturalized citizen in 1974.

My oldest sister (SSgt Bloom Beloved) enlisted at age 17. She is currently serving as a Reservist at Wright Patterson AFB.

My youngest sister (Mrs. Draupadi Daley) was the 1473rd recipient of the General Carl A. Spaatz Award in Civil Air Patrol in August 2002 and achieved the highest rank Cadet Colonel