When I was getting close to graduating from high school my father took me to a bunch of these college fairs. At most of them there were military recruiters from all of the different branches. I had no desire to enlist, but I knew he really wanted it for me. He claims it was to get me in better shape, but I think it was probably more of a case to have the family military tradition carry on. It never happened and instead I went my own way. But as I stood on the grounds of the Air Force Acade...

I had no idea the general public was ever allowed on the Air Force Academy grounds. I guess I just always assumed it was a closed and secured facility for the cadets and instructors alone. Of course, naturally, I always wondered how folks were allowed on the grounds for the different hockey and football games, but actually didn't give it a whole ton of thought. Then the place opened up to me with an end-of-the-season hike with Kory Kilmer.

The AFA is nestled into the hills just north of ...