Although the Chapter was fairly quiet over the summer of 2001, the beginning of the academic year created new opportunities for members to support space-related activities at the Academy. The events of Sept 11 brought into even sharper focus the need for our nation to use all our instruments of strategic advantage as we confront new security challenges and tasks. This means that the Space Chapter reemphasizes our commitment to helping USAFA and the Air Force be fully successful in achieving their respective missions.
We continue to take steps to make cadets aware of the functions and potential of space operations and systems to support national security. Working with elements of the Dean's and Commandant of Cadets' offices, we have helped craft programs to educate, enlighten, and inspire cadets of all classes. In particular, our relationship with the Astronautics Department, under the new leadership of Lt Col Tom Yoder, remains strong. One area of focus has been to provide technical advice for the Falconsat II project. Of course, the need for space awareness isn't limited to the Astro Department; other academic departments now have a strong space-orientation. Future Chapter news reports will highlight the specifics of some of these important activities.
We also continue to sponsor a variety of projects to increase cadet and perhaps public awareness of the importance of space to national security and the role of USAFA graduates in strengthening our nation's space activities.
Finally, our program to offer our council to individual cadets who want to learn more about space-related jobs or careers has gotten off to a strong start. Several of our members now serve as mentors to cadets, and provide a valuable resource for their cadet and officer career planning.
Since the Chapter meets in cyberspace, please check out our web site at usafaspace.tripod.com if you'd like to learn more about our activities, or email Stan Rosen '69 at srosen6@aol.com. As Chapter members continue to share interesting perspectives and data about Air Force space activities, you may want to join this growing group.