Waukon High School graduate preparing to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy

by Brianne Eilers

Graduating high school is a major event for most teenagers. It signals the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another phase, along many changes and choices.

Waukon High School Class of 2016 graduate T.J. Treptau, son of Tom and Camie Treptau of rural Lansing, made up his mind several years ago as to the direction he wanted his future to take him - the United States Air Force (USAF). When he was in 5th grade, T.J. attended an air show in LaCrosse, WI and had the opportunity to see the United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team.

“I wanted to fly fighter jets,” T.J. said. When he informed his dad that he wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, T.J. said his father told him he could do it, but he’d have to work really hard at it. With that in mind, T.J. set out to make his dream a reality, and was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, CO, earning a very prestigious honor.

T.J. explained that applying to the Air Force Academy is a very competitive process, and that the application process takes about two years. Initially, there are about 15,000 applicants, and that number is whittled down to 1,400 that will actually become U.S. Air Force Cadets.

Potential cadets must first go through a pre-application process to form a candidate pool. Initially, 5,000 applicants are dropped. Those who make it through this first elimination process must then apply for nominations from members of Congress, Senators and the Vice President. T.J. received three nominations, one each from Senator Charles Grassley, Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Rod Blum.

Applicants must also pass a conditioning and fitness assessment, in addition to scoring well on their ACT and SAT tests. Applicants also have to submit a formal resumé and an essay detailing why they want to serve in the United States Air Force and why they want to be an officer.

T.J. also took part in a summer seminar, where high school students spend a week at the Academy. They experience academy life, as well as a simulation of basic training and touring the campus with a Cadre. All of this process only served to reaffirm T.J.’s desire to attend the Academy. Throughout the whole process, T.J. has also been working with local Air Force liaison officer Beth Shafer of Waukon.

After graduating from Waukon High School May 15, T.J. has had a few weeks to enjoy his summer and work at Village Creek Bible Camp before he heads off to basic training June 30. “We’ll have six weeks of basic training led by upperclassmen and then head right into our freshman year,” T.J. explained.

As a Rising Sophomore, he’ll be able to experience sky diving and gliders. Cadets also have an opportunity to participate in other aviation programs. “I’m really looking forward to sky diving,” T.J. said.

After attending the academy for four years, T.J. will have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, as well as a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF. Currently, T.J. would like to make a career as a pilot or as a Combat Rescue Officer (CRO). With a five-year commitment to the USAF, tuition and room and board fees are waived.

When asked for advice he might give high school students interested in taking this route, T.J. said they should begin the process early. “The application process is arduous,” he noted. He also added that even if an individual isn’t interested in attending the Academy, the ROTC and GI Bill provide opportunities for further education.