4 years ago, when David made the decision to accept the appointment to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), we know that he was in for the ride of this life. He knew he was in for the ride of his life. But we also knew, by the grace of God, he would make it through. For 4 years we have been waiting, looking forward to a very important day: Graduation. And we planned to celebrate big!

3 years ago, we had the privilege of witnessing the USAFA graduation festivities as Alexia completed her journey at the Academy. We were there for the graduation parade at Stillman Field with the “wedge” formation when the senior class officially withdrew from the cadet ranks, handing over leadership to the 2nd class (aka rising senior) cadets. We proudly participated in her commissioning ceremony, putting on her shoulder boards when she accepted the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the world’s finest Air Force. And we cried as we watched the emotional “march on” of the graduating class on graduation day. Decked out in their parade dress, they seamlessly moved as one unto the field at Falcon Stadium where they would later receive their diplomas. We were thrilled with the impressive show of air power by the Thunderbirds as they put on an Air Show overhead following the graduation ceremony. It was a breathtaking, tear evoking, memorable and beautiful culmination of a challenging but rewarding journey.

2 weeks ago, we got the news: there would be no graduation parade and festivities at the United States Air Force Academy this year. At least, not the kind we expected. The first-class cadets (aka seniors) will graduate 6 weeks early, and there will be no guests, no Thunderbirds, no lower classmen, no parade. Decades of tradition and ceremony have been tabled for the Class of 2020. David’s older sister, 1st Lieutenant Alexia K. Rochester, will not be there to commission him as we planned. His younger sister, 2nd Class Cadet Julia L. Rochester, will not be there to salute him as a freshly minted officer as her class takes the baton of leadership from the graduating senior class. His dad, Senior Chief Petty Officer Tex S. Rochester (USN Retired) will not be there to salute and congratulate his son, 2nd Lieutenant David A. Rochester. His mom will not be there to give him the biggest hug ever.

This is life under the COVID-19 pandemic. It has changed our lives in ways we could not have imagined. For USAFA’s class of 2020, it meant no spring break, and sheltering in place at the Academy. While the lower 3 classes were sent home to resume college at home online, the class of 2020 remained on campus, adjusting to the realities and tragedies brought on by the unexpected and unprecedented turn of events. Across our nation, our friends and neighbors are facing unexpected endings. To name just a few…

• Senior students are facing delayed or no graduation

• Students are separated from friends as schools close and learning moves online

• Senior athletes did not get a chance to have their final sport season this spring

• Sports fan are bereft as national and local sports team stay off the fields and courts

• Employees are facing loss of employment

• Businesses are closing their doors

• Family members of deployed service members are postponing homecoming celebrations

• Families are not able to say goodbye to loved ones who are hospitalized…

Every one of us has been impacted by this outbreak. We are all in this together. We mourn together, we lean on each other’s shoulders, and we will cry together. And eventually…eventually, we will celebrate together, we will laugh together, and we will hug each other.

1 day from now, the USAFA Class of 2020 will graduate, and thankfully will get to come home to families and friends who have been cheering them on from afar. I am so very proud of this group of leaders who have triumphed over hardships and kept running the race to the best of their abilities. They had unexpected lessons in leadership and loss that could not have been learned under any other circumstance. I believe they will be better leaders and citizens of the world having been through this experience. While we can’t be there with you David and the Class of 2020, our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Thank you for your service. God bless you. God Bless America.