NO QUIT, ALL GRIT!
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Class of 2026 Our goal is to join with you — all the parents and guardians of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2026 — in recognizing our cadets as they mark each important milestone of their four years at the Academy. Recognition (Spring 2023) Exemplar (Fall 2023) Commitment (Fall 2024) Graduation (Spring 2026) It is a tradition for cadets to receive a coin for each milestone with the exception of Ring Dance when they receive their Class Rings. The USAFA Red Class Spirit Committee raises money from parents, family and friends of the 2026 Cadets to fund, design, and distribute commemorative coins to our cadets for each of these important milestones. In addition to the coins, these monies may be used to support cadet activities such as the Ring Dance, 100s Night, and the Commissioning Ceremony. All donations are used 100% to support our deserving cadets! |
Recognition (Spring 2023)
Exemplar (Fall 2023)
Commitment (Fall 2024) |
YOUR ROLE: Spirit Mission Success Requires Support
The cost to design, mint, package, and distribute the coins along with the additional activities over the next 4 years is approximately $135 per cadet. USAFA doesn’t pay for this. So we are asking each family to donate $135. And since every cadet will receive the coins, but not everyone is able to make the contribution, we welcome larger gifts which will cover the cost of several cadets.
Please consider joining as a “2026 RTB-The Spirit Lives Patron” with a generous gift of $2026. Each Spirit Lives Patron will receive one of each milestone coin produced as well as a beautiful display for the coins.
We are registered as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Colorado so all donations are tax deductible.
The cost to design, mint, package, and distribute the coins along with the additional activities over the next 4 years is approximately $135 per cadet. USAFA doesn’t pay for this. So we are asking each family to donate $135. And since every cadet will receive the coins, but not everyone is able to make the contribution, we welcome larger gifts which will cover the cost of several cadets.
Please consider joining as a “2026 RTB-The Spirit Lives Patron” with a generous gift of $2026. Each Spirit Lives Patron will receive one of each milestone coin produced as well as a beautiful display for the coins.
We are registered as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Colorado so all donations are tax deductible.
The Story: RTB Red Tag Bastards
The 4th graduating class from the United States Air Force Academy was the first to wear red, and they were also the first class to spend all four of their years at the Academy campus. The Class of 1962 reported to BCT on June 27, 1958, at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. The first three classes lived and studied in WWII-era barracks at Lowry while the USAFA campus was under construction. Following BCT in 1958, all four classes marched up the hill from North Gate to their new home.
The first three classes were trained by active-duty junior officers because there were no existing upperclassmen to mentor them. The Class of 1962, however, had a different
experience – they were trained by the first three classes, who had no prior leadership experience. This unique training approach helped form a distinctive culture and bond within the Class of 1962. According to the book: "Those Red Tag Bastards: Their Dreams, Their Lives, Their Memories; "they were described as ;irreverent, unconventional, non-conforming, raffish, offbeat, quirky, unorthodox, unappreciative, unmilitary, occasionally even bohemian, and slovenly in dress and attitude."
The USAFA football team began competing as an NCAA Division 1 program in 1958. Since the Air Force Academy did not have a stadium of its own, they used Denver Stadium as their home venue. Incoming C4Cs were allowed to enjoy Denver until midnight after home games, granting them upperclass-like privileges and freedoms not previously experienced by their predecessors. This further solidified their reputation and contributed to shaping the unique culture of the class.
This deviation from tradition led to a degree of unpreparedness, stemming from a lack of experience and the knowledge needed to navigate the Academy's demanding environment. Consequently, they faced criticism and blame for this perceived ill-preparedness. Following a two-week field trip to a California Air Force base in February 1959, reports of bad behavior and rule-breaking began to surface back in Colorado Springs, leading upperclassmen to delay Recognition. This was the moment when the moniker ;Red Tag Bastards; was born. The term was thought to be inspired by the bright red Remove Before Flight; safety warnings found on military aircraft. Initially meant as an insult, the rebellious Class of 1962 embraced the term as a badge of honor. The harsh treatment leading up to Recognition further strengthened
their bond and created an "us versus them" mentality, which resulted in numerous sneaky pranks; targeted at the upperclassmen.
The iconic RTB moniker has been proudly handed down through the generations every four years since the Class of 1962 graduated. Our C3Cs currently hold the honor of passing this cherished tradition on to the USAFA Class of 2030, who will receive the mantle when our Cadets accept their commissions in 2026.
The first three classes were trained by active-duty junior officers because there were no existing upperclassmen to mentor them. The Class of 1962, however, had a different
experience – they were trained by the first three classes, who had no prior leadership experience. This unique training approach helped form a distinctive culture and bond within the Class of 1962. According to the book: "Those Red Tag Bastards: Their Dreams, Their Lives, Their Memories; "they were described as ;irreverent, unconventional, non-conforming, raffish, offbeat, quirky, unorthodox, unappreciative, unmilitary, occasionally even bohemian, and slovenly in dress and attitude."
The USAFA football team began competing as an NCAA Division 1 program in 1958. Since the Air Force Academy did not have a stadium of its own, they used Denver Stadium as their home venue. Incoming C4Cs were allowed to enjoy Denver until midnight after home games, granting them upperclass-like privileges and freedoms not previously experienced by their predecessors. This further solidified their reputation and contributed to shaping the unique culture of the class.
This deviation from tradition led to a degree of unpreparedness, stemming from a lack of experience and the knowledge needed to navigate the Academy's demanding environment. Consequently, they faced criticism and blame for this perceived ill-preparedness. Following a two-week field trip to a California Air Force base in February 1959, reports of bad behavior and rule-breaking began to surface back in Colorado Springs, leading upperclassmen to delay Recognition. This was the moment when the moniker ;Red Tag Bastards; was born. The term was thought to be inspired by the bright red Remove Before Flight; safety warnings found on military aircraft. Initially meant as an insult, the rebellious Class of 1962 embraced the term as a badge of honor. The harsh treatment leading up to Recognition further strengthened
their bond and created an "us versus them" mentality, which resulted in numerous sneaky pranks; targeted at the upperclassmen.
The iconic RTB moniker has been proudly handed down through the generations every four years since the Class of 1962 graduated. Our C3Cs currently hold the honor of passing this cherished tradition on to the USAFA Class of 2030, who will receive the mantle when our Cadets accept their commissions in 2026.
NONPROFIT DISCLOSURE
WE ARE A PUBLIC CHARITY 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
WE ARE A PUBLIC CHARITY 501(c)(3) non-profit organization