The United States Air Force Academy’s Latter-day Saint Cadet Choir gave a great concert honoring both our country and the LDS church. They sang some beautiful songs, including the national anthem, "The U.S. Air Force," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," "Praise to the Man," and "Come Thou Fount." The students also enjoyed a piano solo of the song "I Stand All Amazed."
There are thirty members of the choir, representing just over 100 LDS members of the academy. Most of the choir members have served missions around the world and speak a variety of different languages. Four seniors among this group were acknowledged as having received their assignments for further training. They will be graduating in approximately 100 days. They also recognized and honored ROTC cadets from UVSC.
The representative for this concert was Adam Greer, one of the four seniors present. He talked about how singing had helped him through numerous training sessions and to be able to withstand the stresses of school, homework, military training, and physical activities. He loves the LDS hymns just as the rest of the members of the choir do, who are not professionals, but sing in this choir because of their love of music.
Caleb Pall, a freshman, spoke about what it is like to be LDS and in the academy. A lot of his mission experiences helped him to deal with all the things at the academy. He attributes the success of our country and the academy to God, and believes that God aided his acceptance into the Air Force Academy. Being in the military, he said, allows a person to see the power of God and to have greater faith.
Shawn Killpack, a sophomore, talked about how "if we don’t pay attention during training, then we are not prepared when the big tests come." Waiting to learn until the big trial comes will never prepare a person. Everyone is given a training period to prepare for the biggest trials, but each person has to take the initiative to prepare for whatever lies ahead.
Andrew Groberg, a junior, spoke to students about sacrifices of soldiers, giving their lives for others’ freedom. He spoke of the sacrifice of the family who gives their children to fight for their country. And then there are those who sacrifice for their families. And there is the ultimate sacrifice – believed by Christians to be the sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world. Everyone is asked to sacrifice, and it should be done with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
It was an amazing experience for all those who attended. For those who did not, there is a devotional every Friday at noon in the Institute North Chapel. The next speaker will be Marcus Martins. All are invited, so please come and enjoy the good feeling, good company, and good food.
