Services and Facilities

Medical Care
(719) 457-CARE
The 10th Medical Group is a well-equipped clinic with ambulatory (same day) surgery. The clinic is located in the DoD Western Region and provides services with our TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Our professional medical staff provides care in most major medical specialties.

Located in the Cadet Area is an outpatient clinic, which provides primary medical care for cadets, flyers, and other eligible beneficiaries who work in the cadet area. All other active duty members and their families receive care at the main clinic or within the local TRICARE network.

Active duty, retirees and their family members must be registered in the Composite Health Care System and DEERS. Academy TRICARE enrollment is accomplished at the TRICARE Service Center in the clinic. TRICARE Prime enrollees receive priority care in the 10th Medical Group and have a primary care manager to manage health care needs.

Information sources for TRICARE are:
• TriWest: (888) 874-9378
• TriWest website: http://www.TriWest.com  
• TRICARE website: http://www.tricare.osd.mil
All non-emergency medical care is provided by appointment. Call (719) 457-CARE (2273) to make an appointment. There is no Emergency Department at the Academy. Emergency care is obtained by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department.

Dental Care
(719) 333-5192
There are two dental facilities on the Academy. The Academy Dental Clinic, located in the Fairchild Hall Annex within the Cadet Area, provides dental care to active-duty members, cadets and preparatory school students. Dental care is also provided on a very limited, space-available basis for retirees and dependents of active-duty members and retirees. There is a dentist on call for after-hours dental emergencies.

The oral surgery clinic, located in the Academy Hospital, provides oral and maxillofacial surgical services to active duty personnel, cadets and preparatory school students. Oral surgery care is also provided on a very limited, space-available basis for retirees and dependents of active duty personnel and retirees.

Airman & Family Readiness Center
(719) 333-3444
The Air Force has learned that providing needed services for its single and married members and their families increases productivity, and most importantly, mission readiness. The Air Force believes this so completely that a full-time person on the Airman & Family Readiness Center staff manages programs and services directly related to readiness.

The Airman & Family Readiness Center is located in Pine Valley (6248 W. Pine Loop), adjacent to the child development center and temporary lodging facilities. The family advocacy office is collocated with the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The center can be reached at (719) 333-3444 or by fax at (719) 333-7200.

The following programs and services are available:
• Relocation assistance
• Volunteer program
• Employment assistance for members and families
• Financial counseling
• Emergency financial assistance
• Family life education
• Information and referral

Child Development Programs
(719) 333-6779
The child development center is located at 6250 Sunflower Drive, off Pine Loop, in the Pine Valley housing area. It maintains two separate centers, encompassing several programs with a variety of services for parents and the early developmental needs of children 6 weeks through 10 years old. Center #2 is located at 5150 Community Center Drive and maintains the part-day enrichment program for children ages 3 to 5. They also offer the hourly care program, which is designed for children of parents not in need of full-day services

. Both centers adhere strictly to specific guidelines set by the Air Force, including caregiver/child ratios, staff training programs and nutritional requirements ensuring the well being of each child. Catering to the needs of the individual child, the center places children in five separate age groups to match their developmental levels.

Child development programs are set up to meet the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of all children and to give them the protection and security they need while away from their parents. Age-appropriate activities include creative art, music, story time, language, dramatic play, large and small motor activities and special field trips. There are well-equipped playgrounds at both centers. The center participates in the Colorado Department of Health Adult and Child Care Food Program, which ensures children have nutritious meals during their stay. It also supervises a family home child care program, with a potential of 40 licensed homes at the Academy. This program participates in the United States Department of Agriculture Food Program, as well as provides quality activities for children and youth.

Parents are invited to visit the centers at any time to talk with the director and teachers about their children and the overall child development center program.

Youth Center
(719) 333-4169
The Falcon Trail Youth Center is located in the Community Center across from the chapel, and features a full-sized gymnasium, gymnastics balcony, dance studio, art room, television rooms, computer center, music room, activities room, snack bar and many game tables. It conducts a well-rounded program with activities geared toward family members ages 6 to 18.

Classes are offered in karate, gymnastics, piano, dance, tennis, swimming, acrobatics, driver's education and more. The center conducts an extensive youth sports program with year-round activities in hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, tee-ball, inline hockey, indoor soccer, swimming and sports camps. Special activities include ski trips, field trips, outdoor recreation, contests and much more.

A before/after school program and summer day camp is offered along with programs during school holiday breaks. These varied activities include games, arts and crafts projects and field trips. Day camp programs are ideal for working parents with young children. An extensive teen program is presented to the eligible teenagers of the Air Force Academy. The center is a United Way organization and is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. All boys and girls clubs members in the Colorado Springs area may participate in youth center sports.

Schools
(719) 234-1200
There are two schools on the United States Air Force Academy base. Both are operated by Academy School District 20. Air Academy High School accommodates grades nine through 12. Douglass Valley Elementary has kindergarten through fifth grades. Students in middle school attend classes off base at Eagleview Middle School. The district does offer choice enrollment during January and February. Families can choose a school other than their neighborhood school during the choice enrollment window.

Academy School District 20 offers support services for students with disabilities and students with special education needs. There are six preschools in the district and each elementary school offers before and after school daycare.

All new elementary school students are assessed when they register in Academy School District 20 so teachers have recent and accurate information about each student's academic level. For more information about Academy School District 20, please call (719) 234-1200 or see our website at http://www.asd20.org.

Educational Opportunities
(719) 333-2269
Vast arrays of educational opportunities exist in Colorado Springs for military members and their families. At least 20 institutions from colleges and universities to business and trade schools operate numerous post secondary programs within a short drive of the Academy.

The Academy Base Education and Training Flight are here to meet your needs for education and vocational planning. Education specialists are available to counsel on degree programs, goal setting, financial support for education and a number of other educational opportunities and programs. We can help you with course selection, obtaining transcripts, interpreting test results and a host of other education-related activities. Our counselor can save you a great deal of time and effort if you are interested in commissioning programs, education deferments, correspondence courses, Air Force Educational Leave of Absence, veterans education benefits and other education programs and opportunities.

These services are available for adult family members, as well as active duty personnel. Best of all, they are provided free of charge. Available for your use, free of charge, is access to the Strong Interest Inventory and DISCOVER program, a computer based guidance system and Self-Directed Search. These tools can be used to assess your interests, attitudes, work values and abilities. This valuable information can assist you in making important choices about schools and occupations.

Our operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments for counseling are strongly encouraged. You may make an appointment to see a counselor by calling (719) 333-3298.

The Base Education and Training Flight also assist eligible active duty and civilians with professional military enrollments in: Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and Senior NCO Academy Course 12 or 14. Please call (719) 333-3625 for more information. For more information, visit the Air Force Virtual Education Center on the AF Portal, http://www.my.af.mil 

Libraries
Base Library
(719) 333-4406/4665
McDermott Library
(719) 333-4749/2590
The Academy has two libraries which are open to base personnel: one located in the Community Center and the other in the Cadet Area.

The Base Library in the Community Center serves the educational and vocational needs of base personnel and families as well as the Preparatory School. It has a collection of more than 29,000 items including subscriptions to about 75 periodicals and newspapers. It sponsors weekly "story hours," summer reading programs and other activities developed to serve family needs and to support continuing education opportunities for military personnel. Personnel assigned here or living on base may check out materials from the Base Library.

The McDermott (or Cadet) Library, located at the north end of Fairchild Hall, is a major academic library housing more than 1.8 million items, including about 1,000 research journals, more than 50 on-line subscription databases, a special collections and Academy Archives area, a partial U.S. government documents depository, and extensive microfilm and microfiche collections.

The McDermott Library has ongoing exhibits which may be of interest to Academy members as well as visitors. Faculty members and cadets may check out materials from the McDermott Library. Because access to the Cadet Area is seriously restricted, other USAFA personnel may submit special requests to borrow needed McDermott Library items through the Base Library.

Community Center Chapel Programs
(719) 333-3300
Welcome to the Community Center Chapel on the Academy where our chapel can be your home. Please join us as we worship the Lord, fellowship together and serve others.

You may have heard you can worship the Lord anywhere; perhaps on the golf course, on the lake or hiking in the mountains and you can, but the truth is you probably won't. So we invite you to worship with us on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. It is in our worship services where you will find satisfaction of your greatest longing; fellowship with God.

In addition to worship, you will discover multiple opportunities to build friendships through the fellowship times after worship, Bible studies, social outings and dinners.

Furthermore, the outworking of our worship and fellowship is a desire to serve others. We know you can experience a subtle frustration if you don't find your niche where you can do something constructive. Thankfully, this is a great place to lend your time and talent to help others in the community. Wednesday Night Live (WNL) is a great example. So welcome to our community. We look forward to worshipping with you, fellowshipping together and serving others.

Catholic Community
Weekend Worship:
Saturday Mass, 4 p.m., with the Sacrament of Penance, 3 p.m.
Sunday Mass, 9 a.m.
Children's church is on Sunday, 9:10 a.m. (September through May)
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. (call (719) 333-3300 to confirm)
Holy Day Masses, 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Religious Formation:
Welcome into full communion with the Catholic Church takes place each year through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Adult faith education explores scriptural themes and continues the ongoing dialogue of Catholic teaching. Teens participate in Catholic youth ministry—a peer-to-peer and service-oriented group. Traditional religious education accommodates children from pre-school though senior year high school on Sunday (September through May) at 10:15 a.m.

Community faith renewal is offered through "Why Catholic?" missions, retreats, and seasonal activities with Stations of the Cross and Communal Penance taking place throughout the church year. Baptism, confirmation and marriage preparation are available with scheduled appointments.

Protestant Community
Weekend Worship Services:
Sunday, Evangelical Service, 10:15 a.m. This service includes contemporary and traditional elements. Gospel Service, 11:30 a.m. This service follows elements of the Gospel tradition.

Religious Formation:
Primary Religious Education is on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. It is scripturally oriented and offers classes for children 3 and older, teens and adults (September through May).

Other Faith Groups
Please call the chapel at (719) 333-3300.

Additional Information
Please call the community center chapel at (719) 333-3300 for worship and program schedules. You may also check the chapel website at, http://www.usafa.af.mil/10abw/hc for additional information. To speak with a chaplain after duty hours, please call the command post at (719) 333-2633.

Cadet Chapel Program
The Cadet Chapel worship program is comprehensive and offers weekly Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Earth-centered services. For additional information and Special Events/Services visit the Cadet Chapel's website at http://www.usafa.edu/ superintendent/hc or contact the Cadet Chapel staff at (719) 333-2636.

Roman Catholic Program
During the academic year (August through May) Roman Catholic Masses are celebrated weekdays (except Friday's and academic holidays) and on Sundays. Roman Catholic Holy Days are celebrated during the academic year. Call (719) 333-2636 to confirm Mass times, especially during the summer months or on academic holidays.

Protestant Program
Protestant worship services are held every Sunday during the academic year with special worship opportunities on Holy Days and some Wednesday evenings. Sunday worship includes Liturgical, Traditional, Contemporary and Latter Day Saints services.

Jewish Program
The Jewish Chapel offers a wide range of religious services and education for Jewish cadets and military members. The Jewish chaplain conducts regular weekly Sabbath services and High Holy Day services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Other holiday services, including Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover, etc., are also celebrated. Guests and visitors are invited to attend both Shabbat and holiday services.

Muslim Programs
Muslim cadets celebrate all Muslim holy days. Weekly Jummah prayers are conducted every Friday or transportation is provided so cadets can worship downtown. Muslim holy days, to include the month of Ramadan, are celebrated with daily services and prayers. Specific Muslim holy days are celebrated in conjunction with the Colorado Islamic Society.

Buddhist Program
This program is led by a Sensei or authorized Buddhist Teacher from the Springs Mountain Sangha, a Colorado Springs Zen Buddhist community. Weekly gatherings offer a Mahayana Buddhist service, consisting of meditation and dharma instruction and discussion, emphasizing those basic components of both practice and study that are common to all three major branches of Buddhism. Practitioners of all schools of Buddhism are warmly welcomed, as are those following other faith traditions and those who pursue their spirituality in a non-religious context.

Earth-centered Program
This program is led by a Lay Leader.
Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE)
Monday evenings during the academic year, a variety of religious education classes are available to all cadets. Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Earth-centered religious studies are offered.

• The Protestant community offers multiple ministry classes centering on God's word and its implementation through the core values of the Academy.
• The Catholic cadet religious education program offers classes in scripture, church doctrine, church history, ministries, liturgy and the living of gospel values. Small cadet faith group communities also enable in-depth faith formation.
• The Jewish education is under the direction of our Rabbi.
• The Buddhist SPIRE meetings include meditation, instruction and discussion of meditation practice, and study of Buddhist texts and core values.
• The Muslim and Earth-centered religion classes are led by Lay Leaders of those various faith groups. Cadets may freely choose to attend any of the above classes.

Retreats
Retreats are an important part of the chapel program. Each September, the Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox and Protestant fourth-class cadet retreats are well attended following the rigors of basic cadet training. Other retreats are scheduled throughout the academic year. They include choir retreats, upper-class retreats, women's retreats, the together encountering Christ retreat, a monastic spirituality retreat, a Buddhist meditation retreat and parish council planning retreats. Associate ministry groups sponsor a variety of retreats and weekend conferences. Annual Protestant pre-marriage retreats are held for first-class cadets planning graduation week weddings. Catholics offer Engaged Encounter retreats, individual marriage preparation counseling and Evenings for the Engaged.

Counseling and Visitation
Chaplains are on hand when the new cadets arrive at the Air Force Academy and through-out their academy experience. They are present during Basic Cadet Training, teaching core values education classes and visiting training areas. During Basic Cadet Training and throughout the academic year the chaplains are also available for pastoral counseling. Chaplains are assigned to visit each group and squadron in the wing, as well as other cadet training areas.

Choirs/Chorale
There are four chapel choirs. These include the Catholic Cadet Choir, the Cadet Gospel Choir, the Protestant Praise Team and Latter-Day Saints Cadet Choir. The primary mission of the cadet choirs is to provide choral music at worship services in the Cadet Chapel. Instruction in a cappella Byzantine Chant is available via the Orthodox chaplain.

The Cadet Chorale is one of the best-known singing groups in the Air Force. Competitive auditions are held each year for cadets who are interested in the program. The Academy Singers is the small a cappella group of chorale members. The chorale and the Academy Singers represent the Academy in local and national appearances.

Cadet Councils
Each major faith group has a cadet council that helps plan and carry out the chapel program in the squadrons and cadet wing. The cadet officers and representatives provide the link between the chapel and the Cadet Wing.

AAFES
(719) 472-0861
The Academy's exchange provides a full range of services. The base exchange is located opposite the bowling alley near the bank on Community Center Drive. The exchange also has a General Nutrition Center, whose hours correspond to those of the BX. A Burger King is located between the exchange and commissary. The main community center complex includes a military clothing sales store. Clothing sales not only provides uniform and accessories but Academy-specific gifts. Also located in the complex are the barber and beauty shops.
Included in the complex is a minimal of AAFES service facilities to include an alteration shop, laundry/dry cleaner, optical shop and flower shop.

The combined service station/shoppette/Class VI is located on Community Center Drive next to the child development center. This facility has a grocery section, Class VI section along with a full line of automotive products and is open Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A small retail annex located on the third floor of the cadet academic building stocks snacks, beverages, stationary and other convenience merchandise.

Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A snack bar is located on the same floor of Fairchild Hall and provides short-order food items as well as a cappuccino cart and its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. A barbershop is located on the second floor of Fairchild Hall. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Cadet Bookstore, on the second floor of Vandenberg Hall, supports the Academy's academic program. The bookstore also offers stereo, computer equipment, Academy clothing, gifts, snacks, health and beauty, video and DVD rentals. Customers may also special order books through this facility. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Commissary
(719) 333-2428
Located west of the base exchange, the commissary features full-service shopping along with a bakery, delicatessen and sushi bar. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Banking
(719) 472-1090
Air Academy National Bank/Academy Bank is a full-service bank located in Building 5122 (next to the Community Center) and at Sijan Hall (Terrazzo level). Hours of operation for both branches and the drive-thru, which is located at Building 5122, are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bank also operates four conveniently located ATMs: main bank, cadet facility, Field House and Vandenberg Hall. Academy Bank, a division of Armed Forces Bank, provides banking seven days a week in most Colorado Springs Super Wal-Mart stores and at the stand-alone branch at 1575 Space Center Drive. Air Academy National Bank/Academy Bank are part of the same banking family as Armed Forces Bank, which operates branches on 24 military installations in 16 states. For complete information on locations, products and 24 hour a day services, call (877) 712-2265 or visit http://www.aanbank.com 

Credit Union
(800) 223-1983
Air Academy Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution offering checking and savings accounts, mortgages and home equity loans, auto loans, electronic services—including Internet banking, bill payer and access to over 25,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide—identity theft protection, and much more. Membership is open to anyone in the military (active or retired) and their family members, and individuals and their families assigned, attached or detailed for duty at the Academy. In addition, AAFCU serves local school districts and area businesses.

The credit union is located on base in the Community Center, Building 5136. 24 hour ATMs are located at the branch and at Fairchild Hall. A drive-up ATM is located between BX and Commissary. Branch hours of operation are Monday, Tues-day, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. AAFCU also offers other branch and ATM locations in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Castle Rock, Elizabeth, Parker and Highlands Ranch.

Thrift Shop
(719) 333-4459
The Academy Thrift Shop is located in the community center complex, next to the Academy Credit Union. Anyone with a DoD ID card may consign their unneeded items. You do not need a DoD ID card to shop in the Thrift Shop. There are bargains on household goods, sporting goods, as well as clothing, electronics and decorating items. Thrift Shop profits are distributed by the Officers' Spouses Club to AF and civilian communities for scholarships and other charitable concerns. The OSC operates the shop, which is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. read more...