U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY — According to the U.S. Air Force Academy, senior cadets who have stayed at the Air Force Academy to complete their bachelor’s degree during the COVID-19 outbreak, will get face masks before the weekend.
“Our goal is to distribute these masks to every cadet by close-of-business, Friday,” said Steven Norman, flight chief for cadet logistics.
Tailors at the Academy are making the 10-inch by 6-inch cotton masks at the cadet tailor shop in Sijan Hall.
Norman said the Academy purchased the cloth “similar to surgical material” from a business in Colorado Springs.
On average, five people are making the masks, said project manager Aurora Mendoza.
“We’re here to take care of cadets,” said Mendoza. “That’s our job.
Norman plans to give the new masks to “about 1,200 cadets” by Friday afternoon. Almost 30 masks will go to security forces Airmen, the base police, who check drivers’ identification at the South Gate.
There is also a plan in the work to give masks to service members.
“We’re trying to be proactive, stay ahead of the curve and keep the community safe,” said Norman.
Col. Brian Hartless, commander of the 10th Air Base Wing – the Academy’s host unit – sent a memo to everyone at the base April 6 requiring them to cover their faces in public. His instructions follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hartless also instructed everyone at the Academy to wear masks if they can’t keep at least six feet from other people when working.
