Ben Knutsen accepted to Air Force Academy
By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Cazenovia High School senior Ben Knutsen has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Knutsen is the son of John and Lisa Knutsen of Cazenovia. He received a nomination for academy admission from then Congresswoman Claudia Tenney last November.
Admission to the academy is extremely competitive; candidates are considered based on their academic achievement, leadership, athletics and character. In addition to securing a formal nomination, candidates must pass a fitness test and undergo a medical examination.
Knutsen plays on the CHS varsity football and baseball teams and enjoys skiing and fishing.
Last summer, he served as a delegate at the 2018 annual New York State Boys State program, sponsored by the American Legion.
The program is designed to teach participants about the operation of local, county and state government. Delegates are selected based on their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, character and citizenship.
Knutsen learned of his appointment on March 8.
“I was very excited . . . It felt great because of how much time I spent working [towards] an appointment,” he said. “My family was thrilled . . . They knew how important going to the academy is to me.”
Knutsen’s father, John, served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy and Air Force before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in January 2018.
Growing up in a military household, Knutsen envisioned himself in the military from a young age. After considering both the Naval and Air Force Academy, he made a decision based on a conversation with his father.
“[Like my dad,] I want to be a fighter pilot . . . my dad asked me if I would rather fly from land or fly from an aircraft carrier,” Knutsen said. “I decided that I would [prefer] land. After that, I was set on the Air Force Academy.”
Graduates of the Air Force Academy’s four-year program receive a bachelor of science degree and most are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. After completing his degree, Knutsen will serve for a minimum of five years.
He will report to basic cadet training on June 27.
