ABOVE: Tyson Geerdes, son of Scott and Stephani Geerdes, will graduate from the United States Air Force Academy on March 30. From there, he will advance further into the United States Air Force branch.

FAIRMONT — Tyson Geerdes has completed his four years as a student and cadet at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Geerdes majored in Cyber Security.

He’s a Fairmont native, having graduated from Fairmont High School in 2020. Geerdes remarked that he had a long interest in the Air Force, finding an elder relative as inspiration to enter into the field. Thousands of students apply to study and train at the USAFA. Geerdes had over 1,000 individuals in his class.

Following his graduation on May 30, Geerdes explained his plan to have a block of leave to recuperate after the four years spent at the academy. On August 3, he will report to Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio. There Geerdes will take a 12-month accelerated Masters Program in Applied Systems Engineering. After he graduates with a masters degree in September 2025, he will advance to pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. Geerdes will transition from cadet to officer for the United States Air Force, receiving the honorable position of second lieutenant, a testament to his hard-work that led him to his path going forward.

“The academy is a very rigorous program throughout all four years,” Geerdes explained. “It’s a great feeling to be on the cusp of its ending,” he added.

The academy grades and assesses individuals on academic, athletic and military curriculum and responsibilities. Geerdes also served as a Bugle Corp Drum Major, which represented the culture and significance of the armed forces, especially to leave an impression of the field to citizens.

While recalling his time at the academy, Geerdes expressed a little bittersweetness with his graduation date nearing close.

“There’s things I’m not ready to be done with,” he said with a laugh. Because the academy is so tough, it really lends itself to the adage that the toughest times make the best of friends. And because we go through a really, really rigorous program for four years, you embrace the difficulty and embrace the people around you.”

Recalling about his interest in the field, Geerdes’ desire to join the Air Force has been strong for years.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Geerdes beamed, reflecting on his fulfilling decision. “Everything we do is a learning opportunity. Everything we do, see… They enable us to make more leadership decisions.”