Iain Lanphier ’24, has begun a new chapter in his life at the United States Air Force Academy. Aspiring to be commissioned as a 92T0, or more commonly known as pilot in the Air Force, Lanphier plans to follow the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, one of the first African American aviators and member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Currently, Lanphier is studying aeronautical engineering with a minor in business and economics as well as Spanish as a fourth-class cadet. Along with his schedule that includes physical training and classes, Lanphier participates on the mountain biking team.
Prior to leaving Brophy, Lanphier was a member of the Veterans Heritage Project and the starting goalkeeper of the varsity soccer team. Along with being the goalkeeper, he was also appointed the captain of the squad.
Lanphier was appointed the leader of the soccer team because of “his leadership style, his communication style, [there] [were] a lots of advanced kind of upgraded qualities to this guy, “ said Lanphier’s close friend and soccer head coach Mr. Marc Kelly ’87
Kelly remarked that Lanphier is a graduate worth remembering because “he’s a very sensitive guy, a very thoughtful guy;” he truly made an effort to care about others, making him an exemplary “man for others.” Specifically, Kelly said, “He [would] ask questions that are pertinent and that are driven to achieve a goal of trying to get to know somebody better.”
As aforementioned, Lanphier has begun a new stage in his life in which he is studying at the United States Air Force Academy. This prestigious institution comes with many challenges that new cadets have to face. Most notably, cadets, such as Lanphier, have to undergo Basic Cadet Training (BCT). This six week course has the sole purpose of turning civilians into military academy cadets.
“[This] training sucked,” said Lanphier. “But [It] taught and disciplined [me] to be a better person.”
With his dedication to a difficult curriculum, while balancing his military and extracurricular commitments, Lanphier hopes that his time at the United States Air Force Academy will set him up to follow the shadow of his great-grandfather and become a pilot in the Air Force.