This past week, I had the honor of sharing Etiquette Tips with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Class of 2025. After arriving and setting up, I was given a short period of time to talk with the cadets about basic Fine Dining Skills with an emphasis on Self-Presentation. What a thrill to share with such a committed group! In today’s blog post, I’ll share more from my time interacting with the USAFA cadets and explain how Dallas area students and adults can enroll in one of my dining etiquette classes or camps this summer.
About the US Air Force Academy Cadets
Upon graduation, USAFA cadets have completed a rigorous program of leadership and high-level academics. All cadets are required to take engineering, physics and to make an attempt to fly planes. They must get good grades and pass their requirements in all four areas. At the Academy, honor is first and foremost. Respect is highly valued and lying or cheating is not tolerated. Complaining is not an option. In addition, an attitude of gratitude and a focus on the well-being of fellow cadets (over one’s own interests) is crucial. Finally, all cadets give up their summer months and are required to serve all four summers while attending the Academy. Truly, these are hard-working young people with a drive to succeed.
Observations from my Interactions with the Cadets
I must share with you one interaction with my favorite cadet, who greeted me with “Howdy”. Immediately, I informed him that an officer would never greet anyone by saying “Howdy”. He smiled, joyfully apologized and chose to listen to me for another session. He also asked for Thank You notes, which I was handing out to many cadets (as well as placemats and handkerchiefs). As his classmates laughed, I reminded him that he had displayed the ultimate in how to take an order or command with a joyful heart. When admonished, one should correct the problem and move on. For this cadet, arguing was not in his DNA.
This was an example of a well mannered cadet. I mentioned that all are being watched and how they react will often influence the response of others. These character traits are embodied in every aspect of the training at the Air Force Academy. For cadets, taking a command from a superior is required before one can give commands to others. You must take orders before you can give orders.
Young and obedient. Oh, how much society rejects these concepts and often thinks of obedience as a crime. However, obedience brings leadership and those who have been effective leaders once followed others.
In conclusion, the USAFA Class of 2025 are some of the finest, well-prepared Cadets and will represent the United States Air Force well as officers. Well done, cadets! Thank you for allowing me to interact with such a wonderful group of young men and women.
Hire Lisa for Dining Etiquette Classes in Dallas
Lisa Burdette is a Dallas area etiquette expert. She offers private / group dining etiquette classes as well as training in interview skills and social graces. She has successfully helped many individuals with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa has worked with corporate clients such as the Toyota Corporation, the Bank of Texas and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Ready to elevate your employees’ social skills with business etiquette? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
