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Eiguren ready to fly high at the United States Air Force Academy

JORDAN VALLEY – Kirk Eiguren, graduating from Jordan Valley High School, has been accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Eiguren is believed to be the first student to be admitted to a national military academy from Jordan Valley High School. He will join a class of 1,215 cadets to continue a tradition of 63 years of educating those for flight.

“The military is something that I’ve always been interested in,” Eiguren said. “In my freshman year, I narrowed that interest down to piloting. After some research looking into possible routes to become a pilot, I found the Air Force Academy. Since freshman year it has been something that I have actively pursued.”

Unlike the open range around his hometown, Eigeren will live the regimented style of a dorm.

Eiguren will be expected to live by the code of the academy — “We will not lie, steal or cheat, or tolerate among us anyone who does.”

Classes for the new cadet will start at 7:30 a.m., following a morning of squadron meetings or room inspections. At 11:30 a.m., Eiguren will line up with other cadets, alphabetically, by squadron and march to lunch.

The afternoon will be spent in class or completing 10 physical education classes, including boxing, water survival and team sports.

The evening for Eiguren will consist of briefings, lectures, ancillary training and other military duties.

The night will come to an end with a bugle playing Taps after the required study time. Becoming a pilot doesn’t mean the community is losing Eiguren for good.

“I plan on staying active duty until I qualify for retirement or joining a National Guard detachment after my service requirement is fulfilled or possibly coming home to Arock to ranch on the family ranch or possibly fly commercially,” Eiguren said of his future. “These are all options I’ve considered after I have finished my service requirement, but I have no concrete plan.”

Reporter John L. Braese: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.