This poem was written by Errol D. Severe, a graduate of Aviation Cadet Class 61-E. It appears at the beginning of his book, The Last of a Breed, which covers the entire USAF Flying/Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program from its inception in 1917 until its termination in 1961. If you would like to learn more about this book, click here.

Through all the years,

Hardships and tears.

Through times of peace,

Through times of war,

Our comrades soon will leave this shore, to

Climb ever higher, toward Heaven's door

Lest we ne'er forget,

These men called "Cadet,"

The "Last of a Breed,"

Volunteers to the need.

The end of a line,

These buddies of mine,

They are "Cadets" to the end,

These men I call "Friend."

© 1997
Errol D. Severe

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(Click above for USAF Pilot Class 61-F)