Hegseth Rallying 3,500 Cadets in Colorado Springs

Clear Facts

• U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Colorado Springs to address 3,500 Air Force and Space Force cadets during his ongoing “Send Me Tour.”
• The appearance comes ahead of the Air Force vs. Navy football game, intended to lift service-member morale.
• Hegseth’s tour continues a tradition of senior leaders engaging directly with future officers.

Secretary Hegseth stepped to the podium in full view of the assembled cadets. The event marked another stop on his nationwide tour aimed at reinforcing the fighting spirit of America’s next generation of officers.

“Send Me” has become a rallying cry that echoes through every service academy. Hegseth’s remarks stressed duty, discipline, and the timeless values that have long defined the American military.

.@SECWAR "I had a chance to do PT with about FOUR HUNDRED of you this morning over in the practice facility.

There's no better way in this country—on this planet—to start a day than PT with the best Americans on the planet… IT WAS INCREDIBLE." pic.twitter.com/4bqY6waDns

— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 3, 2026

.@SECWAR has just been given an @AF_Academy PT shirt 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Yj7Ze1qVwJ

— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 3, 2026

.@SECWAR "We're doing this SEND ME TOUR in some parts for you, but YOU ALREADY SAID SEND ME.

YOU ALREADY MADE YOUR DECISION THAT 99% OF AMERICANS WILL NEVER MAKE—THAT'S WHY YOU ARE THE REAL 1%.

Part of this tour is to SPOTLIGHT the incredible decision that men and women like… pic.twitter.com/d7b8z3azjc

 — DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 3, 2026

.@SECWAR "We're here today as part of a tour that we’re undertaking called the SEND ME TOUR, and it is meant to showcase places like this…

We bring the press with us because WE WANT TO SHOWCASE YOU—THE REAL 1%, THE BEST OF OUR COUNTRY, who made the decision when you were young… pic.twitter.com/DqiW1JyqSw

 — DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 3, 2026

“Our cadets represent the best of this nation,” he told the crowd. “They stand ready to defend the Constitution and the freedoms we hold dear.”

The Secretary also highlighted the unique mission of the Space Force. He noted its critical role in securing American dominance in orbit and protecting vital national assets.

“Space is no longer a sanctuary,” Hegseth said. “We must remain the strongest power above the atmosphere just as we are on the ground and at sea.”

Following the speech, cadets lined up for photographs and brief conversations with the Secretary. Many expressed appreciation for the direct engagement from senior leadership.

The Air Force Academy campus provided a fitting backdrop. Snow-dusted peaks rose behind the parade grounds where future pilots and space operators stood in formation.

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