AFA Split of Classes

So here is a letter I put out sometime back on my Air Force Academy blog, it explains why I split the classes out there. I have had to put up with a good amount of passive-aggressive behavior because of the split, but that is okay. When I made the change I did it with a lot of prayer and counsel with local Priesthood leaders. We all felt it was right, but most importantly, the Lord impressed upon the director of the institute it was right. 

The only feeling I really have left to express on the matter is directed to those who have chosen to allow this decision to still chafe after all this time: I love you, but get over it. Really. I do really love each of the Cadets I have had the opportunity to teach at the AFA. Really. But it is really time to move on. Goodness me, guys, if the AF scrapped all the F-16s in their air order of battle tomorrow, and you would never ever get to fly one, would you allow it to rob you of enjoying flying an F-15, a C-5, or C-17, or whatever? I would hope you would learn to fly one of those with a big grin on your face too! Change happens, and it is not always the change we want or desire, but if there is one consistency in life we all need to adapt to it is change. 

Here is the letter:

"Brothers & Sisters,

"The Church Board of Education requires all students who attend Institute to take BofM to graduate. Because of the timing of cadets’ missions and a four year rotating block of classes: BofM, NT, OT, D&C, not every cadet was able to take the BofM, thus putting our institute out of harmony with the Board of Education & prophetic vision of the Chairman of the Board of Education, Pres. Monson.

"To rectify the situation and to ensure all cadets at the AFA were able to meet the requirements of the Board, I counseled with the Priesthood leadership of the North Stake, i.e.,  the Stake Presidency, the High Council member over the AFA institute program, the two YSA Bishops who were serving at time, as well as discussing the matter with several cadets. I then prayerfully made the decision as the program administrator to make the change to split the classes to ensure every cadet who attends institute at the AFA could meet the minimum requirement to complete institute. I felt a confirmation from the Spirit of the Lord that it was the right decision.

"Perhaps there is some other way we did not consider to rectify the situation; do you have suggestions to ensure all of the cadets can meet the requirements to complete institute? If so, please feel free to share them; if not, may I invite you to pray and receive the same confirmation I did about the path we have taken? 

"BroPalmer"