Three appointed to Air Force Academy

Dick Benoit

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 10:12 a.m.

Three graduates of the Class of 2000 from the Las Vegas Valley have accepted appointments to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Lance Kallman of Bonanza High School, Anthony Park of Las Vegas High School and James Valpiani of Bishop Gorman High School have all been admitted into the Air Force Academy Class of 2004, academy officials confirmed.

Park, the grandson of Shirley and David Washington of Las Vegas, received a superintendent of schools appointment. He has also signed to play football for the academy.

Kallman, the son of Rod and Viki Kallman of Las Vegas, received a U.S. Senate appointment at the recommendation of Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Kallman will be a second-generation Air Force Academy student. His father, Rod, is a member of the Class of 1975. He will be attending with his older brother, Derrick, who will be a senior at the academy this fall.

Valpiani, the son of Leslie and Dr. Michael Valpiani, received a presidential appointment.

All three appointees will report on June 29 for in-processing and basic cadet training at the picturesque campus, located on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.

In brief

Dick Benoit covers individual and unit accomplishments of Southern Nevadans serving in the active duty and reserve armed forces. He can be reached at (702) 641-8664 or by e-mail at dickb@vegas.com.