Feature - Family becomes first to graduate four sisters from Academy

News > Feature - Family becomes first to graduate four sisters from Academy

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The Robillard sisters became the first family to have four sisters graduate from the institution May 25, 2011, in Colorado Springs, Colo. They are, from left, Amanda and Alicia, Class of 2011; Nicole, Class of 2009; and Lauren, Class of 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Davis)
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Family becomes first to graduate four sisters from Academy

Posted 5/25/2011

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by 2nd Lt. Meredith Kirchoff
Air Force Academy Public Affairs

5/25/2011 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Many graduates speak of the lifelong bonds they make with classmates during their four years at the Air Force Academy. For the Robillard family, the shared challenges, failures and triumphs of the Academy experience made a close-knit group of four sisters that much closer.

Twins Alicia and Amanda Robillard graduated May 25, making the Robillards the first family to graduate four sisters from the Academy.

"As anyone who attended the Academy can attest to, there is just that language and shared experience that all grads have in common, and being able to share that with all my sisters has really kept our bond strong," said Lauren Robillard, a Class of 2007 graduate and the eldest sister of the family. "I would even venture to say that by having all attended the Academy, we are closer than we otherwise would have been."

When Nicole, a Class of 2009 graduate, and Alicia and Amanda decided to attend the Academy, the sisters said they didn't consider it a decision to simply follow their older sister's lead. The Bristol, Conn., natives also said it wasn't something they were pressured into for tradition's sake.

"While (my sisters) and my parents were sure to not make Amanda and I feel forced in any way, the fact that they were here opened us up to the opportunities and experiences that I would have not been aware of," Alicia said. "In a sense, you could say it is like choosing the same college as your best friend, especially for Amanda and me."

"I went to college, and it just turned out that we all decided to go to the same college," added Lauren, who is now a helicopter pilot stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.

The younger three sisters agreed that entering the Academy with an older sister who was a current cadet had advantages beyond being a familiar face from home. Most notable on the list was almost unlimited access to a car during the first two years when cadets are not allowed to have their own vehicles.

"I didn't have to show up to a place where I didn't know anyone like many of my classmates," Amanda said. "I felt, and still feel today, like the luckiest girl, not only to have had an older sister at the Academy to show me the ropes, but also to have a twin sister who was going through the same things I was. Knowing Alicia was experiencing those things through Basic (Cadet Training) and a four-year degree was helpful and a constant motivation for me to do well."

One thing the older two were adamant about was allowing each sister to experience the Academy in her own way. Nicole, now an airfield operations officer at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., explained that Lauren gave her only two tips prior to inprocessing at the Academy: don't freak out the first morning of BCT when the cadre delivers the first wake-up call, and don't hyperventilate when the cadre pushes sand at cadets while low crawling through the tunnels of the assault course; just keep pushing it out.

"She wanted me to experience it on my own, which I came to appreciate, and a couple (of) years down the road, when the twins decided to come, I did the same thing to them and told them the same two things Lauren told me," Nicole said.

Not only did their older sisters not spoil the experience for them, the twins said, the elder Robillard siblings challenged them to make the most of their time at the Academy.

"I can guarantee it pushed me a great deal harder through basic when I knew my older sister was a cadre, and freshmen year because I wanted my sisters to hear that I was doing well so they could be proud of me," said Alicia, who will attend pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., with her twin sister following graduation. "They always did a great job of pushing us to do the best and not doubt what we are capable of."

Through that challenge, the Robillards distinguished themselves by the leadership role each sister attained in the Cadet Wing. Three of the four sisters served as cadet squadron commanders, the highest-ranking cadet and leader of their approximately 110-person squadron, while Amanda served as Cadet Group 4 commander, leading 10 cadet squadrons and a 20-person staff.

Although not from a military background, all the graduates attributed their family's success to their parents, Robert and Lenore Robillard, whom they describe as avid military supporters.

"I owe everything I am and that I have accomplished to my family," Amanda explained. "From the way I was raised by my parents to having the opportunity to watch my sisters as I grew up, (I learned) what hard work will get you. My mom and dad have loved and supported me day in and day out and are always proud as long as they see me happy and working hard."

All the love, support and advice aside, what does the foursome think is the best perk of having all their sisters go the Academy?

"It makes conversations way easier when you don't have to define acronyms!" Lauren said. "Our poor parents have been struggling to keep up with that power curve."

Comments

7/4/2011 1:43:01 PM ET
To Amanda, Alicia, Nicole, Lauren, Rob and Lenore, I am proud of you and honored to be your cousin.

Brenda Moss, South Dakota

7/3/2011 8:44:00 PM ET
Great story and congrats to the Robillard family. This is an exceptional accomplishment by four dedicated sisters. To the new grads, welcome to active-duty and to the USAFA alumni community.

JT, Joint Base Langley-Eustis VA

7/3/2011 12:36:08 PM ET
First off, let me say that I wanted to write this 1 month ago but waited till all the attention has waned. We are just an ordinary family who happens to have 4 very hard-working, driven and focused daughters. We do NOT have Congressmen or Senator connections. These kids did it themselves, not for fame and not for recognition. In fact, they are a bit embarrassed by the notoriety that came around. They have passed on numerous interview requests including an invite from a major cable news channel in NYC. THey are looking forward to their careers and futures. Thanks to all the "best wishes" comments and to those that hate-post, isn't this a great country that you can do that and not sign your name ...... Thank a Soldier. Best to all and thanks to all, active and retied...

rob and Lenore Robillard, bristol ct

6/19/2011 10:41:13 PM ET
Neither my wife nor I had connections and we got in. Proudly served and are still serving DoD. Awesome accomplishment. I only hope my two boy go. Maj in SWA sounds like sour grapes. Bob on the FOB to me.

Ragnar, Kabul AFG

6/16/2011 11:41:21 PM ET
To all you haters, this is quite an accomplishment. While there may or may not have been help in getting into the Academy, getting through is a different story. I graduated from the USAFA and am currently on active duty. Sure, I knew plenty of folks whose path into USAFA was easier than others but once you get in it is completely on you to make it through. No amount of help from mommy, daddy, senator, congressman or whoever will help you on those academic military and physical tests. One gets through based on one's aptitude and let me tell you, it was tough. There were plenty of moments I wondered if I really wanted to go through it and make it through. You have to really want it, work for it, and let's not forget, excell enough to make it through the Academy, and those who didn't were washed out.

jlin, AL

6/16/2011 8:11:04 PM ET
Congrats to the new record holders. I would like to point out the previous record of 3 sisters that I was there with the Healy's: Susan '93, Kelly '94, and Tracy '96. I hope this team is as great as they were.

Lt Col Jim Sikra '94, Los Angeles

6/14/2011 12:21:29 PM ET
Congrats to the Robillard sisters. It is indeed an accomplishment and I'm sure it has nothing to do with connections with Senators, but rather the character of each of the girls and the entire family. It's not terribly difficult to get an appointment to USAFA if you understand the whole person concept from early on in life. Clearly the parents of these four sisters instilled a great deal of values and hard work in each one of them.

Emily, FL

6/2/2011 5:05:17 PM ET
Congrats to the Robillard sisters That is quite the accomplishment This is indeed a great story and yes, a lot of people do care and find this interesting news.

Earl, Colorado

6/2/2011 5:03:40 PM ET
Great story. Congrats to the Robillard sisters as that is quite the accomplishment.

Earl, Colorado Springs

6/2/2011 3:56:20 PM ET
Congratulations to the Robillards and to their parents who did a good job. Aim High!

SMSgt retired Gordon Lau HI ANG, Bremerton WA

6/2/2011 1:47:25 PM ET
Hey Jeff, get over the USAFA vs AFROTC vs OTS stuff. Are you in the Air Force or just USAFA's neighbor? There may be differences among the various commissioning sources, but they're minor and are really irrelevant. At USAFA ,their lives are more insulated from the outside world, but they are fully immersed in Air Force for 24/7, while AFROTC cadets live Air Force part time for two to four years. I don't care where you get your butter bars -- mine were AFROTC. I've known officers from all sources that I'd run into Hades with, others I wouldn't walk with to the water fountain. Get over it.

DMPI, Al JBAB DC

6/2/2011 9:54:17 AM ET
I care. Thank you to the parents of all Academy graduates who raised their children to think for themselves and to choose to serve our country. Thank you to these ladies who have chosen to pursue their education at our Academy. It takes a lot of planning and work on the part of the student to get accepted at any college, much less a service academy. Thank you again, ladies, from a retired chief.

Tom Minton, Fort Smith Arkansas

6/2/2011 8:33:24 AM ET
Whenever I'm feeling down about flying a desk, I can always count on cynical comments to cheer me up. Congrats to the sisters. Congrats to the "Maj in SWA" who can use the internet to hate-post. Congrats to the person who just randomly assumed Maj couldn't get into the Academy. Excuse me, but I have to go make more coffee.

Coffee Maker, Macdill AFB

6/1/2011 10:51:59 PM ET
I can't believe how a nice feel-good article like this brings out all you whiners. Why can't you just enjoy the fact that some sisters have done well and save all your negativity for Tops In Blue?

Just sayin', Optimism Fla.

6/1/2011 7:44:36 PM ET
How does this promote diversity in today's Air Force? As Maj SWA pointed out, this family obviously has some sort of connection with senators and congressmen. I'm not bashing the achievements of these four women and I'm certain they will lead remarkable careers.

Jason, Right Here

6/1/2011 6:36:52 PM ET
Maj SWA, get over the fact you couldn't get into the USAFA. You sound like the typical shoe clerk. To answer your question, when 1000 other families reach this type of milestone, I expect a similar story. Congrats to this family. All are on active duty and serve a min of 5 yrs...

E, CA

6/1/2011 6:02:05 PM ET
I hope these sisters are better than some of the people I have met coming out of the Academy, which is just another college and over-rated as far as I am concerned. Most I've seen over the past 20 years graduate with a silver spoon of percieved superiority hanging from their mouth. ROTC officers have shown to be far more superior in dealing with reality than recent Air Force Academy grads.

Jeff, Colorado Springs CO

6/1/2011 3:34:42 PM ET
@F SC, I believe the answer to your question about whether or not they are on active duty is in the article. Nicole is in airfield operations at Luke AFB, Lauren is a helicopter pilot at Fairchild AFB, and Amanda and Alicia are going on to pilot training at Columbus AFB. Additionally, isn't active duty service a requirement for Academy grads? @ Maj SWA, sounds like sour grapes to me.

KR, Sheppard AFB

6/1/2011 10:08:07 AM ET
Not too clear about this story. Are they serving on Active Duty? I am proud for such a unique family accomplishment but the government has gone to great expense for their education. This story leaves me wondering if all they did was attend a very selective school. If so, Johnny Q. Taxpayer paid over $1,000,000 in tuition for one gee-whiz story.

F. , SC

5/31/2011 10:50:58 AM ET
Who cares? The family and friends of those young women care. The graduates themselves care. Having a sponsor doesn't guarantee admission to the Academy. Nor does it guarantee graduation. How about some props for these graduates, sir, rather than belittling their achievements. Congratulations to the Robillard sisters and to all the other graduates of the class of 2011.

K. Wagers, Colorado Springs CO

5/30/2011 11:49:35 AM ET
@ Maj SWA, Really! I care. This was an interesting article and congressional nominations or not, it is quite a milestone for this family and the Academy. By the way, Major, I'm sure these ladies will turn out to be great leaders for our AF. As much as I disagree with your comments, I do appreciate your service as with all the other servicemen and women who I'm sure proudly serve or have served.

SF Ret, Texas

5/27/2011 5:35:11 PM ET
Who cares? So some family has connections with their senator or congressman in order to get nominations for all of their daughters. Other than that this is just four individuals who graduated from the Academy. Is the AF going to do a story on each of the 1000 or so graduates each year?

Maj, SWA

5/27/2011 1:14:11 AM ET
Rob, Lenore, Lauren, Nicole, Alicia, Amanda: I Salute You With Pride

SMS Earl R. Goff AF R, Lexington SC 29071

5/25/2011 8:50:14 PM ET
Rob and Lenore, we are so proud of your and the girls

Chris Cignoli, Springfield MA

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