AFPC commander newest Prep School exemplar

  • Published
  • By Maj. Brett Ashworth
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, Air Force Personnel Center commander, was recently selected by the Air Force Academy Preparatory School Class of 2007 as their exemplar.

An exemplar is a graduate of the Prep School who has gone on to extraordinary accomplishments during their military career.

General Przybyslawski was selected from a pool of 16 nominees by the cadet candidates. Cadet Candidate Group Commander Melina Kessler contacted General Przybyslawski with the news.

"I'm prior enlisted and had never spoken to a major general before, so I was nervous," Cadet Candidate Kessler said. "But he asked how I was doing and this made me feel comfortable. You can tell he cares about people."

General Przybyslawski was honored to be selected by the class.

"My time at the Prep School set the foundation for my four years at the Academy and throughout my Air Force career," he said. "The academic, physical and character development I gained there was invaluable."

His duties as an exemplar include serving as the class's graduation speaker and offering motivational support to the cadet candidates during their time at the Prep School.

In an address to the Class of 2007 Nov. 10, he accepted the exemplar duties and spoke on leadership and his keys to success. He is scheduled to attend the Prep School's teamwork exercise in the spring.

"When General Przybyslawski spoke to our class we were blown away," Cadet Candidate Kessler said. "What he said really hit home and we are proud to have him as our exemplar."

An exemplar is an important part of the Prep School mission according to Col. Larry Jones, Prep School commander.

"It is a real honor for a person to be chosen as an exemplar. Exemplars are selected from a very impressive list of candidates who've graduated from the Prep School and have become extremely successful in their careers," Colonel Jones said. "Their role is important because they offer an example of how the Prep School can prepare cadet candidates to be successful at the Academy, in the Air Force and in life. Exemplars also motivate the cadet candidates through their visits and words. The cadet candidate class of 2007 could not have selected a better exemplar."

General Przybyslawski was inducted into the Prep School Hall of Fame earlier this year.
"I am extremely honored to serve as the exemplar to the Prep School class of 2007," General Przybyslawski said. "Our country is in good hands with these young men and women leading our Air Force for many years to come."

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