Each year, a text is selected for the entire incoming class to read as part of the First Year Reading Program. Through a variety of events and activities, incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to explore this book with their peers, instructors, and the broader campus community.
Here's What We'll Say:
Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force Academy
by Reichen Lehmkul
Reichen Lehmkul is perhaps best known for the ambition, intelligence, and athleticism that won him the grand prize on CBS's Amazing Race. Since winning the million-dollar prize, Lehmkuhl has gone on to find success acting in film and television. However, he played the biggest role of his life long before his professional acting debut, when he was forced to hide his sexuality to comply with the Air Force's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Here's What We'll Say tells the harrowing inside story of what happens when cadets who are committed to serving their nation's military figure out that they are in fact gay. With no way out and no place to turn for protection, a new code of conduct emerged among gay and lesbian cadets that helped ensure their safety. Gathering secretly in various locations, cadets formed a hidden network. To guarantee the privacy of individuals in attendance, however, each meeting opened with, "Here's what we'll say…"—a pledge so sacred that the group had it inscribed on the inside of their class rings.
First-Year Seminar 101, some WRT classes: If you are enrolled in a class that is using this text and have not received the book, contact the Student Orientation Office (Room W-3519, Melville Library, 632-6710) or Student Affairs (Room 348, Administration Building, 632-6700) to receive a copy.