Cadets prepare to take the stage to receive their diplomas at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
A family has made history after becoming the first to graduate four sisters from the Air Force Academy, according to a news release from the Academy. Twins Alicia and Amanda Robillard graduated on May 25. Their older sisters Lauren and Nicole graduated in 2007 and 2009 respectively. “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. “I would even venture to say that by having all attended the academy, we are closer than we otherwise would have been.” The sisters said they didn’t consider it a decision to simply following their older sister’s lead. The Bristol, Conn. natives also said it wasn’t something they were pressured into for tradition’s sake. Lauren is a helicopter pilot stationed at Fairchild AFB and Nicole is an airfield operations officer at Luke AFB, Ariz. “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 4-degree year 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. The twins agreed that their older sisters not only didn’t spoil the experience for them, they challenged them to make the most of their time at the Academy. (credit: Air Force Academy)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets embrace after receiving their diplomas at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Flyover
Andy Benavides of Centennial took this photo of the Thunderbirds above the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25.
Air Force Academy Graduation
Graduating cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy arrive to Falcon Stadium on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Newly commissioned 2nd lieutenants celebrate following the 2011 graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
A cadet's hat falls off as she embraces a commrade at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. By tradition, cadets put money in their hats representing the year of their graduation with this year's amount $20.11. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
A cadet prepares to take the stage to receive his diploma at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets perform a leaping chest bump after receiving their diplomas at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets arrive for their graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets embrace after receiving their diplomas at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets from the 2011 graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy arrive to Falcon Stadium on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets take the oath of office during the 2011 graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Newly commissioned 2nd lieutenants throw their caps in the air as a team of F-16 Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the 2011 graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Newly commissioned 2nd lieutenants throw their caps in the air as a team of Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the 2011 graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Michael Donley, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, gives the commencement speech at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
A cadet leaves the stage after receiving his diploma at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates received their diplomas in front of their families and dignitaries at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy try and grab a bag of popcorn that was thrown as they arrive for their graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
A cadet bows his head in prayer during the invocation at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event at the Academy's Falcon Stadium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Air Force Academy Graduation
Cadets from the 2011 graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy march into Falcon Stadium on May 25, 2011 in Colorado Springs. A total of 1,021 graduates were to receive their diplomas in front of their families, dignitaries and the public at the annual event. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)