APPLES SPOTTED IN COLORADO

Air Force Academy Welcomes Apples
Future Apples Joins ESPN Gameday

Theairisthinouthere.
Colorado Springs, CO.


For what was termed "Reasons of National Security," it was today learned that several members of the Apples this past weekend made an unannounced and unpublicized visit to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a high ranking government source confirmed the Apples surprise visit only after they had left the Academy and were on their way back to Tennessee.

"You never know what kind of trouble the Apples may cause, so sometimes it's better to let them fly under the radar screen and get rid of them before things get too stirred up" said the government source.

With details of the visit now beginning to leak, it can be confirmed that Apples Don Bernitt and Patty Pender were called upon by the USAFA to escort future Apple Matty Oliver to Colorado Springs to join his brother, Air Force Cadet Michael Oliver, at this past weekend's 'ESPN College Gameday' which was broadcast from the Air Force Academy.

It can now be reported that Matty Oliver flew under the cover of darkness from Delaware to Nashville last Friday and was then escorted to 'Gameday' by the Apples. Holding a sign that read 'Mules Can't Fly' Oliver was then front and center for several hours on ESPN and was seen smiling from coast to coast as the 'Gameday' crew held court at the Academy leading up to the Falcons crushing 35-7 win over Army.

Additional reports have added to the picture of the Apples weekend visit, which appear to have included a visit to the Air Force - Army boxing match which was held Friday night. Just released video and still photos of the event show Cadet Michael Oliver has learned well in his first 3 years as a Cadet. Instead of boxing, he has taken on the role of ring announcer for the boxing team.."Ladies and gentleman, the winner by decision, in blue corner.." announced Oliver before being drowned out by the cheers of fellow Cadets following the final bout of the evening.

In addition to the already mentioned flurry of Apple activity, it has also been learned that Bernitt and Pender took the opportunity while in Colorado to get in a little high altitude hiking. Departing just after sunrise Saturday morning, the Apples set out on a 3 1/2 hour hike that saw them climb 2,000 feet to the summit of Eagles Peak at an altitude of 9,638 feet.

"Nothing like a few hours of heart pounding thin air hiking to wake you up" said Bernitt as he sucked air at the summit overlooking the Academy. "That was tough" added Pender as she described the steep and often rocky climb to the top. "But as is always the case" said Pender, "the view from the top was worth the effort."

After descending Eagles Peak and returning to the Academy Grounds, the Apples were treated to the time honored Air Force tradition of a pre game fly over. Along with a 7 man combined Air Force - Army parachute jump, the Apples witnessed an ear rattling low altitude F-15 fly over to include an after burner kick that shook the ground. Following the two F-15's it was the power and grace of the B1 Bomber that sealed the deal which led to the coin toss and the public address announcer's introducing of the Apples.

"I touched, I really am" said Bernitt when introduced along with several 3 and 4 Star Generals in attendance at the Service Academy Weekend. "I have heard a lot of B.S. from my Uncle over the years" said Cadet Michael Oliver, "but in this case I have to agree with him...he is touched"

Bernitt was then overhead countering Oliver's comments by saving, "the good thing about coming out here and seeing Michael's room is that it will be a long time before I ever hear my room is a mess again." Oliver quickly retracted his comments before ushering the two Apples, younger brother Matty, and fellow Cadet Mary Anderson off Academy grounds for a relaxed dinner at a local Colorado Springs restaurant.

With the whirl wind top secret trip behind them, reports now say that the Apples have returned to Tennessee to entertain talks that may lead them to an on site visit to Caravel Academy in Newark, DE. in an effort to help cheer Jeffrey 'J-Dog' Oliver on to victory in the upcoming Delaware State High School Football Championship.

When asked the chances that the Apples will be in Delaware anytime soon, Bernitt didn't miss a beat when he answered, "there are two chances, slim and none." With that said, about all that can be said for sure is that it will only be a matter of time before we next hear that now famous cheer..............

How bout them Apples !!

***PHOTOS BELOW***