Despite the close proximity to raging wildfires in Colorado, two La Crescenta men and graduates began basic training in the U.S. Air Force Academy on Monday.
La Crescenta residents Paul Dean and Ian Taylor joined about 1,000 other Cadet candidates as they boarded buses to begin Cadet Basic Training in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Dean graduated in May 2012 from the La Canada all-boys Catholic high school.
Taylor, a 2011 graduate, received his appointment to the Academy after attending the New Mexico Military Institute.
Jake Laporte of Monrovia graduated in 2011 and joined the Academy after attending the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
John Naginis of Lakeview Terrace graduated in May 2012 and also began training Monday.
"The St. Francis community wishes all four graduates the best as they work their way through this challenge," said Andy Burghdorf in a St. Francis news release.
