The Flipper Dinner has been held ever since 1977, the centennial anniversary of Flipper's graduation from the Academy. Each year, as part of the event, the Flipper Award is given to a senior cadet who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties. The 2017 recipient of the Flipper Award was Cadet Christopher "Lars" Lofgren, who was injured during a military summer training activity in the 2015 and has since been confined to a wheelchair. This past summer, Lofgren competed in the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games and received six silver medals and one bronze medal.
The family of Henry O. Flipper presented Lofgren the award. "I have always seen the Flipper Award as an amazing opportunity to show everyone how resilient and strong people can be," Lofgren said. "I know so many people who have and continue to go through greater hardship here. My fellow cadets have lost friends, family and so much more. "While my condition is more obvious and in the open, it also means I don't go through any of my challenges alone. I work hard, but I've gotten a lot of help to be where I am. Friends, family and the whole Long Gray Line have been at my back and supporting me all the way." Full Story»