Stephan Atrice is one of about 100 Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) cadets at the Air Force Academy.  He recently returned from his 2-year mission, serving and preaching in the Caribbean and Central America.

The academy has about 100 Mormon cadets, and it allows them to leave school for a mission within their first two years. Atrice’s mission took him primarily to Puerto Rico, but he also traveled to Aruba, Curacao and the Dominican Republic.

Atrice, who once dreamed of being a football star, reportedly returned to USAFA with a different focus on life: 

He came back with a different focus for his life.
 
“I believe God put me on this Earth to do something great,” Atrice said. “Before, how I lived my life or being here at the academy, it was, ‘Do whatever it takes to get on the field.’ Now I don’t feel that way. I feel, ‘Do whatever it takes to make a difference.’”

It seems Atrice has joined a great many fellow Airmen and football players who realize there is “more to this life” — a realization that will prepare him well for the rest of his military career and life.

Somewhat ironically, had Atrice not taken two years off for his mission, he likely would have been at the White House this week, accepting the Commander in Chief’s trophy with his now-senior former classmates.