Four sisters make U.S. Air Force Academy history

This past Wednesday, twins Alicia and Amanda Robillard graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Their older sisters, Lauren and Nicole Robillard, are also graduates of the Academy, putting the Robillard family in the history books.

They are the first family to see four sisters graduate from the Academy.

Lauren says the mutual experience has brought the close-knit family from Bristol, Connecticut, even closer.

"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," she said.

The women claim their decisions to attend the Academy were not rooted in pressure or tradition. Instead, the younger sisters were exposed to opportunities and experiences through their older sisters' educations and were inspired to pursue similar paths.

There are advantages to having someone go through training with you and before you, Amanda admits. One of the perks for the girls following in Lauren footsteps is having access to an older cadet with a vehicle. For the first two years, cadets aren't permitted to have their own cars.

"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."

Conversations with family are also easier "when you don't have to define acronyms," Lauren adds.

Throughout their four-year programs, all four sisters thrived in leadership positions. Amanda served as 4th Group Commander, while her sisters served as cadet squadron commanders.

Recent grads Amanda and Alicia are now set to attend pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.

The Robillard sisters attribute their work ethic and success to their supportive parents.

"I owe everything I am and that I have accomplished to my family. From the way I was raised by my parents to having the opportunity to watch my sisters as I grew up, teach me what hard work will get you," Amanda said.

(Photo credit: John Moore/Getty Images)