Checkpoints - June 2023

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ON THE COVER

Second lieutenants celebrate their graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy by throwing their caps skyward as the Thunderbirds fly over Falcon Stadium. Academy

Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, in his remarks at commencement, said, “Today, we’re here for one reason and one reason only, and that is to honor the commitment, the sacrifice, the dedication of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023.” (USAFA photo by Trevor Cokely)

2023 • CONTENTS

THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION

ONLINE

Expanded coverage of the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony; USAFA cadets take part in the 38th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs; grads participate in Warfare Symposium.

Checkpoints checks in with several engaged graduates to find out their motivation behind participating and giving back to their Academy. From mentorship opportunities and financial support, to career transition assistance and Legacy Class support, graduates are stepping up to have an impact.

USAFA DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

Three alums of the United States Air Force Academy were selected Distinguished Graduates of the institution. This year’s honorees are Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh ‘66, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Desjardins ‘80 and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ‘83.

IGNITING INSPIRATION

USAFA graduates have been an integral part of the 70-year history of the iconic Thunderbirds demonstration team. Checkpoints catches up with several graduates who make up the current Thunderbirds team and also touches base with some of the past pilots.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE FIGHT

This spring, the Academy instituted a new Culminating Exercise (CULEX) for the graduating Class of 2023. The hope is the integrated exercise helps better prepare future Air Force and Space Force officers for future conflict.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

As deputy director of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Larry James ‘78 continues to have a lasting impact on the future of space exploration and research — and he’s loving every minute of his ongoing career.

FEATURES THE FLIGHT LINE

4 STAFF DIRECTORY

6 BOARD CHAIR JOURNAL

9 GRAD CONNECTIONS

AOG updates, your feedback, news and fun

President Mark Hille’s column p. 9 Letters, check-ins and more p. 10 News from USAFA and grads p. 12 USAFA launches “Let’s Be Clear” effort p. 16

57 ROLL CALL

Heritage and graduate profiles

Gen. Martin ‘70 and Col. Meilinger honored p. 57 Maj. Dilts ‘10 and Capt. Boules ‘15 named Jabara Award recipients p. 58 Tara Dunn ‘07 leads restorative justice effort p. 62 Grads share passion for fencing with younger generations p. 66 Burchby ‘74 assists sailing nonprofit p. 70 Bridges ‘65 joins Astronaut Hall of Fame p. 74 Martinson ‘70 ranks among top national philanthropists p. 76 Heritage: Recalling F-100 stories p. 78

82 FROM THE TERRAZZO

Cadet life and the latest from the Academy

From the Hill: News from USAFA p. 82 Technology companies help with Madera Cyber Innovation Center upgrades p. 84 USAFA launches Leader of Character certificate program p. 88 USAFA Prep School gives students a taste of aviation excitement p. 90

93 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

103 CLASS NEWS

THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION

Academy graduates give back to their alma mater in a variety of ways.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE FIGHT

A new Culminating Exercise helps better prepare Firsties for future joint warfare.

SPIRIT 03 DEDICATION

The Class of 1979 raised funds for a Spirit 03 Memorial placed on USAFA’s Honor Court. The memorial was officially dedicated on May 5.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Larry James ‘78 helps direct NASA research efforts as deputy director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.

GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS (ONLINE ONLY)

The Checkpoints team attended this year’s commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023. Check out our expanded coverage of the speakers and the events of the day.

Scan the QR code or visit www.afacademyfoundation.org/Spirit03 to view the ceremony.

YOUR ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES & AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION

BOARD OFFICERS

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

SENIOR STAFF

Chief Executive Officer: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould ’76

President: Mark Hille ’97

Chief Financial Officer: Katie Willemarck, CPA

Senior VP, Alumni Relations & Business Development: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99

Senior VP, Development & Stewardship: Kelly Banet

Special Assistant, President & Boards: Jillian Wood

CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Glenn

AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION

VP, Marketing & Communications/Executive Editor: Wyatt Hornsby, APR

CHECKPOINTS TEAM

Managing Editor: Jeff Holmquist

Creative Director: Melissa Campbell

Graphic Design: Geraldine Villanueva

Photography: Ryan Hall

Social Media: Brittany Weinzierl

Obituary Editor: Tom Kroboth

Writers: Steven Lincoln, David Bitton, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77

CONTACT US

719.472.0300

EMAIL

To email a staff member, use the first and last name. Example: Steve Simon | steve.simon@usafa.org

FIND US ONLINE:

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Volume 52, Number 1 Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 (Phone: 719-472-0300; DSN: 333-2067; FAX: 719-344-5705; Email: editor@usafa.org). Additional magazine copies may be purchased for $2.50 each, plus $4.60 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. The editorial board serves the Checkpoints mission by providing a top-quality magazine to the Air Force Academy’s broader community. Together, the editorial team and editorial board collaborate to ensure all articles meet the standards of excellence readers expect from Checkpoints The AOG reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the AOG, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the AOG of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 2023.

CHAIRMAN

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Brian Bishop ’83 Jack Kucera ’78

VICE CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Cathy Almand ’90 Alex Gilbert ’87

Dr. Ginny Caine Tonneson ’80

Dr. April S. Fitzgerald ’87

Strebe ’87

Jerome V. Bruni ’70

COLORADO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

What graduates are saying about working with Roger Hill ‘70

It was great knowing our realtor was a USAFA grad because we knew we could trust him right away. Roger was there every step of the way providing insight and guidance.

Outstanding Realtor. Helped me buy my home, investment properties, and a vacation home. His vast knowledge and 30+ years of experience are indispensable. Roger truly has our highest recommendation.

Roger is the real deal. He speaks the same language. He delivered during incredibly competitive markets - twice. FAST, NEAT, but certainly NOT AVERAGE.

Class of 2006J. S. & M. G., married grads Fountain, CO

Roger was the best and knows his stuff. Helped me and my two daughters buy our separate homes in Colorado. He is family to us.

Buying or selling real estate, you need a Broker you can trust. As a graduate with 44 years of real estate experience and 31 years licensed in Colorado, allow me to be your real estate consultant.

• Ethical, professional agent looking out for your best interest as your buyer’s OR seller’s agent.

• Member of Colorado Springs MLS and Denver MLS.

• Serving Colorado Springs, Monument, Castle Rock (where I live), Parker and the South Denver metro area.

• Nationwide referral and consulting available at no charge. I can save you money.

• Awarded Master of Real Estate from the Colorado Association of Realtors.

Contact Roger at 303-956-5955 or by email: B737kid@aol.com or Roger.Hill1970@gmail.com

• ABR, ePRO, GRI, MRP, SFR, SRES

Roger Hill ’70

Associate Broker

Your Castle Real Estate

Class of 1989 - T. D. Monument, CO

Class of 1997 - D. H. Castle Rock, CO

Class of 1970 - X. V. Centennial, CO

BOARD CHAIR JOURNAL

HAIL & FAREWELL

BY COL. (RET.) ROBERT LOWE '71, AOG BOARD CHAIR

Thank you for voting in our recent Association of Graduates board of directors election. A special salute to the classes of ’68, ’72 and ’73 with voter participation rates exceeding 50%! What a great example of leadership and engagement for our more recent graduating classes. Increased graduate engagement and participation is the key for our board of directors to accurately represent our 50,000+ graduates. At our May board meeting at Doolittle Hall, we welcomed new directors to our board — six elected and three appointed under our association’s bylaws.

ELECTED

HANK HOFFMAN ’63

GARRY DUDLEY ’68 – Re-Elected

BOB LOWE ’71 – Re-Elected

LEE KRAUTH ’72

"TRAPPER" CARPENTER ’73

CATHY ALMAND ’90

Across our 16-member board, we have a wealth of experience and increased representation of the Long Blue Line.

In May, we also bid farewell to seven directors who played a vital role in the AOG successes of the past few years.

Our board vice chair, Will Gunn ’80, departed due to term limits after eight impactful years on the board. Mark Volcheff ’75 and Nancy Taylor ’01 departed as elected directors; and Mark Mavity ’84, Dennis Dabney ’89 and Andrew Hendel

APPOINTED

CHRISTIAN EVANS ’08

NATE DIAL ’10

JENNIFER WALTERS ’11

’09 concluded their appointed terms. Kendra Lowe ’01 is departing after a partially completed term as an elected director due to an overseas relocation. Her term will be finished by one of our newly appointed directors.

Finally, at our May meeting, our board elected a new chair, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Brian Bishop ’83. Brian will do an outstanding job leading our board. I look forward to working with him, our new vice chair, Cathy Almand ’90, and the entire

board as we build on our recent successes, including:

• Implementation in 2022 of membership at no cost for all graduates.

• Financial backing to make the TrueNorth Commons project, which includes the Hosmer Visitor Center and a new hotel at the Academy’s North Gate, a reality.

• Ever-closer alignment between the AOG and Air Force Academy Foun-

dation, including a new vision, mission and five-year strategic plan and a single CEO, president and CFO for the organizations.

• Financial strength and stability.

• Increased graduate engagement and support.

We thank all seven departing directors for their dedication and exceptional service to the Long Blue Line.

Our association continues to work hard and with purpose to engage more recent graduates and young alumni. In that spirit, we are pleased to announce our Young Alumni Excellence Award (YAEA) winners for 2022. The award recognizes graduates within 15 years of graduation for exceptional professional accomplishment, whether in military or civilian life. These awardees will be profiled in the September edition of Checkpoints:

Maj. Hila Levy ’08

Maj. Nichole Ayers ’11

Maj. Jennifer Walters ’11

Maj. Julian Gluck ’12

Loyd Bradley ’14

Additionally, we are excited to announce our 2022 Distinguished Graduates for their lifetimes of service. Each is profiled in this issue of Checkpoints and will be honored in August:

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh ’66

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Sue Desjardins ’80

Gen. (Ret.) David “Fingers” Goldfein ’83

Congratulations to all our honorees! A parting thought: As graduates, we play a vital role in our Academy’s mission to develop cadets into leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force. While federal funding provides for our Academy’s core needs, private support ultimately enables USAFA to be excellent across all mission elements.

When we graduates make a gift, we’re

showing we care and are showing up for the cadets who will lead our Air Force and Space Force and fight and win our nation’s wars.

Our annual day of giving — 1Day1USAFA — happens on Aug. 2. This is a prime opportunity to meaningfully engage, support cadets and invest in our Academy mission.

Visit 1Day1USAFA.org for more information. Please consider participating in 1Day1USAFA.

Where we invest our time and treasure will shape our legacy.

It has been an honor to serve as chairman of our association’s board of directors. On behalf of our board and association, I wish you a wonderful and blessed summer.

Sincerely,

Col. (Ret.) Robert A. Lowe

RIGHT: AOG Board Chair Bob Lowe '71 (right) presents Kendra Lowe '01 with an engraved Terrazzo marble slab in recognition of her service to the AOG board.

FAR RIGHT: Chair Bob Lowe presents WIll Gunn '80 with a Terrazzo memento thanking him for his eight years of service to the graduate community and AOG board.

’71

A Time of Reflection & Opportunity

BY MARK HILLE ’97 PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES & AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION

Author Elie Wiesel famously said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”

These words have come to mind numerous times over the past two years as Academy graduates, parents and friends have actively shared their perspectives on several key questions facing our country and our school. In many visits, emails, letters, calls and social media posts, I have sensed contrasting reactions of both concern and support, frustration and loyalty, apprehension and pride.

But never indifference.

In this, I take heart, because these responses demonstrate how much we ultimately care about the future of our Academy and about our cadets.

This care is grounded in the belief that the Academy plays a vital role in securing our nation’s future, and the young men and women willing to commit to a life of “service before self” demand our attention. In the final analysis, our shared love of country and the promise of its future provide us the motivation to engage in the difficult topics of our time, despite differences in experience and perspective.

I humbly suggest that we look at this as a moment for reflection and one of opportunity.

We have dedicated a portion of this issue of Checkpoints to posing the question: “What does active participation in the future of the Academy look like?” In doing so, we presume the following: In developing leaders of outstanding character to serve our Air Force, our Space Force

and beyond, the Air Force Academy remains an essential national resource. My hope is that the words and images inside this issue offer you a moment to consider this statement — and your potential response.

For so many graduates, “service to the Academy” seems like a natural byproduct of a life of service. After all, many of us spend 10, 20, 30 and even more than 35 years in uniform, requiring great sacrifice along the way, including constant moves with family, long deployments, weighty responsibilities and time spent in harm’s way.

Out of uniform, graduates continue to serve our communities, our fellow citizens and our families — as mothers and fathers, business leaders and public servants, doctors and attorneys, coaches and mentors, clergy and scholars.

But I would suggest there is something unique about rendering service to the Academy that reaches to a different part of us and is unique from everything else.

At his induction as one of our first two Distinguished Graduates Award recipients alongside Gen. (Ret.) Ronald Fogleman ’63, Harry Pearce ’64 said, “Whatever success I may have achieved in my professional life, I credit my experiences at the Air Force Academy.”

If we agree with this point, what might our own response be?

Is our response to commit to being informed and reaching out to our Association for accurate information? Is it to be an engaged member contributing

time, expertise or resources to support Academy programs? Is it to be available to the Long Blue Line and cadets, offering mentorship and guidance? Is it to participate in events, chapters or affinity group activities to foster connection and belonging? Is it to nominate a classmate to be recognized for an award?

My request of Academy graduates, parents and friends is always the same, regardless of disparate views surrounding current events. I ask that you get engaged however you can. I ask that you participate in events, ask questions, stay informed, mentor young people with a service mindset and continue to provide generous support.

Our nation is actively wrestling with the implications of changing culture and new perspectives of rising generations, and the Academy is not alone in meeting these challenges.

Yet the Academy has a unique and permanent advantage — we claim a timeless mission. The Academy develops leaders of character prepared to give their all in defense of our nation. This abiding truth binds us together across the generations and will continue to do so in the decades to come.

So, if the measure of how much we value the Academy is the inverse of our relative “indifference,” then I remain optimistic based on how deeply our graduates, parents and friends care about our school.

We are grateful — and we thank you for your continuing support.

GRAD CONNECTIONS • LETTERS + FEEDBACK

STATE OF MIND

Feedback, insight and fun from Falcon Nation

Heart, Head and Hands

The new Department of Defense report on sexual harassment/ violence at federal military academies shows an 18% increase in sexual assaults over three years.

The emotion of this report is felt by those close to the academies, especially in the alumni community. As graduates, we want to see cadets thriving/supporting each other with dignity and respect. After this disturbing report, it’s not surprising to see calls for a “culture reset” and what might change in “training.”

Training is great for gaining knowledge and skills, yet most training programs rarely lead to sustainable change. Transformation requires a holistic approach, known as the “heart, head and hands” of transformation.

Most training programs focus on the head (memorize and learn) and hands (these behaviors are healthy/unhealthy). In recent years, we have seen effective organizational change efforts focus on all three, especially the heart.

Another way of framing is “feel-think-do,” which starts with an engaging learning experience through shared activities, not “training content.” The idea is to create a positive feeling about the experience that opens doors to new ways of thinking.

Questions: 1. Are academies doing everything they can to prevent sexual assaults? 2. When sexual assaults occur, can victims report without fear of reprisal? 3. Are investigations done thoroughly and without bias? 4. Are victims given support and counseling to assist their recovery in every way possible? 5. Is a new approach to designing the learning experience needed to move the needle in this critical area?

Time for a deep dive to assess the answers.

— Col. (Ret.) Mark Hyatt, Class of 1974

Operation Homecoming Memories

In early December 1972, my squadron — the 37 TAS — was deployed to SEA. I was a copilot, and John Skorupa ’69 was my aircraft commander for almost all missions. With U.S. forces leaving Vietnam, our squadron was being redeployed home. We deadheaded back to Ching Chuan Kang Air Base (CCK) to await the rest of the squadron.

Operation Homecoming (Checkpoints, March 2023) started in mid-February and was supported by two C-130s for each mission. The crews for those aircraft had been scheduled ahead of time.

There was one unscheduled release added after the second scheduled release. It was 34 POWs that mainly weren’t held in Hanoi. The only available crews and aircraft were those at CCK waiting redeployment. Since the mission was almost 18 hours, it required a double crew. We were one of the two crews that had returned to CCK at the end of February and had not qualified for combat pay or tax exemption for March. So, we were chosen.

We departed CCK for Clark Air Base in the Philippines on March 4. The next morning, we picked up the release team and departed for Gia Lam AFB in Hanoi. The actual release was held on the ramp at the airport.

The release was one of the most moving experiences in my life. I got to escort three releasees from the release point to the C-141. One of them cried the whole way, and another swore and damned the North Vietnamese with every swear word in the English language.

Soon after, we loaded the North Vietnamese peace delegation and dropped them of at Tan Son Nhat on our way back to Clark.

— Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bob Hilb, Class of 1970

Meaningful Displays

The North Gate static displays hold a lot of meaning for me. I spent my entire career flying B-52s. I flew F models in training and both Gs and Hs at operational bases.

My father-in-law, James H. Grady (USNA ’51), flew CH-3Es in Vietnam. He actually flew out of Thailand. He was awarded a Silver Star for one of his missions. He was originally nominated for the Air Force Cross, but the powers-that-be decided they were giving out too many medals, so they downgraded it to a Silver Star.

— Maj. (Ret.) Michael Brannick, Class of 1972

(Editor’s Note: Due to a production error, the above letter ran in the March edition of Checkpoints attributed to the incorrect author. The writer was Michael Brannick, not Geoff Michael as previously indicated. We apologize for the error.)

DEI Theories

I read with interest Col. (Ret.) Lucky Ekman’s (’63) comments (March 2023 Checkpoints) debunking part of USAFA’s DEI theory.

More interesting was the fact Checkpoints gave him 311 words to present his case. That is opposed to the 1,365 words allotted Gen. (Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70 in the December 2022 Checkpoints to expound on the benefits of DEI.

I challenge the AOG and the editors of Checkpoints: Ask Gen. (Ret.) Ron Fogleman ’63 to present his opinion of DEI in the next issue of the magazine. There is no better alumnus to speak on the issue than Gen. Fogleman, who represents the highest level of warrior ethos and integrity.

In case you need a primer, read his recent column in The Federalist, “Racial Preferences At Our Service Academies Are Not Essential To National Security.”

— Lt. Col. (Ret.) AB Coe, Class of 1968

Checking In With Checkpoints

Col. (Ret.) Al Dunlap '73 and his Checkpoints magazine made it to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet). Daughter Allison joined him on the 8.4-mile trail on April 1 in honor of USAFA Founders Day.

The winner of last quarter’s “Find the Falcon” contest is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley '64 Gen. Kelley was one of 42 Checkpoints readers who reported finding the golden Falcon — hidden on page 31 — in the March 2023 edition. Thank you to all the readers who participated in the past quarter's contest!

Want to check in?

Send us a hi-res (300 dpi) digital image of you and your Checkpoints magazine at a unique locale or event, and your photo could end up on the Grad Connections page in the magazine. Include your name, city and state, class year, and a short note about where you are pictured and what you are doing, and email it to editor@usafa.org.

Letter Guidelines

Checkpoints welcomes the feedback of our readers. The editorial staff reserves the right to limit the number of letters on a particular topic, decide on the publication of letters, and edit letters for length and accuracy. Letters may include corrections, clarifications or criticisms of specific content. To be considered for publication, letters must:

• Directly reference content that was published in Checkpoints magazine within the past two issues.

• Be 200 or fewer words in length.

• Include the writer’s full name, phone number and graduation year (if an Academy graduate) and be emailed to editor@usafa.org.

Letters will not be published if they:

• Contain information that is promotional in nature.

Locate the falcon hidden in the magazine and send its location — along with your name and contact information — directly to jeffrey.holmquist@ usafa.org to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate at the AOG Gift Shop. Deadline for entry is Aug. 4, 2023.

• Are anonymous.

• Contain personal attacks.

THE TRANSMISSION

Yarian Hired by Ewing

Ian Yarian ’87 is the new irrigation category manager for Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply in Florida. Yarian is responsible for growing the product category, managing vendor relationships, engaging customers and providing product support to Ewing branch and sales staff. He comes to Ewing from Rain Bird, where he worked for more than 14 years in various leadership capacities.

Michalek Assumes FBI Role

Mark D. Michalek ’99 is the new special agent in charge of the Denver FBI Field Office. Michalek most recently served as a section chief in the Human Resources Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington. In 2020, Michalek was appointed as an assistant special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office, where he oversaw programs including business administration, security, crisis management and SWAT operations.

Zencey Takes New Role

Greg Zencey ’04 has accepted a new position with Peraton, based out of Kennedy Space Center, Florida, as a systems integration and testing engineer. He is responsible for systems engineering for the development, test and operations of the NASA direct-toEarth communications network, supporting communications with all of NASA's near-Earth space operations.

Olmsted Scholars Selected

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation recently selected five active-duty Air Force Academy graduates as members of the Olmsted Scholar Class of 2024. Over the next three years, these officers will complete language training and pursue graduate studies on full scholarships at foreign universities around the world. The newly selected scholars include Maj. Michael G. O’Kelley ’12, who will study in Jerusalem, Israel; Maj. Joshua J. Harnisch ’13, who will study in Kyoto, Japan; Maj. Daniel S. Jones ’13, who will study in Zagreb, Croatia; Capt. Jeremy J. Butler ’14, who will study in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; and Capt. Reuben K. Luone ’14, who will study in Thessaloniki, Greece. Notable USAFA graduates who were previous Olmsted Scholars include Gen. D.T. Thompson ’85, vice chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Steven Shepro ’84, former deputy chairman, NATO Military Committee; and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Timothy Fay ’87, former deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe — Africa.

Wright Named Director

Col. (Ret.) Wanda A. Wright ’85, former director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and a 21-year veteran of the Arizona National Guard, has been named director of Arizona State University’s office for veteran and military academic engagement. The director position is focused on promoting dialogue, teaching and research to increase understanding, knowledge and relationships among military, civilian and academic cultures.

Shepro Joins Pratt & Whitney

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Steve Shepro ’84 was recently named vice president of integrated customer solutions at Pratt & Whitney. He will lead worldwide business development of products and services for the propulsion company’s defense sector. Most recently, Gen. Shepro was vice president of business development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Bivins Joins Institute

Col. (Ret.) Robert L. Bivins ’76 joined the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) as an adjunct research staff member in the Joint Advanced Warfighting Division of IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center. IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers in the public interest.

USAFA news from around the globe ... and beyond

Capt. Jeremy J. Butler ’14

Capt. Reuben K. Luone ’14

Maj. Joshua J. Harnisch ’13

Maj. Daniel S. Jones ’13

Maj. Michael G. O'Kelley ’12

Budde Takes Command

Col. Brian “Notcho” Budde ’00 has assumed command of the 477th Fighter Group, an Air Force Reserve unit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Col. Budde formerly served as the 477th Fighter Group deputy commander.

Zurbrügg Joins Hall

Dr. Eric Zurbrügg ’65 has been inducted into the Zanesville, Ohio, City Schools’ Hall of Fame. He served as an Air Force physician during the Vietnam era, then completed residency training and board certification in pediatrics and child neurology. He went on to a long medical career.

Kapaska Receives Honor

Dr. Dave Kapaska ’72 received an Award of Meritorious Achievement from the American Heart Association for his efforts to expand Medicaid in his home state of South Dakota. He retired in 2017 as regional president and CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls.

Hopkins Joins Firm

Edward C. Hopkins Jr. ’95 has joined Rathod Rathod Mohamedbhai law firm in Denver, Colorado, as a partner. He was previously a partner with Fisher Philips law firm.

Gragan Joins Bureau

David Gragan ’77 has been hired as assistant director for procurement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He most recently served as the chief procurement officer for the District of Columbia, having been appointed by Mayor Adrian Fenty. He has been a public procurement professional since 1993, when he became the chief procurement officer for the state of Indiana.

Board Welcomes New Members

The Association of Graduates board of directors has six new elected board directors and three new appointed members. Col. (Ret.) Hank Hoffman ’63, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Garry Dudley ’68, Col. (Ret.) Bob Lowe ’71, Dr. Lee Krauth ’72, Col. (Ret.) William “Trapper” Carpenter ’73 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Cathy Almand ’90 were elected during the spring election. Dudley and Lowe were reelected. Christian Evans ’08, Maj. Nate Dial ’10 and Maj. Jennifer Walters ’11 were appointed to the board.

Popovich Gets Hall Call

National Basketball Association coach Gregg Popovich ’70 was selected for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time NBA champion, Popovich played for the Falcons basketball team while a USAFA cadet. He was team captain and the leading scorer for Air Force during his senior year.

Mahoney Leads Idaho Division

Col. (Ret.) Thomas Mahoney ’83 recently became the new Idaho Division of Aeronautics administrator. Col. Mahoney has been a military aviator, aircraft owner, small-business owner, flight instructor and air charter pilot in Idaho for the past 30 years.

McConnell Receives Award

Lt. Col. Preston McConnell ’95 has been selected for the 2023 HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award by Habersham Central High School in Georgia. He is currently commander of the 442nd Deputy Operations Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, as a reserve officer.

Venerdi Confirmed

Brig. Gen. Michael Venerdi ’91 was confirmed as the next adjutant general in Kansas. He is the state’s 38th adjutant general. Previously, he served as director of Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard, at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. Gen. Venerdi also previously served as commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.

Costin Leads Liberty

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi E. Costin ’86 has been appointed president of Liberty University. He was previously president at Charleston Southern University. Gen. Costin capped a 32-year military career as chief of chaplains at the Pentagon.

Chaudhary Confirmed

Ravi Chaudhary ’93 has been confirmed as the new assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, energy and the environment. He becomes the first Asian American to serve in one of the top civilian leadership positions in the Pentagon. He previously served as director of advanced programs and innovation, Office of Commercial Space, at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Johnson Leads Demo Team

Air Combat Command has selected its new demonstration team leaders, including one USAFA graduate. Capt. Lindsay Johnson ’14 is the commander of the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

Grads Join Next Gen Class

The Center for a New American Security has named its 2023 Next Gen class. The yearlong, part-time, professional-development fellowship aims to bring together young professionals across sectors within the national security field to learn best practices and lessons in leadership. USAFA graduates who are part of the new class include Maj. Dan O’Sullivan ’09, Maj. Jennifer Walters ’11 and Maj. Julian Gluck ’12.

Bruggeman Named IMA

Col. Kurt Bruggeman ’01 is the new individual mobilization augmentee to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex commander. He previously spent 16 years flying the F-15E Strike Eagle. Most recently, Bruggeman served two years on the staff at Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

Jones Appointed to Board

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dale Jones ’79 has been appointed to the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Dr. Jones was previously the chancellor and chief academic officer of Pennsylvania State University at Wilkes-Barre.

Smith Elected Chair

Lt. Col. (Ret.) William Smith ’72 was elected the new board chair for the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. The NRB sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with state laws. Smith enjoyed a 34-year civilian career with the DNR prior to retirement.

Starr Reappointed

Col. (Ret.) Michael Bob Starr ’92 was reappointed to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. The commission’s goal is to preserve, protect, expand and attract new military missions, assets and installations. Additionally, the commission encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate in Texas.

Hill Joins Board

Dr. John Hill ’90 has joined the board for Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, New York. Hill is an alum of the school. He is the chief digital officer for MSC Industrial Supply.

Blackwell Inducted Into Hall

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Heather (Wyatt) Blackwell ’97 was inducted into the Greeley (Colorado) West High School Hall of Fame. The hall now has 55 members who were selected due to meritorious service to the school as a distinguished alumnus, staff member, student or athlete.

Rice Joins Board

Gen. (Ret.) Edward A. Rice Jr. ’78 has joined the board for L3Harris Technologies. Gen. Rice is the former commander of U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command. He previously commanded U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, served as vice commander of Pacific Air Forces, and served as commander of 13th Air Force.

Lombardi Hired as OC

Joe Lombardi ’94 has been hired as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos professional football team. Lombardi was previously with the Los Angeles Chargers and spent 12 seasons as offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach in New Orleans.

Hall Shifts to Jaguars

Chad Hall ’08 has joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as wide receivers coach. Hall previously spent six seasons with the Buffalo Bills, beginning as an offensive assistant before being promoted to wide receivers coach in 2019.

Makros Family Opens Business

Col. (Ret.) Robert Makros and Col. Beth Makros, both Class of ’98, have opened Strickland Brothers 10-Minute Oil Change in Woodland Park, Colorado.

Smoker Takes Command

Col. Robert G. Smoker ’94 assumed command of Task Force 99. Smoker joins the team from State College Air Station in Pennsylvania, where he was most recently the commander of the 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron. Task Force 99 is the cornerstone of 9th Air Force’s approach to U.S. Central Command’s intent of building a culture of innovation by using commercial off-the-shelf technology.

Zabka Joins Paragon

Lt. Col. Dennis Zabka ’03 is the new assistant chief flight instructor for Paragon Flight Training. He joins the team as part of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which is designed to assist military veterans in transitioning to civilian careers. Lt. Col. Zabka’s most recent position was chief of future operations, Seventh Air Force, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Pfluger

Joins BOV

Congressman August Pfluger ’00 (District 11, Texas) has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, which provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to USAFA.

Nordhaus Leads 1st AF

Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus ’89 has taken command of First Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. He flew F-16s for 23 years before transitioning to the Air National Guard in 2002, spending time in leadership roles in Toledo, the Pentagon and NORAD NORTHCOM in Colorado Springs.

Haynes Joins Firm

Attorney Antony Haynes ’95 has joined the Dorf & Nelson LLP law firm in New York and will lead the cybersecurity and data privacy practice group. Haynes joins the firm from Albany Law School, where he served as associate dean for strategic initiatives, director of cybersecurity and privacy law, and professor of law.

Armey Takes VP Role

Josh Armey ’98 is the new executive vice president and head of corporate strategy for AssetMark, a full-service wealth management platform. In his new role, Armey will work with leaders across the organization to accelerate strategic growth. He most recently served as the head of transformation at Edward Jones.

LET’S BE CLEAR

BY COL. BENJAMIN JONSSON ’99

Returning to our Academy last summer was surreal and exciting. As a member of the Class of 1999, and with one of my children already here as a cadet, I felt energized to give back and help sustain the Academy’s legacy for the next generation.

Upon arrival, it was clear that the superintendent and USAFA’s leaders recognized sexual harassment and violence as a growing danger to our mission and legacy. They started building a campaign to attack this corrosive problem at its roots.

Sexual harassment and violence undermine our prime directive to develop leaders of character at all of the military service academies, and after a several-months-long campaign build, the U.S. Air Force Academy launched its campaign plan, called “Let’s Be Clear,” on April 26, 2023, to reset our culture and ultimately drive down the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence.

The Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence (SH&V) at the Military Service Academies has shown a rapid increase in the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence since 2014 at all three service academies.

In Academic Program Year 2021-22, the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact at our Academy increased since the last report from 15.4% to 22.3% for women and 1.8% to 4.3% for men.

We must ask ourselves: If this upward trend continues, at what point will we no longer be credible for developing leaders of character?

I encourage the graduate community to read the SH&V report’s executive summary to better understand the scope of the problem (https://www.sapr.mil/).

As our Academy superintendent, Lt. Gen.

Richard Clark ’86, said, “We must bend the curve of prevalence down now, or the soul of our institution will be lost.”

Let’s Be Clear that sexual violence, and the harassing behaviors that precede it, are antithetical to being a leader of character. Let’s Be Clear with each other about acceptable behavior and how to show each other mutual respect in our words and actions.

This campaign puts the focus on our Academy culture by addressing policies, education and resource shortfalls, as well as other areas that impede progress against sexual harassment and violence.

But let’s also be clear that Academy leaders did not wait for the recent SH&V report to act. Feedback from the 2021 Cadet Wing Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) identified negative trends related to sexual harassment.

And while there did not exist any prevalence data about unwanted sexual con-

tact since 2018 due to COVID, the 2021 DEOCS results led the superintendent to direct a complete review and redesign of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program. CyberWorx, the Air Force’s leading problem-solving hub, used its innovative approach to lead this effort, similar to its work redesigning our honor education.

Throughout the fall semester, CyberWorx experts led a qualitative review of all SAPR programs and conducted 77 interviews to identify and scope the problem set. They gathered more than 1,200 data points, performed a formal thematic analysis, and identified key areas for growth to explore during a subsequent three-day design sprint, which they facilitated in January 2023.

The three-day sprint included national subject matter experts, members of Zoomies Against Sexual Assault (ZASA), cadets and permanent party working on innovative

solutions to produce 44 ideas that informed the building of the Let’s Be Clear campaign. Senior leaders from across the Academy then reviewed and refined the key initiatives for the campaign during a leadership summit in March 2023.

Let’s Be Clear is a three-phase campaign to reset our culture.

The campaign will be executed over the next 12 months, built around three lines of effort that will evolve as policies and activities are reviewed and implemented. The phasing of the campaign is designed to be aggressive.

The first phase ends when the Class of 2027 in-processes, setting conditions for the next class and preparing for a new academic year.

The second phase tackles medium-term initiatives from July to December 2023, and the third phase addresses longer-term initiatives from January to June 2024.

The following are our lines of effort, with a few examples from the many initiatives within each.

Line of Effort 1: Leaders of Character Use Their Power to Prevent Unhealthy Behaviors

Since 2017, our intercollegiate athletes have received Healthy Relationship Training (HRT) as part of the sexual assault prevention program. Feedback from HRT showed promise for expanded application, leading to current efforts to roll out Healthy Relationship Education across the Cadet Wing.

The CCLD trained 40 additional facilitators who provided Healthy Relationship Education for the Class of 2026 during transition week in May. Because the SH&V report revealed three-degrees are at the greatest risk for incidents of unwanted sexual contact, Academy leadership focused the initial training on this population.

The Academy Board approved a new schedule of calls for the upcoming academic year that allows for dedicated character development time. The new schedule of calls provides 90 minutes of focused development four times each semester, on top of existing education and training, increasing opportunities to strengthen knowledge and skills around character formation and its application as leaders.

Line of Effort 2: Warfighters Respond

to Harm With Courage

The Center for Character and Leadership Development has formally added new elements to the Air Officer Commanding cohort education and will build out Academy Military Training NCO education with a focus on leading in the area of preventing and responding to sexual harassment and violence. The new elements were executed in the most recent AOC cohort and will become enduring aspects of the curriculum, including panel discussions with cadets who experienced sexual violence.

The Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military led to additional manning for the Academy SAPR office. The SAPR leadership and Cadet Wing are working to embed some of the additional staff in each of the cadet groups. Embedding these victim advocates will allow for greater cadet familiarity and increased access to services, with the intent reducing barriers to reporting and intervention.

Line of Effort 3: Effective Teams Accelerate Accountability

Prior to the Let’s Be Clear campaign, the Academy led the way in the Department of Defense with the Safe to Report policy, reducing barriers to reporting when other collateral misconduct is involved. Following implementation at the Academy, it is now policy for the entire DOD and was codified in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

A team of four legal studies cadets looked at additional efforts to reduce barriers to reporting and proposed an Encouraged to Report policy. Signed April 10, 2023, by the superintendent, commandant of cadets, dean of the faculty and executive director for

athletics, the Encouraged to Report policy is designed to develop a culture among cadets of encouraging accountability.

Encouraged to Report provides AOCs with discretion to consider setting aside collateral misconduct for witnesses who come forward to report wrong behavior, to include reporting incidents of sexual harassment and violence.

The Academy is also committed to increasing transparency to further amplify results of courts martial, boards of inquiry and other disciplinary actions for sexual harassment and violence cases. We have built on current efforts for senior leaders to share results of those actions to provide greater awareness among the Cadet Wing.

All of these examples of campaign initiatives only scratch the surface of what the Academy is implementing during Let’s Be Clear to promote a culture of dignity and respect that ultimately reduces the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence.

The cadets are central to this effort, but all faculty, staff and graduates play a role in building and sustaining our Academy culture. It has to be personal, which is why on April 26 the superintendent asked every cadet and permanent party member to write down what they can do to reset our culture and be part of this campaign.

We ask you to be part of this change as well. Consider what you can do to support your Academy and this campaign as we develop leaders of character to protect and defend our great nation.

(For those who have experienced sexual violence and want to seek help, please visit https:// www.usafa.edu/cadet-life/cadet-support-services/sexual-assault-response.)

As part of the annual Denim Day at USAFA — to promote the awareness of sexual assault and harassment prevention — cadets wore jeans on April 28. (Photo by David Bitton)

THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION

Fostering connections within the Long Blue Line through greater service and pride

By Jeff Holmquist

There’s a glue that holds together the Long Blue Line, and it’s not just about connections among classmates, squadron mates and graduates in general. It’s also about participating.

Borrowing from Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote about those willing to step up and do battle in the arena, Mark Hille ’97, AOG and Air Force Academy Foundation president, says the true power of participation is found in the USAFA graduates who, though they may have differing perspectives and experiences, nonetheless “show up” for their alma mater out of a commitment to service before self.

They advocate for their Academy and help promote it to high-achieving, college-bound students; mentor cadets; contribute financially to key projects and programs; and serve in other ways.

During the final 18 months of the Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign, Hille says it’s a particularly impactful time for all members of the Long Blue Line to participate — if they aren’t already — in some meaningful way.

“This campaign is about more than giving

alone,” he explains. “It’s also about building awareness, engagement and participation in the life of our Academy now and for years to come. It’s about elevating our sense of pride and about connecting with the Academy family.”

If every graduate, parent and cadet commits to engaging however they can, Hille says, the Academy’s timeless mission of developing leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force is more easily accomplished. Plus, he says the bond among all members of the Long Blue Line is strengthened.

“Each of us needs to have a stake in our Academy and the graduate community,” he explains. “Participation happens when someone puts themselves forward either financially or as a volunteer. Either way, they are invested, more deeply connected and more engaged. It’s going beyond being a distant watcher — or even a distant critic. It’s showing up however you are able.”

Hille says numerous USAFA alumni exemplify the power of

participation and serve as an inspiration to others. The hope, he says, is that many will follow suit.

“The level of participation by our graduates in our Academy is below what I think any of us is proud to report — below that of West Point and Annapolis,” he says. “Together, we can change that — the shared traditions, the bonds and what we went through are there. I hope we can strengthen those bonds with our Academy.”

CLASS CONNECTIONS

Through the Legacy Class program, every class currently at USAFA is matched with the graduating class from 50 years prior. For this year’s senior Class of 2023, its Legacy Class during their four years as cadets has been 1973. The program is supported by the Association of Graduates.

For years, the Class of 1973 talked about gathering individual classmate stories and publishing a book. But the project didn’t take off until current Class President Col. (Ret.) Ron Scott ’73 suggested such a publication might be a nice parting gift for their legacy cadets. The book, titled “Becoming Leaders of Character,” was handed to every graduating cadet during individual squadron commissioning ceremonies May 31.

As the project’s lead writer and editor, Col. (Ret.) Mike Mosier ’73 encouraged classmates to submit their honest stories of lessons learned through life and careers. The resulting book offers a glimpse into a rich diversity of stories and a few nuggets of advice for future officers.

“As we say in the book … what age takes away in physical strength, it generously replaces with hard-earned perspective,” he says.

Col. Mosier admits the book exceeded the expectations of the class.

“When we graduated in June 1973, the Long Blue Line obviously wasn’t as long as it is today,” he says. “As a result, we didn’t have much of an opportunity to learn from previous classes. Our ultimate goal is to give the reader the benefit of our experience and offer thoughts for their consideration … but not to be preachy.”

Col. Mosier says classmates were honest in sharing their successes and failures.

“It’s not like other books on leadership and character,” he concludes. “A lot of introspection has gone into this book.”

EARLY ENGAGEMENT

Angelica Schumacher McGillick ’21 never gave the alumni community much thought during her time as a cadet. Her sin gular focus, she now admits, was on serving the nation. But just months before USAFA graduation, McGillick found she wouldn’t be commissioned for medical reasons.

“That was extremely difficult for me, as it had been my ardent desire to serve in the armed forces since the eighth grade,” she re calls.

She eventually attended the AOG-spon sored Service Academy Career Conference in Washington, D.C., to meet with prospective employers.

Through attendance at that conference, McGillick accepted the role of Young Alumni Program manager for her alumni organization. She now fully appreciates the connecting power behind the Long Blue Line.

“I not only want to give back to the institution that helped mold me into who I am today but also share my love of USAFA with cadets and young alumni, strengthening the bond of the Long Blue Line,” she says.

To accomplish that mission, McGillick says the AOG is launching new initiatives and reimagining existing programs aimed at engaging younger graduates.

RETURN ENGAGEMENT

Recently, a group of young alumni returned to USAFA for the AOG’s first-ever Young Alumni Conference, held April 27-28 at USAFA. The returning younger alumni networked with each other and participated

in the annual Firstie Departure, offering advice and answering questions from soon-tobe second lieutenants.

1st Lt. Victor Kyle ’20 traveled from his operational assignment to attend this spring’s conference. He says it was well worth his time.

Firstie Departure provided him the chance to talk with cadets he previously trained during Basic Cadet Training in 2019.

“I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be, telling Firsties what they needed to hear,” he says. “I had a great time and was inspired by the cadets.”

Kyle says he was motivated to offer the graduating Firsties tips as they head into the Air Force or Space Force.

“I wanted to provide the cadets with a bigger picture perspective,” he says. “I am proud that I graduated from the Academy and incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have

Recent USAFA graduates returned to their alma mater for the inaugural Young Alumni Conference April 27-28. Attendees included (front, from left) Sydney Sulte '18, Chase Brown '22, and Angelica McGillick '21. Center row, Connor Severino '18, Raychel Blocher '18 and Matthew Herbig '20. Top row, Giles McGillick ‘19, DJ Miller '21 and Victor Kyle '20. (Photo by David Bitton)

The Class of 1973 presented a book to each member of its Legacy Class, the Class of 2023.

been provided since graduation. I wanted to make sure they are aware of those opportunities.”

He also appreciated the chance to learn more about the AOG and its many relevant programs.

“I originally considered it an association that had nothing to do with my day-to-day life,” he says. “But I learned about many opportunities through the AOG, proving my original opinion wrong.”

CLASS COMMITMENT

When reunion time nears, individual classes typically consider a coordinated gift to their alma mater. Classes work with the AOG and Air Force Academy Foundation to identify possible projects to support.

For instance, the Class of 1973 provided an endowment in support of the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS). Other key projects across the Academy that have benefited from class gifts include the restored Air Garden, the Madera Cyber Innovation Center (now under construction), the Air Warrior Combat Memorial, the HH-3E static display and the Outdoor Leadership Complex.

Once a project is selected, a class begins fundraising, utilizing volunteers including class and squadron leadership to encourage their classmates to participate.

After much effort toward a successful campaign, the class gift is usually presented to USAFA during a milestone reunion.

As planning for its 40th reunion began, the Class of 1983 chose two projects to support — the Madera Cyber Innovation Center and

an endowed speaker series during NCLS. According to Col. (Ret.) Sharon Gann and Brad Gann, both 1983 graduates, the two projects benefiting from class generosity were appealing to a large cross-section of the class.

“The Madera Cyber Innovation Center met our goal by being an academic building that every cadet will take at least one class in during their stay,” Brad Gann explains. “The NCLS project also met our class goals because it’s open to all cadets and past grads.”

He notes that partnering with classmates to impact USAFA and cadets turned out to be a rewarding experience.

“Sharon and I believe in making a difference and leaving a legacy,” Brad Gann says. “I look forward to learning how other people feel about the projects when we get to our reunion.”

HAVING AN IMPACT

The Class of 1977 also chose to support the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, along with a $300,000 endowed operating fund for NCLS.

The bulk of 1977’s generosity is aimed at the construction and equipping of the cyber center's critical cybersecurity, networking, radio frequency and telecommunications lab. More than $1.58 million has been raised for the two projects so far.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Earl Enix ’77, who served as the class gift committee chairperson, says he was thrilled how his class stepped up in a big way. Committee members were persistent in connecting with classmates, and volunteers who made phone calls were encouraged to ask donors for a minimum of $10,000.

“That seemed like a good number for our class,” he explains. “We got something like 85 classmates who did $10,000 or above.”

Many members in the class were very happy to support the projects, he notes.

“It’s always hard to ask for money … to ask your friends and your classmates,” he says. “But when we exceeded our $1.3 million goal, it was a great feeling. When we can come together as a class and work toward a common goal and purpose again — and then achieve it — it’s the best.”

A side benefit of the fundraising campaign, Enix adds, were the phone calls and emails helping classmates reconnect.

“The money and what we achieved were important, but that one-on-one interaction was more important,” he says. “I think that was really the highlight.”

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Christian Evans ’08 is among the crop of newly appointed AOG board members. He hopes to represent more recent Academy graduates and non-career-military alumni, who he feels have been underrepresented in the past.

He says he will advocate for more intergenerational mentorship and event opportunities that help strengthen the bonds throughout the entire alumni community.

“My hope is that we can build on the heri-

LEFT: Dozens of parents' club members and graduate volunteers planned and executed a successful Taste of Home event in Arnold Hall March 16. (Photo by David Bitton)

RIGHT: Graduate volunteers were on hand to offer vehicle maintenance tips to cadets during the AOG's Cadet Car Care event May 5. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

tage within the Long Blue Line and create an ecosystem where all alumni can feel that pride and love for USAFA they felt on graduation day,” he says, “as well as actively see the value the AOG is looking to add to their personal and professional careers.”

As a grad who has transitioned to the financial services industry, Evans is already connecting USAFA alumni across various professional networks.

“I have mentored and befriended a good number of cadets and young alumni through building personal relationships and sharing my experience,” he says. “Those efforts have led to quite a few young grads matriculating to top MBA programs and great roles in finance and consulting.”

Such networking, he says, pays dividends for every graduate who stays engaged and intentionally participates.

Maj. Nathan Dial ’10 is a board newcomer as well. Since USAFA graduation, Dial has remained highly connected to fellow alumni and cadets. He has served on various U.S. senators' service academy selection committees since 2014. He helped establish the Class of 2010 endowment benefiting the top cadet squadron’s morale fund, and he’s been an active mentor to cadets and graduates.

Dial says he was encouraged to get involved in the board to give voice to the younger generation of graduates.

“As an alum who cares greatly about our alma mater, I jumped at the chance to serve and tackle this problem set with the AOG and the board of directors,” he reports. “I see my four years on the board as a duty to give back to a community and institution that set me on a path to success beyond my 18-yearold self’s wildest dreams.”

As a graduate still on active duty, Dial says he hopes to bring that perspective to board discussions as well.

GIVING BACK

Jason Kim ’99 returned to USAFA for the first time since graduation for his class reunion in 2019. That helped kick-start his commitment to give back to his alma mater.

Kim, the CEO of Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company, began his financial support of the USAFA mission with a 2022 donation to the Falcon Stadium modernization project, with matching funds from his employer.

Now he’s hoping to join the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Directors in the coming months.

“I think I can bring a fresh perspective to the board,” he says.

In addition, Kim says his space background in the Air Force and in industry will help the alumni organization pay attention to that emerging warfighting domain.

“I want to make sure the Air Force Academy stays at the forefront of relevancy when it comes to space,” he says. “That’s something important to me. And I think USAFA is the perfect academy to be focusing on this.”

As preliminary discussions related to a potential space education center at the Academy begin, Kim says he hopes to assist the Foundation and institution in the planning process.

“And I’d like to get current cadets and alumni excited about space and eventually get them to contribute to space,” he says.

EARLY ADOPTER

Loyd Bradley Jr. ’14 has been an active participant since his cadet days. He led the cadet Way of Life Committee and served on Wing Staff his Firstie year.

“These positions opened my eyes to opportunities and connected me to many USAFA graduates who were invested in my development as a young adult and soon-to-be officer,” he says. “Upon graduating, I knew in order to continue to develop the next leaders of character that I too would need to be involved in opportunities that would allow me to connect with current cadets.”

That realization led to multiple opportunities for impact — serving on congressional service academy selection committees, plus helping lead the Way of Life Alumni Group as a board member and president.

“I also routinely visit USAFA to meet with permanent party, cadets, and the AOG and Air Force Academy Foundation staff to find ways that I can continue to serve and make a difference,” he reports.

Bradley says it was important for him to give back soon after graduating, because the cadets need mentors who can help guide them through future careers and life in general.

“As graduates, we should not wait multiple years prior to returning to USAFA,” he says. “We have the ability to make an immediate

and meaningful impact on the lives of current cadets and our graduate community. We owe it to our institution and the Long Blue Line. All in all, it is the right thing to do. And even the smallest amount of service can have a great effect on continuing to fulfill the mission of USAFA.”

Bradley is among the recipients of the most recent Young Alumni Excellence Award, in part because of this service mindset.

SHARING STORIES

A shared history establishes a common ground for members of the Academy community, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 continues to uncover and write about this history.

Simon, a staff writer and heritage project officer who has Checkpoints bylines dating back to the 1980s, strives to use Academy heritage to facilitate connection.

“After all,” he says, “preserving the Academy’s heritage is one of our three institutional goals.”

Identifying heritage topics with applicability across the decades is his goal.

Simon explains the importance of communication in keeping stakeholders connected.

“The more grads and others know about what is going on at the Academy, as well as at the Association and Foundation, the better,” he says. “It is our job to keep our core audience informed, which in turn helps instill the pride we want everyone in the Academy community to feel.”

In addition to the magazine, he mentions social media posts, e-newsletters and videos as helping maintain that all-important connection.

Falcon football fans showed up in force for the Commanders' Classic game in Dallas Nov. 5. (Photo by Jeff Holmquist)

The AOG’s ongoing Heritage Minute video series, which Simon hosts, also helps better connect the Long Blue Line to the institution’s proud heritage. Now in its sixth season, more than 50 videos have been produced so far.

BLUE BROTHERHOOD

Col. (Ret.) Eric Garvin ’81 knows well the strong bond that can exist among classmates. For years, many of his “Academy brothers and sisters” have generously supported the nonprofit he leads — Cross World Africa.

But it was the murder of his son, Eric “Gene” Garvin Jr., in Santiago, Chile, on Jan. 14 that solidified his faith in the power of the Long Blue Line.

“In the darkest hour of my life, my Air Force Academy family has helped me through this tragedy,” Garvin says. “I will be forever grateful for all they’ve done. To me, this is what the Academy is all about.”

Fellow 4th Squadron members Col. (Ret.) Marvin Fisher ’81 and Dr. Darren McKnight ’81 undertook a fundraising campaign on behalf of the Garvin family. It netted $30,000 to help cover mounting travel and funeral expenses.

To seek justice in the murder case, the Garvins sought a reputable attorney to represent them in the courts. The first firm offered a quote of $100,000.

After friend Col. (Ret.) Will Gunn ’80 stepped in to assist, a prominent lawyer in Santiago offered to represent the family on a pro bono basis.

“That doesn’t happen without Will Gunn getting involved,” Garvin admits. “Our lawyer will keep pressure on the police and prosecutor to make sure we stay on track for

justice. Because of our lawyer, my son’s voice and pleas for justice and change are being heard.”

When Garvin arrived in Chile with his daughter, on a mission to return his son’s body to the United States, the family’s ground transportation was already arranged. Tom Kallman ’81, who owns an event planning business in Santiago, had his staff schedule it all.

When time came for the Celebration of Life ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 10, many of Garvin’s supportive classmates were in attendance.

“My Academy brothers and sisters showed up for my family when I needed them most,” he says, holding back tears. “I didn’t ask for any of this, but they just did it. Every step of the way, I had my Academy buddies helping me through. Life is not a solitary journey. These rich relationships mean so much.”

STEPPING UP

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 was like so many graduates who are busy with life and not giving their alumni association much thought.

But when she volunteered for her class reunion planning committee, Walkewicz discovered the hidden treasure that comes from partnering with fellow grads to significantly impact cadets and USAFA.

She’s now senior vice president of alumni relations and business development for the AOG.

“I’ve learned just how much was happening within the walls of Doolittle Hall,” she

reports. “Programs were often unknown and, in some cases, irrelevant.”

In the past couple years, thanks in part to feedback gathered during the 2022 Graduate Research Study and Survey, Walkewicz says the alumni association is transforming to better serve the graduate community at every stage of their careers or lives.

“I’m proud to lead some of those efforts with amazing colleagues,” she says. “Your AOG has work to do in bringing grads back — grads who are disconnected like I was, maybe disgruntled, or perhaps even unwilling to participate. We exist to serve our graduates, support our Academy and preserve its heritage. But the only way we can really do it right is with the power of our entire Long Blue Line.”

She challenges every graduate to step up and participate in some way over the coming year. Whether you share your expertise through webinars, network at alumni events across the country or at the Academy, participate in candidate congressional interview panels, serve as mentors for cadets or fellow graduates, volunteer time with a chapter or affinity group, contribute in the 1Day1USAFA Day of Giving or a class giving effort, attend a Service Academy Career Conference, or reconnect with classmates at a reunion, graduates have innumerable opportunities to get involved.

“Be an active and informed member of your association and give back to your Academy in the ways that make sense for you,” she says.

The Bolt Brotherhood (former Falcon football players) gathered for a special event prior to the Army game in Texas, reconnecting and learning about the Falcon Stadium upgrade project. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

We exist to serve our graduates, support our Academy and preserve its heritage. But the only way we can really do it right is with the power of our entire Long Blue Line.”

- Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99

The United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates are proud to announce the most recent Distinguished Graduate Award honorees.

Among the highest honors an Air Force Academy graduate can receive, the award recognizes alumni who have set themselves apart by making a lifetime of significant contributions to the nation, their alma mater and their communities.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh ’66 of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Desjardins ’80 of Exeter, New Hampshire; and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ’83 of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, will receive their awards at the annual Distinguished Graduate banquet on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Air Force Academy.

“This year’s three honorees have most certainly distinguished themselves in their service to the nation and beyond,” says Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould ’76, chief executive officer of the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation. “Their lives represent the gold standard

for Academy graduates. We — along with family, friends and classmates — look forward to celebrating their many professional and personal accomplishments this summer.”

The Academy and AOG have selected Distinguished Graduates each year since 2001. Gen. Mueh, Gen. Desjardins and Gen. Goldfein bring the total number of USAFA alumni honored as Distinguished Graduates to 56.

Each Distinguished Graduate Award recipient is recognized with a plaque along the Heritage Trail adjacent to Doolittle Hall.

BRIG. GEN. (RET.)

HANS MUEH

Decked out in his Air Force uniform, which he normally keeps stored away, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh ’66 stands at attention and raises his right hand to once again recite the oath of office.

This time, however, he’s swearing in his grandson, Max, during a May 13 Air Force commissioning ceremony at the University of Colorado Boulder.

“He’s going to become an intel officer, just like his grandpa,” Gen. Mueh states with pride. “That’s just amazing to me.”

The full-circle moment is not lost on the 38-year Air Force veteran who as a youngster, born in Germany in the final months of World War II, never could have imagined the life and career ahead of him. That unexpected journey included his acceptance into the United States Air Force Academy and has now culminated with his receiving the United States Air Force Academy Distinguished Graduate Award.

“I owe everything in my life to the Academy,” he reflects. “I’m still surprised that I got into the Air Force Academy, but I’m so grateful for that opportunity. For a little immigrant kid from Germany to be able to do that in the United States of America … it’s living the dream. This truly is the land of opportunity.”

A CHILD OF WAR

Gen. Mueh was born in Celle, Germany, in 1944. His father was conscripted into the Wehrmacht in 1932 and fought for more than a decade.

Captured by British troops in 1945, the elder Mueh — a munitions expert — worked for two years with the Allies to identify and disarm unexploded ordnance

throughout Europe.

“I didn’t meet my father until 1947,” Gen. Mueh recalls.

Looking for a fresh start, Mueh’s father brought the family to North America in 1951.

“We had one suitcase for the three of us coming out of Naples, Italy,” Gen. Mueh says.

Fortunately, Mueh’s grandfather had emigrated to Canada and later the United States during the Great Depression. He fared well working in California’s vineyards and eventually purchased a hotel in Fessenden, North Dakota — population 1,000.

“I owe everything in my life to the Academy. I’m still surprised that I got into the Air Force Academy, but I’m so grateful for that opportunity. For a little immigrant kid from Germany to be able to do that in the United States of America… it’s living the dream. This truly is the land of opportunity.”

-Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh

Gen. Mueh says his grandfather was somehow involved in Dwight D. Eisenhower’s successful presidential campaign, which likely helped his family leave Germany.

“I think that had something to do with it. My parents and I were authorized a visa to come to the United States,” he says.

The immigrant family lived at the hotel while searching for work. Eventually they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Mueh’s father put his artistic talents to work in the lithography industry.

“I never saw my parents give up on anything,” he says. “They accepted all the challenges that were in front of them. Their courage was phenomenal.”

BECOMING AMERICAN

Even though his parents continued to speak German at home, Gen. Mueh says it didn’t take him long to learn English and assimilate into American culture.

He quickly made friends, often playing sports and spending significant time outdoors. He also excelled at academics.

“My parents had a lot to do with that, because they never stopped learning,” he says. “I think that wore off on me.”

He also credits his first teacher in Germany, Herr Wenig, who required near perfection from his students.

“Nothing was ever quite good enough,” he recalls. “So, we just got better and better, because that’s what he expected.”

As he developed academically and athletically in the United States, Gen. Mueh caught the attention of the high school staff.

His track coach, a liaison officer for the then-upstart USAFA, mentioned “a new school out west” that he felt might be a good fit for the young man.

“He gave me a brochure, and I took it home and talked to my parents,” he says. Gen. Mueh was eventually selected for USAFA appointment from among 10 finalists in his congressional district.

“That same day, there was an article in the Milwaukee Journal that said … Congressman Henry Reuss picks immigrant for Air Force Academy,” he remembers. “I think he used that as a little bit of political fodder. But I didn’t care; I got in.”

ACROSS: Hans and Sally Mueh on their wedding day.

TOP: Ilse and Alfred Mueh, Gen. Mueh's parents, are surrounded by family and friends on their wedding day in 1942.

MIDDLE: A young Hans Mueh came to the United States with his family at age 7 and assimilated quickly into the new culture.

BOTTOM: Then-Col. Hans Mueh is named permanent professor at his alma mater.

LIVING THE DREAM

By the time Gen. Mueh arrived at the Academy in 1962, he had developed quite a patriotic streak.

“I loved this country,” he admits. “There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to serve for however long they wanted me to serve.”

But he had no clue what awaited him as Basic Cadet Training (BCT) kicked into high gear.

“You just didn't know what hit you. It was unbelievable,” he recalls. “The yelling didn’t stop for six weeks … seven weeks, actually, because we had survival at the end of BCT.”

Those challenging first weeks, however, demonstrated the need for teamwork, which has stuck with him ever since.

“There isn’t a single cadet who could have done it on their own,” he explains. “But because we were all in it together, you develop these bonds of support and trust with your classmates. It’s hard to describe if you haven’t been through it.”

While a cadet, Gen. Mueh played goalie for the Falcon soccer team, where he learned even more lessons about teamwork, integrity and honor.

“The Honor Code overlaid the whole experience,” he says. “Every one of the instructors and senior leaders that I had great respect for were the ones that had deep integrity. You could trust them at their word.”

CAREER PATH

Early on, then-Cadet Mueh wasn’t necessarily fixated on becoming a pilot. That came later in his four years at the institution.

“One of the devastating things that happened in my life was when I lost my pilot training slot,” he says. “I had an eye injury when I was very young, and it never bothered me. But it eliminated me from pilot training. To this day I still think I would have been a good fighter pilot.”

When he heard the disappointing news, Gen. Mueh changed his mind about a long military career, pledging then to put in his minimum five years.

His negative attitude changed, however, once he entered the Air Force as an intelligence officer.

“I went to intel school with a chip on my shoulder,” he remembers. But an instructor eventually set him straight, encouraging him to get his act together and make the best of the situation.

Fresh from technical school, Gen. Mueh and spouse, Sally, were off to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, assigned to the Indications and Warning Center for Tactical Air Command (TAC). The important intel mission proved challenging and eyeopening.

“I’m a second lieutenant, and I got to brief the four-star and his vice,” he says. “I started to fall in love with the Air Force … and found out that there were other jobs that were supportive of the pointy end of the spear. I loved intel.”

The analytical skills he’d developed as a chemistry major at the Academy served him well in the intelligence field.

“I could sort the junk from the good stuff in a hurry and put together a briefing package for the generals that I was confident was the right one,” he says.

MOVING ON

After three years at TAC, the Air Force sent Gen. Mueh to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to get a master’s degree in chemistry. Remembering his less-than-stellar USAFA gradepoint average, he laughed at the suggestion.

He completed his coursework in 13 months and returned to his alma mater to teach.

After two years at the Zoo, he volunteered for an intel assignment in Vietnam.

“All of my classmates were in Vietnam and the war was winding down,” he reports. “I felt like I needed to go.”

Academy leaders agreed, but only on the condition that when Gen. Mueh returned stateside he would pursue a Ph.D. and come back to teach future cadets.

“I went over there and worked for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in Saigon,” he says. “It was pretty high-level stuff, and my area of responsibility was Cambodia, Laos and the Delta region — the southern part of Vietnam.”

After the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, he helped establish the new Support Activities Group in Thailand, developing intelligence assessments for the con-

tinuing air war in Cambodia and Laos.

When Gen. Mueh returned home from his yearlong deployment, his perspective on life had shifted.

“Ever since that tour, little things stopped bothering me,” he explains. “Because when you see the big picture — you see people dying, and you see people trying to survive — it changes you. You figure out what’s important and what’s not.”

THE THRILL OF TEACHING

Returning stateside, Mueh completed his Ph.D. and resumed teaching chemistry. Because of his grasp of his native German language, he also taught third-class-level courses for the Foreign Language Department.

“Teaching students, instead of being on the receiving side, was a thrill to me,” he says. “And I think I was a pretty good instructor. I worked very hard at my craft.”

Gen. Mueh decided early on that he would never let any student fail his classes. He would spend whatever extra time cadets needed to get them up to speed so they could pass.

“The fortunate thing about the Academy is, when you have a class of 20, that’s doable,” he explains. “The vast majority of them don’t need the help, so I could focus on those people who did.”

Even today, Gen. Mueh is frequently stopped in his tracks by someone recognizing him. The message is usually the same: “Thanks for helping me get through the Academy.”

“I think it’s human nature to want to make a difference in the world,” he says. “And if I have done any of that for a handful of cadets, that’s a success.”

STAFF TOUR

To remain in uniform, Gen. Mueh accepted an assignment to the Pentagon serving as special assistant for technical matters at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), working to exploit technology to enhance intelligence collection and analysis. He also helped develop a partnership between DIA and the USAFA faculty.

“Life is so full of those kinds of targets of opportunity,” he says. “If you’re ready for them, then good things happen. It was just another fork in the road.”

He returned to USAFA in 1986, becoming permanent professor and head of the Department of Chemistry in 1987. He later served two years as vice dean of the faculty.

Throughout his tenure as professor, Gen. Mueh always kept one foot in athletics, serving as the link between the superintendent and athletic department as the faculty representative.

FORK IN THE ROAD

In 2004, Gen. Mueh was asked to break in the new USAFA athletic director. But when the candidate backed out at the last minute, then-Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa unexpectedly approached Gen. Mueh about taking on the AD role.

“Life is full of lucky occurrences,” he says. “This was one of those.”

Gen. Mueh retired from the Air Force and accepted the new role, making just a one-year commitment. Eleven years later, he left the job.

“I became the first civilian athletic director,” he says. “I am forever grateful that they had the confidence in me to say you’re

the natural person to be the athletic director.”

Over the course of his tenure, Gen. Mueh says his team accomplished much, including more than $100 million in construction projects. He also was proud of his role in helping set up the Mountain West Conference, which thrives today.

But the most significant win, he adds, was establishing the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation, which supports Falcon sports.

“It took me seven years to do that,” he reports. “We started that initiative in 2006. In 2013, the Secretary of the Air Force signed it into being.”

Despite having a small student body, USAFA has always been able to hold its own on the fields of friendly strife, Gen. Mueh notes. It’s not a surprise to him.

“We don’t get a lot of five-star athletes,” he explains. “But nobody has teams like we have. They compete for each other, like how soldiers fight for their buddies next to them.”

GIVING BACK

Even in retirement, Gen. Mueh stays highly engaged with the Academy and its graduate community. He’s served on the Association of Graduates board for six years running and was recently reinstated to the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation board. He also sits on the Falcon Foundation board.

From where he sits, Gen. Mueh says it’s obvious that USAFA continues to produce incredible leaders of character for the nation.

“The future of this country is secure when I look at the cadets that we’re turning out to be Air Force and Space Force officers,” he says.

A Colorado Springs resident, Gen. Mueh has served on the boards for many local education- and sports-based organizations. His favorite volunteer role has been as a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo board member.

He also is a member of Mission: Readiness — Council for a Strong America.

“Only 29% of kids from 17 to 25 are eligible to serve in the military, whether that’s because of drugs, obesity, health issues, whatever,” he explains. “We’re asking high schools to reinstate physical education in the ones that have dropped PE. That’s very important because our youth are falling way behind in terms of overall mental and physical fitness.”

DG HONOR

When notified that he’d been selected a Distinguished Graduate, Gen. Mueh says he was speechless.

“I don’t stun easily,” he says. “It was totally unexpected, because I thought ‘Why me?’ I think we’ve probably had 60,000 distinguished graduates, who have all gone out there and done amazing things. But I’m humbled and honored. I will try to live up to the level of the group that I have just joined.”

He thanks his wife, Sally, and his children for the love and support they’ve offered through the years.

ABOVE: Falcon Head Football Coach Troy Calhoun '89 bends the ear of Athletic Director Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh.

TOP RIGHT: In retirement, Gen. Mueh enjoys plenty of golf and fishing.

RIGHT: Then-Vice President Joe Biden pauses for a photo with Sally and Gen. Mueh during USAFA graduation.

BRIG. GEN. (RET.) HANS MUEH

MAJ. GEN. (RET.)

SUSAN DESJARDINS

During the Dark Ages of her third-class year, then-Cadet Susan Desjardins ’80 received a card from her parents. Any mail from back home during those long winter months brightened her day.

This particular card, however, delivered an inspirational message, motivating the future Air Force general as she began and then navigated a 32-year active-duty military career.

“I have the card to this day,” she shares. “And I still look at it from time to time.”

Not surprisingly, she has committed the words to memory.

“To achieve all that is possible, we must attempt the impossible,” she recites. “To be as much as we can be, we must dream of being more.”

Today, sitting in the living room of her Exeter, New Hampshire, home, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Desjardins still marvels at the power of those words.

“So, when things seemed impossible to me, and there were many of those times, I was going to try my best because I knew I could get further than I thought,” she remembers thinking. “Then I was going to dream of being more, always reaching and asking, ‘What’s next?’ That’s probably a good life lesson.”

Sure enough, Gen. Desjardins persevered and stayed committed to serving her country as a pilot and leader. Her biography includes involvement in a host of significant military operations over three decades.

And now her resume includes one more honor of note — United States Air Force Academy Distinguished Graduate Award

recipient.

“I get this phone call from Gen. Mike Gould (’76),” she laughs. “I knew he’s just going to ask me to do something. Then he and Bob Lowe (’71 and then-AOG board chair) told me that I was chosen as a Distinguished Graduate. I was speechless. Of all the people who have graduated from the Air Force Academy, so many who are deserving and highly accomplished, I just didn’t think that I fit in that group. But I was and I am very humbled and very honored.”

NEW ENGLAND LIFE

Born in Exeter, Gen. Desjardins spent her entire childhood in New England. Her father was previously a Marine and Korean War veteran. Her mother was a former Air Force nurse.

Tragically, she and her siblings struggled

“So, when things seemed impossible to me, and there were many of those times, I was going to try my best because I knew I could get further than I thought. Then I was going to dream of being more, always reaching and asking, ‘What’s next?’ That’s probably a good life lesson.”

-Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Desjardins

through the loss of their birth mother when Gen. Desjardins was just 7.

“Here was my dad with four babies, basically, in his mid-30s,” she remembers. “It was a sad time for us; an enormous loss and a big transition for our family.”

With the help of relatives, especially a nearby grandmother, the family was able to manage.

“And then this angel came into our lives, who ended up being my stepmother,” Gen. Desjardins says. “She had been a career woman working in Boston. She came into our lives, made us whole again and became our mom.”

Her stepmother turned out to be the perfect role model for Gen. Desjardins as she contemplated her future. Her new mother filled the home with laughter, fun and deep moral values.

“My parents taught us about responsibility, taught us about commitment, taught us about finishing a job once you start something,” she recalls. “There was a lot of honesty and trust … things that really became touchstones later in life.”

Labeled a tomboy by friends, Gen. Desjardins was a highly competitive young woman.

“I was always trying to keep up with my older brother, who was only 14 months older than me,” she recalls. “I wanted to do things as well, if not better, than him.”

That competitive streak carried over to the classroom. She was close to a straight-A student.

“I remember when I got my first B,” she says. “I was devastated.”

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Gen. Desjardins worked paying jobs throughout high school, saving money for future college expenses.

“I think there were 12 different families that I babysat for in the neighborhood,” she says. “All my Fridays and Saturdays, and lots of times Sundays, were sort of eaten up with babysitting.”

She found some time, however, for extracurricular activities. She performed in several drama productions, participated in National Honor Society, and successfully ran for class vice president.

Her father always pushed her to think bigger.

ACROSS: Then-Cadet Susan Desjardins '80 serves as cadre during Basic Cadet Training.

TOP: Gen. Desjardins prepares for a mission during her pilot days.

MIDDLE: Gen. Desjardins and husband Peter Lennon never pass up a chance to hike.

BELOW: Gen. Desjardins at home in Exeter, New Hampshire, with family pets.

MAJ. GEN. (RET.) SUSAN DESJARDINS

“Why not class president?” he asked. When she indicated her intentions of becoming a nurse, her dad wondered if she’d thought about becoming a doctor.

Early on, Gen. Desjardins discovered the value of morning runs. She would get up early and log several miles before catching the school bus.

“It’s been one of those things that saved my sanity over the years,” she admits. “And I still do it.”

COLLEGE DECISION

As high school graduation neared, Gen. Desjardins focused her attention on attending one of several prestigious schools — Dartmouth, Mount Holyoke and Smith among them. But reality soon set in, knowing her parents had limited resources.

“Even though I had worked all the way through high school and saved as much money as I could, I knew it would be difficult to swing the tuition,” she says.

Her father happened to read a story indicating that for the first time service academies were accepting female applicants. Gen. Desjardins decided to give it a try.

She received an appointment to USAFA from her congressional representative and accepted the offer.

“Then I found out it was free,” she says. “This was amazing, because then I didn’t have to worry about working anymore.”

Five days after high school graduation, she was on an airplane to Colorado.

“It was my second airplane ride ever,” she says. “And I had never been west of New York. That’s how it all started.”

ACADEMY DAYS

Then-Cadet Desjardins realized that she and the other ’80s Ladies were making history when they arrived on base in 1976. But other than the press hanging around from time to time, she didn’t give her history-making involvement much thought.

“We were just so focused on what we were trying to do and surviving every day,” she says. “That really didn’t impact or make a huge impression on me.”

At all costs, she did avoid talking to reporters during her first year, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

“I knew I was going to say something that was going to make some upperclass-

man upset with me,” she laughs.

While Basic Cadet Training was a challenge for her, Gen. Desjardins admits to enjoying the Jacks Valley experience.

“I was more in my element there,” she says. “I loved being outside, and I liked the camping part. I was in pretty good physical shape, even though the altitude was something to deal with at first. It was tough, but it’s just a good memory.”

Other vivid memories from her cadet years include the first Parents Weekend when her mom and dad made the trip out from New Hampshire. Also, Recognition and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) training were huge accomplishments she’ll never forget.

“At the end of SERE, seeing the American flag when the upperclass cadre pulled the hood off my head … what a sense of patriotism I felt,” she says.

Gen. Desjardins eventually became USAFA’s first female cadet squadron commander for 32nd Squadron, the Roadrunners. She took the job very seriously.

“I knew that people would be watching me, and I did not want to let my classmates or my squadron down,” she recalls. “As a woman, I had to be better, because I felt I would be a little bit more under the microscope. I had to be really good, because our successes would be magnified, but so would my failures.”

Among the many lessons she learned as a cadet were the importance of teamwork, a willingness to accept criticism, and a recognition that each person has something to contribute to the mission.

CAREER GOALS

Her only goal upon arriving at USAFA was to become an Air Force officer. She later zeroed in on becoming a pilot.

“Our AOCs (Air Officers Commanding) would talk about their careers as aviators,” she says. “I came to the conclusion that if you’re qualified, you’re at the Air Force Academy, you should be a pilot.”

Turns out her eyesight worsened while at the Academy, and she was on the verge of losing her pilot qualification.

“I was devastated,” she admits. “But quickly, my AOC put me in for a waiver, and the superintendent approved it. I had to go to pilot training then, and I was really

glad I did.”

After graduation, then-2nd Lt. Desjardins headed to Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas for training.

“The class was largely Academy grads,” she says. “I had more fun in the T-38 than I did in the T-37.”

She was assigned to the KC-135 and went to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, for her first operational assignment. She later transitioned to the KC-10. She would eventually fly the C-5 and C-17 as well. Ultimately, she accrued more than 3,800 flying hours, primarily in tanker and transport aircraft.

She piloted the lead tanker during the 1986 Libyan Raid.

“I understood, at that point, how important it was that we do our job so that the fighters and bombers could do their job,” she says.

Additionally, she was involved with military operations in Grenada and Panama, as well as the response to the Achille Lauro cruise ship hostage crisis.

Later, she flew during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

“We refueled the B-52s that did the first strikes in Desert Storm,” she reports.

In addition to flying during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Gen. Desjardins served as a deployed expeditionary operations group commander and squadron commander.

LEADERSHIP GROWTH

After a stint as a KC-10 instructor pilot and evaluator pilot at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Gen. Desjardins was sent to Strategic Air Command Headquarters. Then it was off to Naval Command and Staff College, prior to desk jobs at the Pentagon.

“I couldn’t hold a job at the Pentagon,” she jokes. “No one likes being at the Pentagon because everyone would rather be doing operations, whether it was flying, driving a tank, commanding a ship. But I was told to maximize my time there, and I did.”

After meeting and marrying her husband, Peter, she attended Air War College before becoming commander of the 912th Air Refueling Squadron in North Dakota. A tour on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon was followed by an assignment as com-

mander of the 60th Operations Group at Travis Air Force Base, California.

“It’s a huge base hosting C-5s and KC10s,” she says. “This was the gateway to the Pacific.”

An assignment to Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command as the commander’s executive officer led to her becoming commander of the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. She was the first woman to command the 437th.

One day, during a wing picnic, Gen. Desjardins took a call from her boss, Gen. John Handy, who announced she was headed back to her alma mater as commandant of cadets.

“I was not thrilled,” she admits. “Mainly because we were in the middle of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and from Charleston … everything was going east. I had 54 C-17s, and there were 75 aircrew and many other airmen on the road or deployed at any one point in time. We were working and running hard, supporting the mission. And here I was told that I was going to go to the Academy … to train. It was tough to accept that.”

DEVELOPING CADETS

Gen. Desjardins became the first female commandant of cadets in USAFA’s history, and the assignment turned out well.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” she says. “A highlight for sure.”

Even though the Academy was embroiled in several challenging situations at that time — including sexual assault, religious proselytizing and honor scandals — Gen. Desjardins says her tenure from 2005 to 2008 helped institute necessary course corrections.

“My marching orders were to put the military back in the military academy,” she says. “I was really glad that opportunity came.”

Working with then-Superintendent Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Regni ’73, Gen. Desjardins says the Academy senior leaders were able to restore valuable training and institutional traditions that had faded over time.

“We needed to challenge the young men and women who were coming to the Academy,” she says. “We didn’t need to make it easy. I wanted each and every one of them to be so ready that when they graduated and went to their units, they were ready on day one to get into the fight. That was inspirational to them.”

In her final Air Force assignment, Gen. Desjardins was director of plans and policy, Strategic Command, responsible for developing the nation’s strategic war plan and for global strike contingency planning.

RETIREMENT TIME

When she hung up her uniform in 2012, Gen. Desjardins and her husband took some time off to travel.

But since then, she has been busy working with organizations of importance to her.

Gen. Desjardins currently serves as a governing trustee of the Falcon Foundation, which supports military prep school scholarships for young men and women desiring to attend USAFA.

She serves on the board for the American Independence Museum in Exeter and is a board trustee for Exeter Health Resources, which includes Exeter Hospital, Core Physicians, and Rockingham County VNA and Hospice. In addition, she’s a board trustee for Riverwoods, a leading continuing care and retirement community, and serves on the board of Service Credit Union, an international financial institution catering to the military and veterans.

She’s a national board director for the Daedalians, an organization of current and former military aviators that advocates for air and space power, and the New Hampshire/Maine Daedalians Flight. She’s also been involved with the New Hampshire Association of Graduates chapter.

A PLACE IN LINE

Gen. Desjardins thanks her family, friends, former commanders, mentors, coworkers and fellow graduates who played a role in her many successes through the years.

She especially appreciates the strong bond the Class of 1980 developed through its cadet years, which has carried over in the decades since.

“That Long Blue Line is real,” she says. “There’s this special connection, a common understanding and experience with anyone who’s a part of that Long Blue Line. I’m just proud and honored to be in that line.”

ABOVE: Gen. Desjardins poses next to a C-17.

TOP RIGHT: Gen. Desjardins was the first female commandant of cadets at USAFA.

RIGHT: Gen. Desjardins bundled up during a chilly stop in Antarctica.

MAJ. GEN. (RET.) SUSAN DESJARDINS

GEN. (RET.)

DAVID GOLDFEIN

Toward the end of his second year at the United States Air Force Academy, thenCadet David Goldfein ’83 found himself at a crossroads.

He’d spent much of his tenure at the Zoo fighting the system, and he was almost ready to quit.

“I didn’t know if the military was a good fit for me,” he explains. “My first two years were actually a fairly miserable experience.”

Academically, Gen. (Ret.) Goldfein was barely keeping his head above water. He found himself on restrictions most of his fourth-class year, was always stuck on academic probation, and marched a few tours.

“But at least athletically … I was slow,” he jokes.

Fortunately for the struggling cadet, the Academy instituted a new “Stop Out” program — patterned after a Naval Academy sabbatical plan — that allowed cadets to take a year off to reevaluate their future and focus their resolve. He jumped at the opportunity.

“I had no real plan at the time,” he admits. “I just knew that what I was doing wasn’t quite working.”

An accomplished Eagle Scout, Gen. Goldfein spent the next summer as a ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

By the fall, he had decided to give a career in the music industry a try. Gen. Goldfein’s academic adviser had a distant cousin who was part of folk singer Harry Chapin’s band, and the group agreed to hire the young man as a roadie.

“I jumped on a 10-speed bicycle, and my plan was to join up with the band,”

he recalls. “This was an opportunity to see whether that whole passion of songwriting and music would pan out.”

As he pedaled his way toward New York from Texas, Gen. Goldfein heard that Chapin (a USAFA cadet for a short period of time) was killed in a car accident.

“I ended up riding that bicycle for upward of a year, covering about 5,000 miles on the back roads of America,” he reports.

What he experienced during those months on the road, he now says, was the heart and soul of this nation.

“More than anything, I learned that this country is worth defending,” he explains. “Because the people who took me in were just wonderful, down-to-earth families working to make a living, contributing

-Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein

“The squadron, quite frankly, is where we succeed or fail as an Air Force. We needed squadron commanders to know that we had their backs and that they had the resources to take risks, make decisions, and that they could stumble, fall down, pick themselves up, and dust themselves off. That was what it was going to take in a peer fight.”

to their community, and making their little part of the world a better place. Who wouldn’t want to defend that?”

On the appointed deadline day, Gen. Goldfein called the Academy and verified that he wished to return. The second half of his cadet career went much better, thanks in part to the one-year hiatus. He eventually launched into a career that concluded with an assignment as chief of staff of the Air Force.

Gen. Goldfein’s impressive resume led to his selection as one of this year’s United States Air Force Academy Distinguished Graduate Award honorees.

MILITARY FAMILY

Because Gen. Goldfein’s father was a military pilot, the family moved often. The future chief was born in France, but then spent most of his early life in England, Spain and Germany.

Other than his interest in music, Gen. Goldfein was deeply involved in Scouting.

“I loved the outdoors,” he says. “And I loved working with other young men.”

A member of the high school football team, Gen. Goldfein admits he spent most of the time on the bench — which he apparently enjoyed.

“I got to watch the cheerleaders,” he laughs. “One of those cheerleaders was a beautiful and smart young girl named Dawn Duncan, who’s been my bride now for 40 years.”

As high school graduation approached, he applied to USAFA, but his application was rejected. Instead, he planned to attend the University of Wyoming and room with his best friend.

“I was going to study forestry and make belt buckles on mountaintops,” he says. “And write music. That was going to be my future.”

FALCON SCHOLAR

Weeks before starting his college career, Gen. Goldfein received a call offering him a Falcon Foundation scholarship to attend prep school. He told the colonel he wasn’t interested.

That night, while sitting around the kitchen table, Gen. Goldfein told his parents about the opportunity.

“Somebody called you today and offered

GEN. (RET.) DAVID GOLDFEIN

ACROSS: Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein '83 took a year off from USAFA to decide on his future path.

ABOVE: Then-Cadet David Goldfein and future wife, Dawn Duncan, at Ring Dance.

LEFT: Gen. Goldfein during his pilot days.

BELOW: Gen. Goldfein, chief of staff of the Air Force at the time, finally received his class ring at USAFA's Class of 2020 Ring Dance.

you money to go to school, and you told them no, you’d prefer to use my money to go to school?” his father asked.

The Goldfein family quickly called the colonel back and accepted the scholarship. Fortunately, he hadn’t yet offered the prep school spot to someone else.

His year at Northwestern Prep was rocky at best, until Director Jim Hoiby pulled the cadet candidate aside. The educator informed the Falcon scholar that his grades weren’t cutting it, and he challenged Gen. Goldfein to apply himself. The pep talk worked, and he received an appointment to USAFA.

BROTHER’S FOOTSTEPS

When Gen. Goldfein arrived in the summer of 1978, his older brother, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Goldfein ’78, had just graduated as the fall Cadet Wing commander.

Living as a cadet in the shadow of his brother was a challenge for the new Doolie. But as his brother told him, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

“And he was right,” Gen. Goldfein recalls.

On his return to the Academy for his second-class year, Gen. Goldfein turned the corner.

“Now, rather than fighting the system, I embraced it,” he says. “I embraced what the Academy stands for. I embraced this whole idea of contributing to the defense of America and the great experiment called democracy. My grades went up, and I was off probation. A year of biking even helped me on the athletic field. It was a wonderful experience all the way through graduation, especially since my younger brother, Mike, had joined the Class of 1984. It had become a family business.”

PILOT DREAMS

Not sure he wanted to become a pilot and follow in his father’s footsteps, Gen. Goldfein pursued his private pilot’s license to see if he liked it.

“My grade point average was not going to get me into the soaring program,” he reports.

By the end of his four-degree year, he secured his license at the USAFA Aero Club and developed a love of flying.

His first assignment out of pilot training was as a T-38 instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.

“I was devastated at the time, because all of my buddies got fighters,” he remembers. “But it turned out to be the best assignment, because I got to really learn the essence of flying.”

The Goldfeins thus began an Air Force journey spanning 21 assignments over 37 years. Gen. Goldfein was a command pilot with more than 4,200 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, F-16, F-117, MC-12 and MQ9, and he flew combat missions in operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.

“I didn’t miss a fight from Desert Storm through the time I retired,” he says. “I saw a lot of combat.”

THE WORST DAY

In 1999, while on a mission as commander of the 555th Fighter Squadron during Operation Allied Force, Gen. Goldfein’s F-16 was shot down by a surface-toair missile over Serbia.

“We were in this campaign against the tragic, evil ethnic cleansing that was going on by Serbian leaders,” he reports.

As he and his squadron attempted to neutralize enemy missile positions on a full-moon night, Gen. Goldfein’s aircraft was struck.

“Everything started going south. Smoke and fumes were coming into the cockpit,” he says. “I’m starting to see the horizon come up, and I remember thinking … this airplane is going to hit the ground. The only question left was whether I’m going to be in it.”

As he readied to eject, he radioed to his team, “Start finding me, boys.”

He hit the ground in hostile territory. Even though his survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) training had occurred 20 years prior in the mountains surrounding USAFA, Gen. Goldfein reports he knew exactly what he needed to do to survive.

Hours later, he was rescued by a combat search-and-rescue team. To this day, he sends bottles of scotch to the squadrons involved and to the PJ Schoolhouse to thank them for saving his life — a story he recently recounted at the dedication of the

Academy’s new HH-3E Jolly Green Giant static display.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Gen. Goldfein went on to serve in senior leadership roles, including commander of U.S. Air Force Central Command, director of the Joint Staff and vice chief of staff of the Air Force. He oversaw broad recapitalization that included delivery of the KC46 and award of the B-21, T-7, MH-139, HH-60W and ground-based strategic deterrent.

“What I learned over those years — both as a supported commander and a supporting commander — was joint warfighting and how the Air Force fits in the joint warfight,” he says.

In 2000, Air University published a book Gen. Goldfein wrote while attending the Foreign Service Institute. “Sharing Success and Owning Failure” has become a valued resource for up-and-coming military leaders, recounting lessons learned from some of the nation’s top leaders.

“I was not looking for great success stories,” he explains. “I wanted to talk about things that we all screwed up, so the next generation didn’t repeat our mistakes. If the book has left a little imprint on commanders, I’m really proud of that.”

His wife, Dawn, serving as the first lady of the Air Force, later wrote a companion book titled “Sharing the Journey,” aimed at military spouses. Both books are now given to new commanders and spouses at every commander’s course at Maxwell AFB.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT

Gen. Goldfein became the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force in July 2016 and served until 2020. His extensive background in the joint fight influenced his priorities.

“Everything I did, the staff knew, was going to be passed through a litmus test,” he explains. “If it improved our ability to fight jointly, then I would take it on. If it didn’t, if it was on the periphery, I would normally pass it by.”

As chief, Gen. Goldfein helped shape the Air Force for the future and the return to great power competition, including the establishment of a new military service — the U.S. Space Force.

He championed joint all-domain operations and command and control concepts within the Air Force and the Joint Force. He led the most significant update to officer development and promotion in decades, focused on building the leaders needed on point in a peer fight.

In addition, he advocated for the revitalization of the squadron as the warfighting core of the service. He helped push authority and resources downward while also encouraging innovation.

“The squadron, quite frankly, is where we succeed or fail as an Air Force,” he suggests. “We needed squadron commanders to know that we had their backs and that they had the resources to take risks, make decisions, and that they could stumble, fall down, pick themselves up, and dust themselves off. That was what it was going to take in a peer fight.”

Gen. Goldfein also pushed for better integration among the services and defense contractors, all for the benefit of the joint warfighter.

“The framework we advocated for future joint warfighting networks was ‘connect, share and learn.’ We have to connect our systems on a common architecture, we’ve

got to share information at the speed of relevance to get to decision superiority, and we have to put AI at the edge so we ensure humans are doing what only humans can do versus what machines can do better and faster,” he says. “I’m proud that we’re no longer having any discussions on whether the Department of Defense needs to do this. The discussions are focused on how we get this done.”

Gen. Goldfein says he feels good about what his team accomplished over four years.

“On the big rocks, we never got into the end zone,” he says. “But as chief, you ought to move that big rock down the field as far as you can and hand it off to the next chief better than you found it.”

His biggest disappointment, he notes, was the approximately 100 suicides a year that occurred among airmen during his watch.

“Nothing we did curtailed that number, and we tried a bunch,” he says. “Every time you lose an airman to suicide, that’s a failure of the system. My hope, and my prayer, is that the emphasis we placed on building soft skills on squadron command teams to build a culture where suicide is harder will eventually have an impact.”

LESSONS LEARNED

According to Gen. Goldfein, becoming an inspirational servant leader is a lifelong pursuit. No one ever truly arrives.

“I’m 63 and I’m still working on it,” he says. “I think if you ever feel like you’ve arrived, it may be time to move aside.”

He says leadership is a gift offered by those who follow. All leaders should trea-

sure that gift.

“Leadership comes down to a mirror check every morning with three words … am I worthy?” he says. “Am I worthy of the trust and confidence of these young airmen, the greatest treasure in our nation’s arsenal, who have signed up to serve?”

USAFA HONOR

When he was informed of his selection as a Distinguished Graduate, Gen. Goldfein felt moved.

“Obviously, GPA is not a criteria for being a Distinguished Graduate,” he smiles. “It’s truly humbling to be part of this group.”

He hopes his selection inspires cadets and airmen who find themselves struggling in their lives and careers.

“If they’re able to look at my journey, and it helps them with their journey and gets them to a better place, then it’s all been worth it,” he says. “I’m just honored to be a graduate of a great institution, and certainly to be part of this group of heroes.”

RETIREMENT PLANS

Gen. Goldfein remains active even in retirement. He’s a senior adviser to Blackstone, a large private equity firm in New York. He’s chairman of the board for Google Public Sector, applying Google’s talent toward tough government challenges.

In August, he takes over as chair of the national USO board. He’s also a distinguished visiting fellow with the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, and a senior fellow for the applied physics lab at Johns Hopkins.

His most important role now, however, is being dad and grandpa.

When he retired from the Air Force, Gen. Goldfein says he shed his “Fingers” call-sign and traded it for a new one — “JD.”

“No more chief, no more general,” he says. “Just Dave. Or if you’re my grandchildren, Papa. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

ABOVE: Then-Cadet David Goldfein shows off his musical talents in 19th Squadron.

RIGHT: Gen. Goldfein gets a welcome-home hug from wife, Dawn, following his rescue from enemy territory in 1999.

IGNITING Inspiration

Thunderbirds perform intricate ballet across the sky

Thunderbird pilots even walk in formation — one behind the other — as they exit their red, white and blue hangar at Nellis Air Force Base before taking to the skies in F-16s. On this late-April day, the world-class pilots are busy preparing for upcoming air shows, including the annual appearance at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation at Falcon Stadium. Once airborne in the blue Nevada skies, the six-pilot team performs choreographed passes designed to inspire and astound future audiences below.

During a roughly 40-minute practice session, the team trains to get better and safer at each maneuver.

The Air Force’s premier demonstration team — which showcases precision flying and aircraft capabilities to crowds around the world — is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Air Force Academy graduates have a long history on the legendary team.

KATZ

As a kid, Maj. Daniel Katz ’13 watched jets take off from the Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles and dreamt of becoming a pilot. He’s now living his childhood dream, piloting the F-16 Fighting Falcon in his second year on the Thunderbirds.

“To achieve a lifelong dream and be able to share it with friends and people at airshows is pretty amazing,” he says. “It’s

really fun to inspire youth to dream big.”

Katz performed as opposing solo his first season before transitioning to lead solo this year.

Airshows feature two solo pilots (No. 5 and No. 6) and four formation fliers.

“Our job in the team is to showcase the max performance of the aircraft,” he says. “I like to say the diamond (formation fliers) is like a ballet routine and the solos are a heavy metal concert that is aggressive, loud and in your face.”

During performances, Katz pushes his aircraft while pulling up to 9 Gs and soaring 100 feet above the ground past spectators.

Katz, the other officers, and more than 100 enlisted airmen in the demonstration squadron each do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

“Blind trust is of utmost importance when you’re upside down in a loop flying 18 inches apart.”

Piloting the No. 5 aircraft, Katz spends so much of a performance upside down that the “5” on his F-16 is displayed upside down so spectators see it right side up.

During one formation, Katz is inverted while flying horizontally above the No. 6 aircraft. From the ground, it appears the tail fins of the two aircraft are nearly touching.

Another formation — the opposing knife edge pass — has the two solo pilots flying toward each other before they each bank left, making it appear they nearly collided.

Written by David Bitton • Photos by David Bitton and Ryan Hall

“It’s a very, very fast and expensive game of chicken that we do with about $45 million airplanes,” Katz says.

But Katz’s favorite formation is the line-break loop. He connects with the diamond (four formation fliers) and all five aircraft release smoke trails while going straight up into the sky. Katz peels off to the right while the diamond goes left, looping around and down to create a heart that Katz says is about one and a half miles tall and one mile wide.

“It is really a thank you to all the service members, their families and everyone who came to the air show,” Katz says.

Sequestration — federal budget cuts — meant the Thunderbirds didn’t perform at his USAFA graduation in 2013. But Katz did get to fly over Falcon Stadium last year as freshly minted second lieutenants tossed their caps skyward.

“Flying over the Academy is pretty surreal and nostalgic because I spent four years there working toward my dream,” Katz says. “Being able to perform for the graduates goes in my memory book as one of the coolest things I’ve ever done because I know how hard they had to work to graduate.”

TISE

With over 1,500 flights hours, more than 450 combat hours and a sixmonth deployment to Afghanistan, Maj. Eric Tise ’13 says being on the Thunderbirds is the most difficult flying he has ever done.

But Tise knows how to push through challenging times and end up better for it. He struggled academically at the Academy and was on academic probation a few times.

“The reason I’ve gotten to the position I’m at is because of hard work,” he says. “I was lucky enough to get a pilot slot out of the Academy and I’m so glad I chose that because once I went to pilot training, I fell in love with it.”

The first air show Tise saw was last year when the Thunderbirds brought him and other finalists to a performance so they could see the level of professionalism and precision that would be expected of them if selected.

A Thunderbirds F-16 goes screaming over Falcon Stadium following the 2019 graduation.

“I quickly realized it takes a lot of skill,” he says. “An important part of being a good Thunderbird pilot is being humble because you go from being the top instructor pilot in your squadron to the new guy, learning from other top instructors.”

Each new team begins training in the winter months before the show season, which typically runs March to November. This season kicked off in February and includes 33 different show sites around the U.S.

“There’s no way you’re going to be able to fly the demo unless you continuously practice over and over again,” Tise says. “We’re trying to make the best demonstration we can to inspire people, whether that’s to go into the military or just to do something amazing with their lives.”

Now well into his first year, Tise is the opposing solo pilot in the No. 6 aircraft.

“There are a lot of amazing people who have gone through the Thunderbirds and it’s definitely an honor to be one of them,” he says. “Every time I get into a red, white and blue jet, I want to live up to the standards that they hold.”

TONER

As the public affairs officer for the team, Capt. Kaity Toner ’15 seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the Thunderbirds and their history.

The Thunderbirds were commissioned on May 25, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizo-

na, only six years after the U.S. Air Force was established, she notes. The squadron moved to its current home at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in 1956. She says the Thunderbirds were created to inspire all Americans.

“There was a lack of confidence in the Air Force, pilots and jet aircraft throughout the American public,” Toner says. “We were commissioned to connect the American public with its military to bring confidence, not just in the Air Force, but in military jets and military pilots. Our commissioning was a little bit larger scale and that’s why we’ve always been red, white and blue. We are called the ambassadors in blue, and we represent America’s military, not just the Air Force.”

Toner explains that officers are typically on the team for two seasons while enlisted personnel are assigned for three or four seasons. The team has 12 officers — six of whom fly the demonstration — and around 130 enlisted personnel from 31 career fields.

The team trains at least twice a day, six times a week to continually improve their performances.

Only 2,535 people have worn the Thunderbirds patch.

“By comparison, there are approximately 20,000 Olympic gold medalists in the world … and about 16,000 Super Bowl rings,” Toner says. “So, when you think that only 2,535 humans have ever worn this patch, it’s a very elite group of people and we are incredibly proud of that.”

More than 200 pilots have flown for the team, and, tragically, 21 pilots have died.

“What we do is definitely dangerous, and it’s not taken lightly,” Toner says. “Every Thunderbird crash in history is briefed in depth to incoming pilots and the team so they understand the severity of the mission they’re taking on.”

Nearly all the deaths occurred during training with only a few occurring at air shows.

The first death was on Dec. 11, 1954, and the latest on April 4, 2018.

Two USAFA graduates died while flying for the Thunderbirds — Capt. Jerry Bolt ’64 and Capt. David “Nick” Hauck ’71.

Bolt and a technical sergeant were killed during a flight test on Dec. 21, 1972.

Hauck died on May 9, 1981, while performing during an air show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

“Every loss is felt very deeply, and we make sure we learn from them to be safer,” Toner says. “We debrief our flights extensively every day with the goal of always getting better. ”

The squadron's worst accident occurred on Oct. 9, 1958, when a C-123D cargo plane carrying 19 support crew crashed, killing all onboard.

New second lieutenants throw their caps skyward as the Thunderbirds fly over following the 2020 Air Force Academy graduation.

“Being able to perform for the graduates goes in my memory book as one of the coolest things I’ve ever done because I know how hard they had to work to graduate.”

- Maj. Daniel Katz ’13

Another major accident — which occurred in Nevada on Jan. 18, 1982, when four formation fliers crashed into the ground and died — nearly shut the Thunderbirds down for good.

But Gen. (Ret.) Wilbur “Bill” Creech, a Thunderbird pilot in 1953 and 1954 and commonly referred to as “the father of the Thunderbirds,” convinced Congress to keep the Thunderbirds and transition from the T-38 to the F-16.

Thunderbirds have flown the F-84F/G, F-100C/D, F-105B, F-4E, T-38 and, for the past 40 years, F-16A/C.

More than 3,000 of the 5,000 Thunderbirds’ performances have been flown in an F-16.

“The F-16 has been an incredible aircraft for us to fly,” Toner says. “It is very maneuverable and safe. It’s perfect for the demonstration we perform.”

When COVID first hit and closed down the performance season in 2020, the team took advantage of the downtime to rework the entire demonstration.

“A lot of the maneuvers you'll see are the same, but the sequencing of events, the timing, the music and the narration, have all been redone,” Toner says.

The team worked with the parents of Maj. Zane Taylor ’10 — the No. 4 slot pilot on the team at the time — who are former Disney employees with years of experience in show business.

“They said that the show should be like a fireworks demonstration,” Toner says. “It

should open with a bang and have a very distinct beginning, middle and end. It’s high energy and elicits an emotional response. It’s a new show for those who saw us before 2021, and we’re incredibly proud of it.”

GULLA

Maintenance and logistics officer Maj. Bobby Gulla ’12 is responsible for ensuring the eight heavily flown F-16s remain operational.

Instead of having 2,000plus maintainers in a maintenance group at a fighter base, Gulla explains that he has around 100 from a wide variety of AFSCs to do the same job.

The Thunderbirds have 11 F-16s, all from the early 1990s.

“Some of them are the most flown F-16 aircraft in the entire Air Force,” Gulla says.

Traveling roughly 300 days a year, it takes a lot of effort to keep the F-16s operating at their peak performance.

“We work extensively with our engineers, and our maintainers are the best of the best,” Gulla says. “They are able to make magic happen at home and on the road.”

He shared an example of replacing an F-16 engine, which typically takes 14 to 24 hours, in just six hours.

“We have a no-fail mission because we can’t leave a jet behind when it’s time for us to fly to our next town,” Gulla says.

He says he learned leadership and how to lead a diverse group of people during his

year at the Prep School and his four years at the Academy.

“The Thunderbirds have people who represent the entirety of the Air Force,” Gulla says. “You have to be able to take people from all different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences and build teams.”

Gulla says wearing the Thunderbirds uniform is a privilege and that he often gets stopped by curious people wanting to learn about the squadron.

“It may be 10 at night and I’m entering a hotel after a very long day, but there is a family there that just wants to talk with me. I have to dig deep and say this is important and spend time with them because I’m only borrowing the Thunderbirds patch,” he says. “My legacy is to make sure that people have a better impression of the Thunderbirds than before they met me.”

GRINDSTAFF

Flight surgeon Maj. Travis Grindstaff ’13 is charged with caring for the health of the more than 130 squadron members and their families.

“My primary job is to take care of the fliers. We have six demonstration pilots — one through six — and there are no backups,” Grindstaff says. “The flying they do is a professional sport and keeping them healthy from both a preventative and human performance standpoint is critical.”

Grindstaff says taking care of the ground performers is also important.

Maj. Eric Tise '13 climbs into the No. 6 Thunderbirds F-16 before an air show practice flight near Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The Thunderbirds perform over Falcon Stadium following the 2023 graduation.

“Out in the heat all day, they’re doing these incredibly athletic things and they’re getting injuries that may prevent them from being able to do the show,” he says. “But when you only have two days at a location to show people what we do, we don’t have the option of sitting those people out. So it’s important to help maintain their health.”

Grindstaff often treats pilots for musculoskeletal or sinus issues and says traveling around 300 days a year can impact mental health and sleep patterns.

“A lot of what I’m doing is encouraging people to live healthy lifestyles,” he says. “I help fix their nutrition and sleep and make sure they are taking appropriate medications.”

During medical school, Grindstaff experienced back pain and required emergency spinal fusion surgery. He spent the next six months wondering if he would be able to fly or even stay in the Air Force.

Though he has eight screws in his back connected to titanium rods, he was able to endure pulling 9 Gs in a centrifuge, remain in the Air Force, and eventually join the Thunderbirds.

“What that really showed me, particularly as a physician, was the importance of protecting the careers of the fliers,” he says. “Flying is their dream from the time they may have been 2 to 3 years old. Losing that dream and losing that ability to fly for them is not only not an option, but it’s also devastating for them mentally and physically.”

Deep down, Grindstaff always knew he wanted to be a physician, to help people through difficulties so they could get back to what they enjoy. He loves doing that for the Thunderbirds.

“Throughout history, when people come to this team, they are the best of the best at what they do,” he says. “It really makes me proud to see that legacy, that tradition of training people with patriotism, and the values that we hold dear have been consistent for 70 years.”

DOWNIE

Maj. Jeff Downie ’13 is the advance pilot and narrator for the Thunderbirds. He and his crew chief are responsible for every detail of show site coordination for 35 air shows this season. This task includes directing all maintenance, logistics, airlife, transportation, FAA, media, security and airspace requirements. He flies in one day ahead of the rest of the team and works to iron out last-minute details to ensure each flight demonstration goes smoothly.

With one of the few two-seater F16s the Thunderbirds have, Downie also takes deserving people up as part of the squadron’s Hometown Hero program, where Downie demonstrates some of the capabilities of an F-16.

“These individuals are often people who have selflessly given back to their communi-

ties and causes in the name of service,” he says.

Passengers get the opportunity to experience all the rolls, loops and g-forces they want and Downie says he wants to make sure they walk away with a positive experience.

At air shows, Downie also serves as the narrator during the roughly 37-minute performances.

“I get to draw on the energy and excitement that comes from attending an airshow and pull the audience into this incredible experience and elevate it even further,” he says. “The demonstration is an intricately choreographed dance that happens between the music, the narration and the timing of the actual maneuvers. Every six seconds the jets are moving a whole mile and it makes for a challenging but exhilarating job as the narrator.”

As a child, Downie saw a Thunderbirds performance and knew right away he wanted to fly fighters. He chased that dream without reservation and never lost sight of where he wanted to go. Now an experienced F-16 instructor pilot, he enjoys watching the next generation of fighter pilots be inspired.

“We pour ourselves into this and it’s incredible to be at an air show and see that twinkle in some kid’s eye or that light bulb go off when they realize this is what they are passionate about,” Downie says. “There is some little kid in the crowd saying, ‘hey, you know, maybe that can be me someday.’”

“We're trying to make the best demonstration we can to inspire people, whether that's to go into the military or just to do something amazing with their lives.”

- Maj. Eric Tise ’13

Members of the Thunderbirds ground crew watch as Maj. Eric Tise '13 prepares to take off during a practice session.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE

being part of the Thunderbirds

LT. GEN. (RET.) ROBERT BECKEL ’59

Solo pilot in 1967-1968

“Having the opportunity to fly on the Thunderbirds was a privilege. I was humbled to perform with talented pilots and terrific ‘hands.’

The entire team — civilian, enlisted and officer — represented and continue to represent the epitome of patriotic professionalism of our U.S. Air Force and America. It was the perfect amplification of what the U.S. Air Force Academy is and instilled in me. Further, I have many wonderful memories showcasing our nation to other countries while we pushed each other to work as an elite team rather than as individuals. But I must admit as a solo, I did have some unexpected and exciting moments!”

COL. (RET.) MICHAEL “RIP” BLAISDELL ’62

Narrator March-May 1972; right wing May 1972-Nov. 1973

“The first time I ever saw the Thunderbirds was during June Week 1959. They were practicing in F-100s over the parade field for the Class of 1959 graduation. I was walking back from lunch as they did the bomb burst. No. 4 came down the face of the Ramparts just north of Eagle Peak. He passed over Harmon Hall then dropped down to about 50 feet over the Terrazzo, below the top of the flagpole. I had never seen anything like that and immediately thought, wow, I’m going to do that some day!

Being a Thunderbird is sort of like being a member of an elite sports team or maybe a dance ensemble. During the shows, you have to fly formation very well. It’s all concentration during the 30-minute show. But there is an even tougher job that goes on 24 hours a day as a Thunderbird; that’s public relations. There is nothing more gratifying to me now as when some old colonel or chief or even an airline pilot comes up to me and says, ‘I saw you at Podunk City in 1973 and that’s when I decided to join the Air Force.’ That’s what it is all about.”

MAJ. GEN. (RET.) DAVID COMMONS ’75

Right wing 1985-1986

“First and foremost, what an honor and privilege it was to be selected as a member of the Thunderbirds. Three things I especially remember about my tour with the team:

1. Patriotism. As we travelled the U.S., we met people from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities and they all expressed immense pride in the United

States of America. The sight of a red, white and blue F-16 brought out their feelings of patriotism, actually bringing some to tears. We met and talked with a lot of flagwaving, proud Americans. And there were always heartfelt thanks for those who served and those who were serving in the military.

2. The kids. The team always sought out opportunities to meet and talk to kids. We would meet them at the show site, schools, hospitals, the squadrons and social events. Their excitement was contagious. They were inquisitive and incredibly smart! The hospitals could be more difficult because some children would be fighting serious health issues or injuries. Shriners Children’s Boston was especially tough but inspirational and one I’ll never forget. The resilience of the children at the burn hospital, including their parents and medical staff, was incredible and very moving. I’m not sure I could’ve summoned the courage I witnessed that day.

3. Last thought, definition of priceless … a letter, with exquisite artwork, from a child I met during a trip waiting for me at the squadron when the team returned to Nellis AFB.”

MAJ. GEN. (RET.) BRIAN BISHOP ’83

Commander/Leader 1998-1999

“Being part of the Thunderbirds was an unbelievable experience. In a way, you’re not just representing the Air Force, but you also represent all the services of our nation.

I remember seeing the Thunderbirds when my dad was stationed at USAFA as the engineering mechanics instructor back when I was in the third grade. They were flying the F-4, which was massive, smoky and loud. Seeing the Thunderbirds was one of the things that made me want to come to the Air Force Academy.

I came back in ’98 and ’99 and flew the graduation show, which is the most difficult show because it’s a high-density altitude and you can’t see the stadium until you’re on top of it. We didn’t fly directly over the stadium, which allowed photographers to line up the iconic picture of hats in the air with the Thunderbirds above. Knowing that we had the job to help make that single picture for everyone’s scrapbooks was an awesome responsibility. The reason I enjoyed the USAFA show the most was, one, because it’s my alma mater. And two, when you do the opening maneuver and you come up over the top for the closed loop opener, I looked back over my head, and I could see the stadium and all the brand-new second lieutenants running around on the grass. That was a very, very special moment.”

WHAT WAS IT LIKE being part of the Thunderbirds

COL. (RET.) CHRIS “ELROY”

STRICKLIN ’94

Opposing solo 2003

“Being a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds is not about us as individuals or the team at large, it is about the entire Air Force and the power of the Thunderbird patch as it represents years of tradition and respect. We were honored to wear it for a time. We lived each day on the team fortunate to see pride in the eyes of fellow service men and women, inspiration and potential in the eyes of every child and the comradery that grew each and every show, each and every interaction. This opportunity is something that changed each of us forever.”

Editor’s note: Then-Capt. Chris Stricklin was only on the team for part of one season after safely ejecting during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Base, Idaho, on Sept. 14, 2003.

COL. (RET.) NICOLE (ELLINGWOOD)

MALACHOWSKI ’96

Right wing 2006-2007

“Being a member of the USAF Thunderbirds team was certainly a highlight of my career. It’s such a world-class group of people, from dozens of career fields, who come together for a truly unique mission. Being able to represent our nation’s airmen with the honor, respect and dignity they deserved was a huge responsibility for all of us. And it was one we took a lot of pride in. It was a lot of hard work and commitment and totally worth it. I’m hon-

ored to have played a small part of such an extraordinary group of great Americans. Today, I take my kids to the Thunderbirds air shows and I’m able to sit back, relax and smile, knowing we are all part of something pretty special. I was the first woman Thunderbird pilot and there have been five more women pilots after me. I simply think timing, luck and circumstance were on my side. It was simply the natural progression of women fighter pilots.”

COL. (RET.) SAMANTHA

(GLINSKI) WEEKS ’97

Opposing solo 2007; lead solo 2008

“Being a part of this team was truly an opportunity of a lifetime. I applied just after the first female pilot, Nicole Malachowski ’96, was selected. I was told the team wouldn’t have two female pilots at the same time. But I learned a lesson at USAFA that stayed with me — you can’t succeed if you don’t try, but you also can’t fail. So, I needed to throw my hat in the ring (homage to my first fighter squadron, the famed 94th Fighter Squadron) and decided to try.

The role and purpose of the team is to represent and showcase the selfless duty of airmen and guardians across the country and the world. It’s a responsibility I, along with all Thunderbirds, take seriously. Less than 1% of adults currently volunteer to serve in our military and sharing the service and stories of the Americans who do is important, and I got to be part of these stories for two years. As a female fighter pilot, I felt showcasing what was possible to boys, girls, men and women was even more special. The team afforded me friendships and experiences from almost all 50 states and seven countries around the globe. I got to take these experiences with me and continue to share them with others as part of the Long Blue Line. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am so happy to have been part of USAFA, the team and the Air Force.”

20 23 UPCOMING EVENTS

JUL.

HOME TAILGATES

SEP. 15

SEP. 30

OCT.

AWAY EVENTS

OCT. 20

OCT. 21

NOV. 3

NOV. 4

FALCON NATION SOCIAL EVENT Baltimore, MD

VS. NAVY

FALCON NATION TAILGATE NEW LOCATION - Annapolis

FALCON NATION SOCIAL EVENT

Denver, CO

VS. ARMY

FALCON NATION TAILGATE

Empower Field, Denver, CO

Preparing for THE FUTURE FIGHT

A CULEX participant engages with the realistic exercise inside the MultiDomain Lab simulator suite. (USAFA photos)

New culminating exercise gives Firsties a taste of Air Force, Space Force mission sets

By Jeff Holmquist

During USAFA’s first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary simulation, China invades Hokkaido Island, Japan’s northernmost province, and sets in motion a series of military and diplomatic countermeasures in hopes of ending the building war.

Various leadership teams assigned to all aspects of defense — fighters, bombers, search and rescue, cyber, space, intelligence, logistics, acquisitions, civil engineering, medical and others — jump into action to develop an appropriate coordinated response.

Then suddenly, the unexpected happens — the aggressor deploys a nuclear weapon. Plans soon pivot to address the rapidly escalating global threat. The path forward remains uncertain, but a calculated and swift response appears necessary.

READY OR NOT

First-class cadets faced this particular scenario during USAFA’s inaugural spring semester Culminating Exercise (CULEX), aimed at sharpening the focus of soon-tobe graduates on the realities of great power competition.

The exercise wasn’t as farfetched as one might think, as China continues to flex its economic and military muscles around the globe. On top of that, the parameters of the

anticipated future fight shift almost daily.

As discussion about launching a CULEX for Firsties began last summer, permanent party members from all Academy mission elements assisted in making the exercise as realistic as possible. The resulting trial event exceeded expectations.

It’s all part of what Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, USAFA superintendent, calls preparing for the future fight — the second of his four institutional strategic imperatives.

To help close the gaps in USAFA’s efforts to ready cadets for that future fight, Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre ’96 commissioned a study of the institution’s curriculum to identify areas for improvement. The resulting 110-page document suggested a more interdisciplinary approach to the overall educational process.

One of the missing links, according to the study, was a culminating exercise that brings cadets from various majors together for a realistic final project.

JOB ONE

According to Maj. Megan Vaught ’10, CULEX lead and air officer commanding for Cadet Squadron 36, as planning for the exercise kicked off in January, each Firstie joined one of 14 teams based on their future job, or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).

“It was a chance to get them excited and maybe learn what their AFSC is going to look like when they go out into the Air Force or Space Force,” she says. “It also gave them a chance to meet someone who is also in the same AFSC … so they can start networking already.”

Faculty members and staff assigned to the commandant, each with expertise in those particular AFSCs, helped lead the teams, offer advice and walk cadets through the typical mission planning process.

“Across CW and DF, we’ve got folks from pretty much every AFSC out there,” Vaught reports.

Firsties took part in the inaugural Culminating Exercise, designed to prepare them for their future Air Force and Space Force jobs.

Senior leaders and fellows from the Institute for Future Conflict (IFC) also offered subject-matter intelligence to inform the decision-making process and to evaluate the success of the exercise.

Over the next three months, the teams gathered on a regular basis — including on numerous Silver Saturdays — to plan out job-specific strategies to address the fictitious scenario.

Then finally, on March 17 and 18, the Firsties participated in the integrated CULEX as faculty, staff and senior leaders observed and evaluated team decisions and actions.

The exercise kicked off with a classified briefing from Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, current commander of the Pacific Air Force, who emphasized the importance of the exercise as he addressed the participants as the “captains of 2027.” He outlined the developing scenario and encouraged the cadet teams to take the CULEX seriously.

The teams fanned out across the Academy that weekend to execute their simulated responses, utilizing Jacks Valley, the Multi-Domain Lab, the space operations center and other locales useful for doing their jobs.

Cyber teams worked feverishly to hack into enemy systems; search-and-rescue personnel raced to a downed aircrew; civil engineers repaired a damaged airfield; intelligence officers prioritized possible bombing targets; logistics team members figured out how to best rearm and refuel platforms in the air; the missile defense team knocked down incoming missiles; the National Security Council team worked diplomatic channels; the acquisitions team developed new technologies to aid the warfighter.

Vaught says it became clear to the Firsties that everyone had an important role to play if the overall mission was to be successful.

“It’s not the Tom Cruise, single-seat fighter guy like you see in the movies that’s going to win the war,” Vaught says. “They could see it was a combined effort, and they couldn’t succeed just with their AFSC alone. We just can’t do this unless we’re integrating together.”

OPENING SALVO

When the CULEX was over, an integrated and overall debrief allowed participants to learn from their and others’ mistakes and successes.

“The exercise was creating the Velcro for these cadets,” Vaught explains. “They may not necessarily remember everything from this CULEX, but hopefully a couple years down the road they’ll understand. Once they start to make the connections and hear more, these lessons may actually stick with them.”

Vaught, who previously taught at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, says she was excited to help coordinate the CULEX for cadets. She hopes it better prepares them for their careers.

“It’s something I’m absolutely 100% passionate about,” she says. “When I came back here, I wanted to bring some more of the operational Air Force back to the cadets.”

She calls the CULEX a success and hopes to expand the learning opportunities for future graduating cadets.

“I think we have made incredible strides in a first iteration of doing an exercise … going from absolutely nothing to what we did this year is a bit mind blowing,” she says.

CADET FEEDBACK

Except for giving up multiple Saturdays during their first-class year, most of the cadets involved in the CULEX appreciated the integrated training.

C1C Zackary Beatty served as the cadet in charge of the A4 medical team during the exercise.

“The Firsties had the most engagement I have seen in my four years here,” he reports. “This CULEX was one of the most beneficial exercises I have participated in while at USAFA. It has helped to build a solid foundation for my growth as a future leader in the Air Force.”

To prepare Beatty for his upcoming Air Force job, the CULEX gave him practice in planning, prepping and executing an expeditionary medical support system for a deployed environment at the operational and tactical levels.

“We quickly learned how much work goes into this and how to rely on the joint

Cadets build a temporary shelter during the spring Culminating Exercise (CULEX) on March 18.

This CULEX was one of the most beneficial exercises I have participated in while at USAFA. It has helped to build a solid foundation for my growth as a future leader in the Air Force.”

— C1C ZACKARY BEATTY

force to execute the mission properly,” he says.

C1C James Foran, who served as the Group 1 space operations team lead, says the experience was a positive one for the Firsties.

“Although this was the first iteration, and some tweaks here and there would make it even better, I took away some good experience leading a COA [course of action] development team and really honing my briefing skills,” he says.

SENIOR LEADER FEEDBACK

Gen. Clark says the CULEX provided future lieutenants a taste of how to operate as joint-force teams.

“They have learned about unit cohesion, critical thinking and decision making in a real-world example,” he says. “I am highly impressed and extremely proud of our Firsties and their successful execution of this year’s culminating exercise. This exercise provided our cadets a full-spectrum look at military operations and integrating with our joint partners to prepare for the future fight.”

Brig. Gen. Paul Moga ’95, USAFA commandant of cadets, says he was equally impressed and called the exercise a “resounding success.”

“The experience our Firsties gained from this exercise provided a robust foundation to better understanding joint ops and how we integrate inside our department and with other services,” he reports. “Our Firsties were beginning to understand the language used in the joint environment and how they, agnostic of career field, will support our nation in the wars of the future — should that unfortunate day face them.”

The lessons in overall teamwork were particularly valuable, he added.

“No one team or mission set was going to be successful if they tackled their problem in a bubble,” he explains. “They had to work together, as a team and across teams, to complete the scenario.”

Gen. Moga says the inaugural CULEX was a good starting point for USAFA, and future exercises will be even stronger through lessons learned.

FUTURE CONFLICT

Since its beginnings in 2019, the IFC — thanks to private philanthropy — has been helping the Academy focus more attention on the emerging challenges of great power competition.

According to Gen. (Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70, the IFC’s outgoing Air Force Academy Foundation liaison, the institute’s leadership and fellows recognized the value of a CULEX geared toward first-class cadets and wanted to support it in any way they could.

Academic institutions often struggle to change how they deliver education and training, Gen. Martin suggests, but “once the Dean’s study shed light on the need for a CULEX, they’ve been moving at an incredible rate.”

Working with the permanent professor and chief learning officer in the commandant’s shop, Col. Beth Makros ’98, the IFC helped envision and execute a scenario that would incorporate

C1C Tai Kim concentrates on the emerging simulated threat during the Culminating Exercise.

cadet learning opportunities across various job classifications.

“I think Col. Makros and her team came up with a brilliant methodology for how to take a major global crisis and break it down into something that all the cadets could grasp,” Gen. Martin says. “It’s really revolutionary for this institution to have this kind of focus and convergence.”

At the conclusion of the exercise, work immediately began to expand and improve the spring CULEX for next year’s graduating Firsties.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford “B.J.” Shwedo ’87, IFC director, says the CULEX helped knock down the stovepipes among the Commandant of Cadets, Dean of Faculty and Department of Athletics, which will pay dividends for years to come.

“We’re getting after some of the gaps that were identified in the Dean’s study, and we’re implementing the Superintendent’s game plan,” he says. “If we’re going to succeed at great power competition or great power conflict, we need to learn this collaborative piece … the synergy.”

The USAFA leaders and faculty also have developed an everexpanding to-do list as they plan for future exercises — including adding agile combat employment (ACE) into the mix.

“We just anticipate that it’s going to get better and better,” Gen. Shwedo says. “I don’t want anyone left with the impression that we had a CULEX and we’re declaring victory. We still have work to do.”

Each of USAFA’s mission elements will play a part in the further development of the valuable exercises, he adds.

“We’re not talking about changing core curriculum pieces. We’ve already got a pretty solid product,” he explains. “But we’ve got to swap some things out to implement this shift from the War on Terror to great power competition and great power conflict. We need more salient examples of what our future cadets are going to immediately run into.”

VOLUNTEER HELP

A host of Academy graduates who live locally stepped up to help execute the CULEX over the course of three months, including Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Harold Moulton ’78, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Duane Jones ’75 and Col. (Ret.) Robert Traylor ’75.

Gen. Jones was the mentor for the aircraft maintenance, logistics, medical, security forces and civil engineering teams.

“Seems to me cadets intuitively understood that this was a real opportunity to learn about the specific AFSCs to which they’re about to be assigned,” he says. “Engagement was high, scenarios realistic, and outcomes really useful.”

Gen. Jones admits, however, he was a little jealous throughout the exercise.

“I found myself repeatedly thinking that this would have been great had it existed when I was about to graduate,” he says. “New graduates are going to contribute to national defense in a real way and much sooner than they ever imagined.”

Gen. Moulton helped lead the air missile defense team, along with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Peter Fesler. They coordinated with the Missile Defense Agency to use its modeling and simulation tools.

“Cadets were skeptical at first as we led the discussion,” he says. “However, as we helped them think through defense design and after we ran the full capstone fight with their defense design, most of the cadets were all in on their mission to defend Hokkaido. Multiple cadets came up to us and said they really enjoyed learning about this operational mission.”

Gen. Moulton says the 40 cadets on the team now know more about the air missile defense mission than most colonels and generals in the military.

“That’s not hyperbole,” he adds. “This is a huge leap for USAFA.”

Col. Traylor, who served as adviser to the space portion of CULEX, says he’s already looking forward to participating in next year’s exercise.

He says this year’s cadets learned an important lesson about the criticality of coordination and integration among the air, space and cyber domains. His space team also experienced firsthand the need for protecting on-orbit assets and ensuring that both government and commercial satellite assets continue to provide information and intelligence to the terrestrial warfighters in a timely manner.

“The future guardians and space-oriented Firsties were extremely engaged and enthusiastic,” he says. “Kudos to the whole USAFA leadership team for committing the time, energy and resources over three months to do the hard preparations and coordination to allow successful execution in March. I considered it a privilege to participate.

A cadet checks the plans for erecting a temporary structure during the spring CULEX.

1960s-era Fireball XL5 lunchbox — replete with futuristic scenes of space travel and other-worldly encounters — sits high on a shelf behind Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Larry James’ office desk.

For a moment, it seems out of place among the various military medals, scholarly books and miniature satellite models.

But it doesn’t take long to realize the expansive display accurately depicts a timeline of the man’s life — from spaceobsessed boy to top space-research executive. The lunchbox is the perfect centerpiece for the beginning of that story.

Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, Gen. James ’78 set his gaze toward the heavens early in life.

“I just always loved space,” he says. “That was my passion.”

During his adolescent years in the 1960s, Gen. James frequently built model rockets and followed the exploits of astronauts on the various NASA Gemini and Apollo missions.

“My dad actually took me to an Apollo launch … Apollo 9,” he recalls.

That trip to Kennedy Space Center in 1969 cemented his future career trajectory. When he hit high school age, Gen. James connected with the local Air Force Academy liaison officer, who outlined the

many opportunities available to cadets — including space careers.

“I didn’t apply to the Military Academy, and I didn’t apply to the Naval Academy,” he says. “I had no interest in those. I wanted to do space — whether that was to become an astronaut and get to space … or to work on missions and projects.”

Gen. James excelled academically at the Air Force Academy, graduating with an astronautical engineering degree that set him up for the future.

“It was a first-class, world-class educa-

tion,” he says. “I learned that I could get through the hard stuff, and I learned how to prioritize and manage my time. That has served me well throughout my whole life.”

During his long military career, Gen. James was a consequential contributor to advancements in space. And now, as the deputy director and chief operating officer of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, he continues

JPL deputy director helps guide space research for humanity’s sake

By Jeff Holmquist

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Larry James in his NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory office.

(Photo by Ryan Hall)

to be at the forefront of ongoing research efforts on Earth and beyond.

CAREER LAUNCH

After graduating from USAFA, Gen. James landed a first assignment with the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

“I roomed with two other Academy graduates in Redondo Beach,” he smiles. “We had a three-bedroom townhome … not bad.”

The newly minted second lieutenant was immediately involved with an autonomous navigation experiment that flew in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle — mission STS-4.

“Right away, it was exciting stuff,” he says. “We could jump right in and work on advanced technology.”

Three years later, Gen. James was selected to attend graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“And in the interim, I met my wife and got married and dragged her off to Boston,” he reports.

While finishing up his degree, Gen. James learned about the Air Force’s new payload specialist program.

“At that time, all Department

of Defense missions were going to fly on the Shuttle,” he says. “And if we were going to fly our missions on the Shuttle, the Air Force wanted our people to fly and do whatever they had to do for the mission.”

The opportunity to become an astronaut was too great to pass up for the young officer. He applied for the Manned Spaceflight Engineer Program and was accepted.

“We were the second cohort in that program,” he recalls. “We did a year of training, and then we were certified to fly.”

GPS MISSION

At that time, Gen. James was assigned to the new global positioning system (GPS) program office and launched the technology’s final three research-and-development spacecraft to orbit. He had no idea the technology he was working on would change the world.

“This was when we were still building the constellation just to see if it would work,” he reports. “We knew this would be important for the

military to put bombs on target, but we had no idea it would turn into something the world can’t live without. To be a part of that was pretty special.”

Gen. James was readying to fly on the Space Shuttle’s first GPS mission, but his chance to launch to space was shortcircuited following the 1986 Challenger tragedy.

“They ultimately canceled the payload specialist program because they moved all the DoD payloads back onto Titans, Deltas and Atlases,” he says.

In 1989, Gen. James headed to the Pentagon to become the GPS program element monitor.

“That was during Desert Storm,” he says. “I was right in the thick of trying to figure out how to get GPS capability into F-16s … and get those small receivers over to the war.”

His next assignment at Cape Canaveral also involved GPS technology — integrating GPS on top of the Delta rockets for launch.

Europa Clipper will launch in 2024 and explore Jupiter's icy moon. (Artist rendering)

Later in his career, while he was commander of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, he was certified in GPS operations.

“GPS has been kind of this thing I’ve touched throughout my career, which is kind of cool,” he says.

MILITARY RETIREMENT

In his second-to-last Air Force assignment, Gen. James served as the 14th Air Force commander, responsible for space operations across all the services.

In 2010, in his final Air Force job, he became the deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at the Pentagon.

“In my space hat, I had delved a bit into the intel side, running signals intelligence,” he says. “That was during Iraq and Afghanistan … the Predators, Reap-

ers, Global Hawks and all the stuff we were trying to do there. I still remember going down to the SECDEF’s office periodically and being beaten up because we didn’t have enough Predators and Reapers doing combat air patrols in Afghanistan.”

In all, Gen. James spent 35 years in uniform — an extended military career he never expected.

“I just loved what I did,” he says. “I had incredible opportunities to contribute, and it was important work that was important for the mission and for the nation. Why would I do something different?”

JPL CALLS

As he approached retirement in 2013, Gen. James received a fortuitous call from the JPL director. The soon-to-be retiree had partnered with JPL on classified

military projects through the years, so the laboratory’s senior leaders knew him well.

The director suggested Gen. James join the JPL team as deputy director. Because JPL is managed for NASA by CalTech, the school’s board of directors interviewed him and eventually hired him for the role.

“It was an amazing transition,” he says. “I’ve had a passion for space since I was six years old, and now I still am able to do space in my second career. I couldn’t think of any better fit for me or a more exciting job. It’s just awesome.”

From a helicopter and rovers on Mars to an upcoming mission to one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, NASA’s JPL team is working on projects that will impact our understanding of the universe and our planet. (See the accompanying story on page 56 about

several missions the laboratory will be executing.)

RIGHT: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory staff put the finishing touches on the Europa Clipper inside the research facility's main bay. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

FAR RIGHT TOP: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Larry James has served as deputy director of JPL for a decade. He's pictured speaking with the crowd at the Moon to Mars Social. (JPL photo)

FAR RIGHT BOTTOM: The sign outside the JPL's main assembly facility at the organization's Los Angeles-area complex. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

THREE PILLARS

According to Gen. James, JPL focuses on three key mission areas: Earth, Mars and the solar system.

“We actually do a lot of Earth science,” he says.

In December, JPL launched a radar satellite that helps measure the height of the ocean and freshwater bodies, along with ocean currents.

The various Mars missions have been part of the JPL portfolio for years, because it’s the planet that’s most like ours and at one point had lakes and rivers, Gen. James reports. Currently, there are two rovers on the surface of Mars. One is gathering rock samples from the surface of the planet that will be collected and returned to Earth in 2033.

Another JPL mission is currently flying

around Jupiter, and trips to Venus and the asteroid Psyche are in the works.

“JPL is the only organization in the world that has been to all the planets,” he says. “And Voyager [launched in 1977] is still operating, and it’s outside the heliosphere. It’s humanity’s first interstellar spacecraft.”

FUTURE FOCUS

Today, Gen. James leans heavily on the time management skills he learned as a cadet. His daily calendar is filled to capacity with mission updates, task force meetings and more.

“A big part of my job is just continuing to drive us into the future,” he explains. “What do we still need to learn and find out? What new tools do we have to have? What do we need to be competitive 10 years from now?”

No matter how busy he is, Gen. James always finds time to attend every JPL launch, whether it’s happening at Vandenberg Space Force Base at Cape Canaveral or elsewhere.

“It never gets old,” he smiles. “But it’s still risky business. You always just hope it all goes right.”

As Gen. James observes work being completed on the Europa Clipper, which will journey to one of Jupiter’s moons in 2024, he says he’s not yet finished contributing to space research.

“I love what I do,” he says. “It’s exciting to come to work every day. Each mission rewrites the science books.”

on the

JPL is always conducting groundbreaking science on Earth and throughout the universe. Here are just a few upcoming missions on the schedule.

July 2023

The Euclid Project will investigate the cosmic mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Led by the European Space Agency and slated to launch this summer, the mission has key contributions from JPL and NASA.

October 2023

An upcoming mission will travel to a metal-rich asteroid orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists believe the asteroid — Psyche — could be part of the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planetesimal, one of the building blocks of the solar system. The mission is led by Arizona State University in partnership with JPL.

June 2024

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) will be a two-year mission that will survey the sky in optical as well as near-infrared light, which, though not visible to the human eye, serves as a tool for answering cosmic questions. Astronomers will use the mission to gather data on more than 300 million galaxies and more than 100 million stars in the Milky Way.

October 2024

NASA’s Europa Clipper will conduct a detailed investigation of Jupiter’s moon Europa and investigate whether the icy moon could have conditions suitable for life. Strong scientific evidence indicates that Europa holds an ocean of liquid water beneath its icy crust. The spacecraft will perform repeated close flybys of the moon. “We believe, based on our previous missions, that there’s two times the amount of water on this one moon than the entire Earth has,” Gen. James says. “The Pacific, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean … add them all up and multiply that by two or three times. That’s how much water is on this one moon … beneath the ice.”

December 2024

The Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High-Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths (ASTHROS) is a high-altitude balloon mission for studying astrophysical phenomena. ASTHROS will aim to fly for 21 to 28 days at an altitude of about 130,000 feet — high enough to observe wavelengths of light blocked by Earth’s atmosphere. The goal is to gather new information about stellar feedback in the Milky Way and other galaxies, a process in which stars either accelerate or decelerate the formation of new stars in their galaxy.

2024

The Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) is an array of six toaster-size CubeSats that will work together to study solar activity. The mission will observe low radio frequency emissions so scientists can better understand how the sun is able to generate intense space weather storms — known as solar particle storms — that can be hazardous to spacecraft and astronauts. This research will help scientists forecast space weather and improve the understanding of how our sun works. The project’s principal investigator is at the University of Michigan, and JPL manages the mission for NASA.

Also launching in 2024 is the Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration (CADRE) project — a network of shoebox-size rovers that can work together to explore planetary surfaces as a team. Because of their ability to support each other, they would be largely autonomous, making decisions and acting without the requirement of constant human intervention.

2027

The Near-Earth Object Surveyor space telescope (NEO Surveyor) will help advance NASA’s planetary defense efforts to discover and characterize most of the potentially hazardous asteroids and comets that come within 30 million miles of Earth’s orbit. These are collectively known as near-earth objects, or NEOs.

The Mars Rover

SERVICE TO NATION GRADS HONORED FOR

The Air Force Historical Foundation is honoring two USAFA graduates with significant annual awards.

Gen. (Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70 is the 2023 Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz Award recipient, recognizing his lifetime of service to the Air Force and Space Force.

After 35 years of military service, Gen. Martin retired in 2005 as commander of Air Force Materiel Command.

Prior to that assignment, he was the commander of the United States Air Forces Europe, air component commander for U.S. European Command and commander for NATO’s Allied Air Forces North. In those capacities, he commanded American, alliance and coalition air forces during operations Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Joint Guardian and Atlas Response. Additionally, he commanded the joint and allied air forces in the European theater of operations as they conducted long-range combat employment missions, humanitarian relief, special operations sustainment, and the largest post-World War II combat airdrops as part of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Since retiring, Gen. Martin has continued his service-before-self mindset, serving as a senior mentor to the U.S. Joint Forces Command and serving on two Defense Science Board studies. Additionally, he is a senior fellow for National Defense University in support of the Pinnacle, Capstone and Keystone programs.

He is also chairman of the National Academies Air Force Studies Board of Directors and a member of the MITRE Air Force advisory board. Over the past four years, Gen. Martin has been a key contributor to the establishment of the Institute for Future Conflict (IFC) at his alma mater, the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Gen. Martin reports that his parents — who served in the Army Air Force and then the U.S. Air Force — were his early inspiration for his future service focus.

“They taught me to find a way to serve

my nation and to contribute to improving the human condition wherever I could move the ball forward,” he says.

To that end, Gen. Martin says his goal in every job is to identify opportunities for improvement.

“I have always looked for ways to make the work we do in a bureaucracy better, and that’s an endless task,” he says. “I’ve tried to never forget the things that just seemed inefficient and/or ineffective when I was a young officer and to work to make them better.”

Gen. Martin says he’s particularly proud of the work he and the IFC team, including alumni contributors Dr. Paul Kaminski ’64, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Erv Rokke ’62, John Fox ’63 and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ron Sega ’74, have accomplished in recent years.

“We are making great progress,” he says. “But we can never take this nation’s status and progress for granted. We need to make sure the members of our Air Force and Space Force are prepared to defend this nation against the ideologies and forces that would dash the hopes and visons of freedom-loving persons around the world.”

Gen. Spaatz was the first chief of staff of the United States Air Force. One of the

giants in the history of air power, he flew in combat in World War I, shooting down three enemy aircraft. In 1929, Gen. Spaatz, along with a crew that included Gen. Ira C. Eaker, set an important flight endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes, which was unprecedented in the early days of aviation. During World War II, Gen. Spaatz commanded the allied air campaign against Germany. In the Pacific Theater, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place under his command.

DOCUMENTING HISTORY

Col. (Ret.) Phillip S. Meilinger ’70 is the recipient of the Foundation’s 2023 Maj. Gen. I.B. Holley Award. The honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the documentation of Air Force and Space Force history.

Col. Meilinger previously served as the director of military history and deputy department head at the Air Force Academy and a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. He was the founder and first dean of the School of Advanced Airpower Studies (now the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies).

He is a guest lecturer and the author of more than a dozen books and over 100 articles dealing with airpower and military history, operations and theory.

In 2009, Col. Meilinger published a biography of USAFA’s first superintendent, Lt. Gen. Hubert Harmon, “Harmon: Airman, Officer, Father of the Air Force Academy.” The book was sponsored by The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library.

A command pilot during his Air Force career, he served as a C-130 aircraft commander and instructor pilot in both Europe and the Pacific. He was also assigned to the Doctrine Division of the Air Staff at the Pentagon.

Upon retiring from the military, Col. Meilinger worked as a defense analyst in the Washington, D.C., area for six years at SAIC and Northrop Grumman.

Gen. (Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70

Dilts ’10, Boules ’15 presented Jabara Airmanship Awards

By David Bitton

One led an aerial firefight with Taliban forces while the other commanded while evacuating troops from an impending missile attack. Both earned the Academy’s highest award for airmanship — the Jabara Award for Airmanship.

“Our mission at the Academy is to develop leaders of character who are ready to lead when called upon, and our two Jabara Award winners embody the courage and resolve we expect of our graduates,” said Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.

Capt. Alex Boules ’15 and Maj. J. Cameron Dilts ’10 were recognized as the 60th and 61st recipients of the Jabara Award during a series of celebrations April 7 at the Air Force Academy.

Treated as VIPs, the pair — along with family and friends — watched a CV-22 Osprey fly over the Terrazzo before cadets marched into Mitchell Hall, where Boules and Dilts were recognized on the staff tower.

The honorees’ accomplishments were highlighted that evening at Doolittle Hall at the award dinner.

2020 — 2021

2020 JABARA AWARD

Boules was admittedly nervous before taking to the skies over Afghanistan on July 15, 2019. He was on his first overseas deployment, going up on his second combat sortie and his first as a flight lead. His squadron’s policy was giving pilots new to the theater the lead on one of their first flights to build familiarization with the airspace.

On his way out the door, Boules heard there was something brewing in northwest Afghanistan. By the time he had strapped into his A-10C Thunderbolt II, he was notified that the conflict was escalating, so Boules and his wingman expedited ground ops and taxied to the runway. Upon taking

off from Kandahar Airfield, Boules heard that his A-10 wingman and director of operations, Lt. Col. Charles Stretch Jr. ’05, experienced an aircraft malfunction on takeoff and would be delayed.

Boules donned his night vision goggles and flew northwest toward the Badghis Province. He coordinated for KC-10 and KC-135 air-to-air refueling assets and, once he heard “troops in contact,” pushed ahead of the tankers to get to the battle space as quickly as possible.

On station, Boules saw tracer fire and rocket-propelled grenades over the canopy rail.

“I remember it was chaos,” Boules says. “There were tracer rounds going from

Maj. J. Cameron Dilts '10, left, and Capt. Alex Boules '15 were recognized for strong leadership with the Air Force Academy's highest award for airmanship — the Jabara Award for Airmanship. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

north to south and east to west; it seemed to be a spiderweb of tracers moving in almost every direction.

“I’d had a decent amount of training in close air support procedures, but no amount of training can prepare you to witness friendlies under fire and yelling for close air support.”

Boules learned that Afghan special forces were under heavy attack by Taliban insurgents.

He quickly took control of the stack for the two A-10 Warthogs, two F-16s and one Afghan unmanned aerial vehicle.

Over the next five hours, Boules and Stretch conducted gun runs and employed precision-guided munitions, killing at least 15 Taliban fighters in mountainous terrain in low illumination.

Together, they employed 450 30MM rounds, two GBU-38 precision-guided bombs and four AGR-20 laser-guided rockets. Airborne tankers refueled the two A-10s a combined 11 times.

Boules also identified and marked targets for F-16s to hit.

The firepower the A-10s and F-16s provided and Boules’ leadership are credited with forcing the enemy to stop fighting in the dawn.

“Without his expertise, timely show of force and lethal weapon delivery, the remaining Afghan forces would have almost certainly been captured and executed,” the Jabara Award citation reads.

Ultimately, 12 Afghan special forces personnel were saved, although several commandos were captured and killed during the battle.

He says the fight didn’t feel like a win then or now, but it did teach him the importance of being resilient.

“We can’t expect black-and-white results, especially with the current pacing threat,” Boules says. “We operate in the gray. Living in the gray requires professionals who have an exceeding amount of humility as well as a Herculean amount of resilience. The Academy imparted a foundation of resilience in me and the desire to strive to be a humble expert. For that, I will forever be thankful.”

As a cadet in CS-31, Boules remembers walking through Arnold Hall and seeing the list of Jabara Award recipients.

“I never expected to be honored in such a monumental way,” Boules says. “It’s truly a humbling moment.”

Influenced by what transpired that night, Boules continues to pursue tactical expertise in his follow-on assignments. Boules is currently the weapons officer assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he flies the A-10.

High tensions between the United States and Iran with the imminent threat of a missile attack led to the evacuation of most personnel from the Americancontrolled Al Asad Air Base northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 7, 2020. Dilts’ role in helping evacuate personnel to safety earned him the 2021 Jabara Award.

Media reports indicate that on Dec. 29, 2019, the U.S. bombed five facilities in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 24 people the Pentagon says were tied to the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, which it says killed an American contractor.

Angry protesters responded to the airstrikes by storming the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on New Year’s Eve and setting fire to at least one structure.

The Pentagon responded on Jan. 3 with an airstrike near Baghdad International Airport, killing Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general who led his country’s elite Quds Force.

That led to increased anxiety for U.S. forces as they awaited a military response from Iran. Intelligence reports the evening of Jan. 7 indicated an imminent attack via ballistic missiles.

2021 JABARA AWARD

A-10s are refueled over the Middle East. (Air Force photo)

Capt. Alex Boules returns from a deployment. (Air Force photo)

“The Academy imparted a foundation of resilience in me and the desire to strive to be a humble expert.”

- CAPT. ALEX BOULES ’15

“Winning the Jabara Award comes with a lot of responsibility. ... to be an ambassador of our core values and the traditions of excellence and valor that come with being an aviator from our Academy. ... it’ll help guide my decisions, behavior and example with the cadets I now teach.”

The first decision facing Dilts that night was how many people to load into each of the three CV-22B Ospreys. As the flight lead and an Osprey pilot assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, he knew he needed to get people to safety as quickly as possible.

The CV-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft used by special operations forces that typically takes off and lands vertically.

Each Osprey is equipped with seating for 24 passengers, but Dilts loaded 40 passengers in each airframe before flying them away from Al Asad Air Base.

“The airport has a 13,000-foot runway, and we used all of it to lumber up into the air,” Dilts recalls. “The climb out was slow, like flying a Cirrus at the Air Force Academy in the summertime.”

On approach to Baghdad International Airport, an air traffic control operator said there were obstacles on the runway and not to land, Dilts remembers. With three heavy loads and time being of the essence, Dilts decided to have all three Ospreys land like traditional airplanes on a taxiway.

After flying the initial heavy takeoff and landing in the lead Osprey, Dilts handed controls to co-pilot Chris Calderone ’13 so Dilts could focus on making sound decisions.

The three Ospreys returned to Al Asad Air Base to pick up an additional 62 special operations forces. Fuel at Al Asad was no longer available. Dilts knew the Ospreys were running low on fuel and decided to fly to a known refueling spot 45 minutes away.

The problem was, with personnel hunkered down in bunkers, the latest information wasn’t being shared over the radio.

Dilts remembered back to a military and strategic studies course at the Academy where he learned about the fog and friction of war. He was truly living in that moment.

“The biggest challenge throughout the night was trying to understand what updates were available, what people back in the United States that had access to the intelligence were picking up, and what they were seeing minute by minute,” Dilts says. “We just didn't have that information once we got into the airplane.”

Dilts remembers thinking he needed to preserve personnel and the three Ospreys, even as the fuel gauges inched lower.

“We landed there below emergency fuel level,” he says. “We were going to be staying there unless we could get refueled.”

Upon landing, Dilts and the others learned their location was also under imminent threat of ballistic missile attack. They performed an emergency aircraft shutdown and rushed to safety as missiles arrived.

It was then they learned Al Asad Air Base was struck by multiple ballistic missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“We received confirmation that the place we just left was struck,” Dilts says. “Later the next day, we discovered the impacts were where we were parked and where we were loading passengers. So obviously it was a good decision to leave.”

Needing fuel, Dilts ordered the flight engineers to overcome their fears and add what fuel they could to the three Ospreys.

“Those guys were exposed to the threat of death the entire time they were refueling, which was impressive to me,” Dilts says. “Every single flight engineer in the formation was awarded

Maj. J. Cameron Dilts prepares to take off in a TH-1H Huey during helicopter training in 2012. (Air Force photo)

Maj. J. Cameron Dilts hovers a CV-22 Osprey about 20 feet over a submarine while practicing how to insert a Navy SEAL team from the air onto a submarine. (Navy photo)

- MAJ. J. CAMERON DILTS ’10

the Distinguished Flying Cross.”

When intelligence information indicated the threat was likely over, Dilts and the three Ospreys rendezvoused with other American assets at a desert landing site before returning to Al Asad Air Base in a 13-ship dissimilar formation, ready to take the base back by force, if necessary.

Flying over the base, Dilts helped determine the airfield could be reopened. There was extensive damage to multiple buildings and some parked aircraft, but no loss of life.

However, more than 100 servicemen and women who stayed at Al Asad during the attack suffered traumatic brain injuries from the nearby concussive blasts.

“It would be a very different world right now if any Americans were killed,” Dilts says.

Hours after the missile attacks, Iran accidently shot down a Ukrainian commercial airliner shortly after taking off from Tehran, Iran, mistaking it for a hostile target.

That incident tamped down Iranian aggression, and Dilts says things quickly re-

turned to normal, with his team supporting task force objectives for U.S. Central Command. But Dilts says the smell of war lingered for days.

“The sulfuric, exploded-bomb smell was intense everywhere you went because so many missiles hit across the entire flight line,” Dilts recalls.

The Jabara Award recognition has made Dilts reflect on Vietnam-era Academy grads, many of whom went through more challenging times and some who were recognized for their top-notch airmanship with the Jabara Award.

“It’s humbling to be associated with people who sacrificed so much more than we have in our generation,” Dilts says. “Winning the Jabara Award comes with a lot of responsibility. For me, it’s to be an ambassador of our core values and the traditions of excellence and valor that come with being an aviator from our Academy. It weighs heavily on me, and it’ll help guide my decisions, behavior and example with the cadets I now teach.”

Dilts entered the Air Force Reserve last September and is currently instruct-

“When I’m working with cadets, I really hope to impart the foundations of risk management and decision making,” Dilts says.

AWARD DETAILS

The Jabara Award is named in memory of Col. James Jabara (1923-1966), who was the first American and Air Force jet ace and the second-leading ace during the Korean War.

The award, established in 1967, is presented to Academy graduates — living or deceased — whose actions directly associated with an aerospace vehicle set him or her apart from contemporaries.

The award is jointly presented on behalf of the Academy, the Association of Graduates and the Jabara family. Each major air command; field operating agency, including the National Guard and Reserve; and direct reporting unit may submit one nomination per year for the award.

ing cadets in the powered flight training program how to fly the Cirrus SR-20 (T53A).

Capt. Alex Boules, left, and Maj. J. Cameron Dilts are recognized for their achievements by the Cadet Wing during lunch at Mitchell Hall. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

A CV-22 Osprey flies over cadets before landing on the Terrazzo. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

Uncovering the Facts

Attorney shines light on forgotten stories of racial injustice

By David Bitton

Henry “Peg” Gilbert died a cruel death while in police custody in 1947, long before attorney Tara Dunn ’07 attended the United States Air Force Academy and law school.

Today, Dunn is using the considerable research and legal skills she’s developed over the years to bring more clarity and closure to Gilbert’s case and hundreds of killings like his that occurred during the nation’s painful Jim Crow era.

As a cadet, Dunn was part of USAFA’s Way of Life Committee, an affinity club open to all that functions similarly to black student unions at other colleges and universities. She remembers being inspired by political science professor Dr. Frances Pilch’s passion for the rights of all people.

“She really made me believe that not only did I belong there, but that I was capable of great things,” Dunn says.

FACT FINDER

Dunn began her work to uncover long-ignored facts as a student at Northeastern University School of Law. During that time, she got involved in a student-led project focused on civil rights, for which she now serves as a board member.

The project launched in 2007 with law students accessing public information and conducting interviews to uncover facts about how Black people were killed in the Southern states be-

Tara Dunn '07

tween the 1930s and 1970s. A growing archive of more than 900 incidents, 2,500 individuals and 12,800 documents launched last year.

“It’s a very important part of our country’s history, and now it has a place to rest and thrive,” says Dunn, who most recently worked as a litigator at Todd & Weld law firm in Boston and now clerks for a federal judge in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. “Researchers, academics, legislators or anyone who uses the Burnham-Nobles Digital Archive can now access these individuals’ stories and supporting documentation.”

Dunn explains that the pre-Civil Rights era was one of the most violent and dangerous periods for Black people across the country, but particularly in the South. Many were brutally tortured and killed and their murderers were never held accountable. Often, their deaths were poorly investigated and mischaracterized as suicide or wrongfully deemed an appropriate measure of self-defense.

“I think a lot of people are wondering what is the point of doing all this since it happened so long ago,” Dunn says. “The examples that hit close to home regarding the importance of this work are the stories of many of the pre-Civil Rights era, Black veterans. They served their country bravely and then returned home to extreme racial violence and oppression. Many of the lynching victims in our cases were Black soldiers who survived grue-

some wars overseas and then returned home and were brutally lynched by their fellow Americans.

“Some,” she continues, “were targeted because of the valor and respect they had earned in the service. Others were targeted because of the land that they purchased, or an elevated economic status they obtained in part due to their service. Frankly, some came home and simply were unwilling to use the Blacks-only water fountain after they had sacrificed so much for their country.”

Dunn says setting the record straight — “telling the truth,” as she puts it — in each case is important.

“To have their stories corrected, their names cleared and their families hear that their loved ones didn’t kill themselves or attack someone but instead their lives were wrongfully taken, is critically important.”

She adds, “It also provides an opportunity to honor the lives and accomplishments of these service members and others who suffered the same fate.”

Going forward, Dunn says she hopes “we can work with the Department of Defense one day in this effort to correct those records, preserve history, and honor these service members and veterans.”

Dunn says that for her, the work she does reflects “integrity first,” the Academy’s first of three core values that speak to what it means to be a leader of character.

“Telling the truth can be painful, it can

be ugly, and for many it can seem easier to ignore,” Dunn says. “There’s always this temptation to whitewash ugly or shameful realities to make them more palatable for ourselves or others.”

RESEARCH BEGINS

As a law student working with the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project — the clinic for Northeastern University law school students at the time — Dunn was given a folder with one article about Henry “Peg” Gilbert.

Through her research and investigation, Dunn learned that Gilbert and his wife, Mae Henry Davenport Gilbert, were farmers who had saved up for 20 years to buy more than 110 acres of land in Troup

Tara Dunn '07 delivers a commencement speech when graduating from Northeastern University School of Law. (courtesy photos)

Henry “Peg” Gilbert

Tara Dunn '07 at the Union Springs Baptist Church in West Point, Georgia, where Gus Davidson allegedly shot a white farmer that led to the arrest of Henry "Peg" Gilbert.

County, Georgia, where they were raising four girls.

The area newspaper and authorities concluded that Gilbert was killed by the local police chief in self-defense while in custody in a Harris County, Georgia, jail in 1947. But Dunn and her research partner discovered that Gilbert suffered a jailhouse lynching. He was 42.

Gilbert had been arrested for supposedly hiding a fugitive, Gus Davidson, a Black man who allegedly shot and killed a white farmer in self-defense. The altercation began after Davidson reportedly drove into and killed a calf owned by the white farmer, and the farmer confronted Davidson with his shotgun.

To learn more about the incident, Dunn submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI, read newspaper articles and eventually traveled to Georgia with a law school classmate to interview several community members and search through archived records.

“The experience was one of the most impactful things I’ve ever been a part of, and it’s amazing to see how the work continues to grow,” Dunn says.

Dunn spoke with Mattie Gilbert, Henry Gilbert’s youngest daughter, who remembers seeing her father’s broken and bruised body at his funeral.

“They just beat him to death,” Mattie Gilbert said in an interview with Dunn, which was later featured on ABC 7 Chicago and Hulu.

Police Chief W.H. Buchanan claimed he shot Gilbert in self-defense after Gilbert picked up a chair.

Dunn learned that Gilbert suffered five gunshot wounds, a crushed skull, crushed ribs and a broken leg. As a result of his death, his family was forced to sell their land, and the relatives of the farmer who was shot in the altercation with Davidson acquired the land.

In 2017, 70 years after Gilbert was killed, Mike Jolley, current sheriff for Harris County, acknowledged the failures of the past.

“We should have protected him,” said Sheriff Jolley to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I acknowledged and accepted the fact that Harris County and the involvement was inappropriate and wrong, and it should have never happened.”

“Really powerful things have come from this work,” Dunn says.

In addition to the acknowledgment of injustice in the case, a group of people raised money to repair Gilbert’s tombstone and to purchase and install a land marker honoring him.

“I got an email from the granddaughter

of the police chief who claimed to have killed Henry ‘Peg’ Gilbert out of self-defense,” Dunn says. “She said she wanted to be part of the solution moving forward and was involved in the event that honored Henry ‘Peg’ Gilbert and dedicated a land marker in his memory.”

Dunn says she is proud to see how the project has evolved.

“The project has grown to become so much more than just the research and investigation of these cases,” she says. “Now other law schools and educational institutions are doing this very same thing to contribute to this project, which is extremely powerful.”

“That is what restorative justice is, right? That is the reason why we do this work.”

— Tara Dunn ’07

From left, Tara Dunn '07 is pictured with Mattie Gilbert — Henry Gilbert's youngest daughter — and Dunn's research partner, Ariel Go Eun Lee.

en Garde

Grads teach life lessons through community fencing clubs

Written by Jeff Holmquist • Photos by Ryan Hall

Deep in the heart of Texas — where the sport of football is king — two USAFA graduates are doing their part to instill a love of fencing among younger generations.

“I’m really trying to help them find that place inside themselves that they can rely on to meet any challenge they face in the future. That’s what fencing did for me.”

— Col. (Ret.) Michael Bob Starr '92

Michael Bob Starr demonstrates the appropriate attack position prior to running students through a drill in Abilene, Texas.

As cadets, Col. (Ret.) Michael Bob Starr ’92 and Tim French ’06 each spent time on the Falcon fencing team. Even though they continued to participate in the sport following graduation, each eventually backed away from it for a time.

Today, however, they have renewed their passion by coaching young fencers in their respective cities.

Starr, in January 2022, launched Abilene Sport Fencing, offering instruction on the fine points of fencing to kids ages 10 to 18.

The club meets in the gym at Central Presbyterian Church.

As he prepares for a Tuesday night class in April, Starr pauses to reflect on his new nonprofit venture and how it’s positively influencing young people.

“I’m really trying to help them find that place inside themselves that they can rely on to meet any challenge they face in the fu-

ture,” he says. “That’s what fencing did for me.”

In September 2022, French established the Mustang Fencing Club for third to 10th grade students enrolled at Austin Classical School.

He’s also focused on key developmental lessons that can emerge from participating in the sport — overcoming adversity, not giving up and practicing discipline, among others.

“I want to push them, help them grow, live up to their potential and instill a love of the sport for their lifetime,” he says. “Whether they are good enough and want to try to go to the Olympics someday, or if they just want to be here and have a good time, that’s enough for me.”

REDISCOVERY

Starr fenced at the Academy during his fourth-class year but gave up the sport to become a soaring instructor.

“I hated it because I really loved fencing,” he says. “But I loved flying gliders even more, and I couldn’t do both.”

Upon graduation, Starr became a B-1 pilot at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho and started competing in regional fencing tournaments. But following the 9/11 terror attacks, Starr was busy flying and deployed multiple times, which yet again derailed participation in the hobby.

“I carried around my old fencing gear for 15 years and never got it out,” he laughs.

After retiring from the military in 2015, Starr eventually rediscovered the sport. He joined a small class in Abilene with the hope of practicing his footwork but not competing.

“By that evening, I had ordered a complete set of new gear,” he admits. “And three weeks later, I entered a regional tournament.”

A short time later, Starr unexpectedly took over the fledgling fencing class and became a first-time coach.

“I’ve taken several coaching seminars, trying to get as much information as I can from other clubs and other resources,” he says. “And as I was taking these courses and I started coaching the kids, I found I loved coaching. In fact, I love coaching more than I love competing. I just love finding the key that unlocks every kid.”

“I am indebted to my great coaches like former Air Force fencing head coach Abdel Salem, who taught me so many life lessons. If I can share even a tiny part of what they taught me I will consider it a huge success."

— Tim French ’06

Starr recounts a recent practice bout between a seemingly timid girl and a more aggressive boy, which began as expected. After the male fencer scored two quick points, the lightbulb went off inside the girl’s protective helmet.

“She just turned into a tiger, and she whipped the tar out of the boy,” he says. “She scored every other point in that bout. I didn’t show her that. She found there was a place inside her where if she gets pushed too far, she can fight back and she can stand up for herself. That is going to pay so many dividends way far afield from fencing.”

LIFE TOOL

The Abilene club has grown to about 20 students over its first 15 months. They meet twice a week and occasionally on Saturdays.

“There’s a lot of fencing in Texas, but not here,” Starr notes. “We’re in the middle of a fencing desert. This is now the only kids’ fencing program between Fort Worth and El Paso.”

The evening class begins with warm-ups and footwork practice. Eventually the young athletes hone various fencing skills — circle six, perry, riposte, feint and lunge.

Starr smiles when he explains the drills.

“This is not really what I’m teaching,” he explains. “I’m teaching these kids about character and about how to step in the arena when the challenge looks too great. They have no idea it’s happening, but I can see it. I teach them about life. Fencing is just the tool to get them there.”

Several parents hang out in the wings while training is underway. They appreciate how the club has benefited their sons and daughters.

Heather Ledbetter, whose husband, Aaron Ledbetter, attended the Academy for two years, says her son, Asher, has found his niche in the sport.

“It’s just been so good for him as a physical activity and for his mental well-being,” she says. “It keeps him focused and goal-oriented. And Coach has been fabulous as a mentor.”

CHAMPION FENCER

French first began fencing when he was 8 years old and continued progressing throughout high school.

He was recruited to fence at the Academy, attaining All-America status and becoming a national champion during his cadet years. He eventually represented the U.S. at four World Championships and was ranked in the top three in the nation four times.

Upon USAFA graduation, he served as a nuclear missile officer at Vandenberg Air Force Base in

“And as I was taking these courses and I started coaching the kids, I found I loved coaching. In fact, I love coaching more than I love competing. I just love finding the key that unlocks every kid.”

— Col. (Ret.) Michael Bob Starr ’92

Tim French instructs a young fencer on the correct position of the weapon.

Michael Bob Starr walks students through fencing drills.

California and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. When he separated from the military, French served as a civilian assistant fencing coach at his alma mater for several years. Then his family moved to Austin, where he joined the tech industry.

Just last October, French returned to competitive fencing. He again qualified for nationals this summer.

“It’s been a blast that I’ve been able to pick that back up,” he says.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Last summer, French approached the principal at his kids’ school about starting a fencing club, thinking perhaps 10 students would be interested. Thirty-three immediately signed up — with a nearly equal number of boys and girls getting involved.

“Fencing was such a big part of my life before, during and after the Academy,” he says. “I am indebted to my great coaches, like former Air Force Fencing head coach Abdel Salem, who taught me so many life lessons. If I can share even a tiny part of what they taught me, I will consider it a huge success."

His own kids are part of the club, and his spouse, Brittney, assists with setting up the gym for the twice-weekly club gatherings.

“She kind of got roped into it,” French admits. “But she’s loved it because we do it as family. It’s become a really great thing for us. We don’t have one kid going to basketball and another one going to baseball. We’re all going the same direction at the same time.”

Despite launching less than a year ago,

the sport of fencing.

the Mustang Fencing Club has enjoyed some early success. Seventeen of the club’s young fencers have qualified for nationals this summer.

“We have seven fencers who are ranked in the region … which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas,” he says. “I’m just delighted as a coach. This is awesome.”

TOP: The Mustang Fencing Club at Austin Classical School in Texas, coached by Tim French '06, meets twice a week to learn

ABOVE: Col. (Ret.) Michael Bob Starr '92, who coaches the Abilene Sport Fencing Club, is pictured surrounded by some of his young students.

Smooth Sailing

Grad volunteer helps share the freedom found on open waters

Written by Jeff Holmquist

by Ryan Hall

Photos

The winds are calm as sailors arrive at the docks on San Diego Bay. Organizers know that sailing conditions will soon improve.

The forecast calls for clear skies, rising tides and building breezes — perfect for a day on the water.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dale Burchby ’74 is among the first to show up, helping distribute personal floatation vests to the day’s sailors and prepare the Challenged Sailors organization’s boats for launch.

For the past four years, Burchby has served as a volunteer with the local nonprofit that enables people with physical disabilities to enjoy the art of sailing.

“I do other kinds of volunteering,” Burchby says, “but this one combines my love of sailing with my desire to help others. It’s really inspirational to be a part of this.”

With its fleet of 10 boats, Challenged Sailors offers experiences on the picturesque bay every Friday and Saturday afternoon. The group participates in competitive regattas on a regular basis as well.

Burchby’s sailing companion this January day is Russell Hart, who struggles to communicate and has limited motor control due to a stroke. Hart flashes a huge smile as he eases himself into the pilot seat of the specially equipped Martin 16 sailboat.

“It is exciting being out on the water, just enjoying the scenery,” Hart says in a halting voice.

Hart’s been involved with Challenged Sailors for more than a year and had never sailed before getting involved in the program. He’s incredibly grateful for the nonprofit’s efforts.

“It’s just a great program,” he says. “And the people here are wonderful, too. They make me feel welcome.”

AN UNLIKELY SAILOR

It’s curious that Burchby spends so much time on the high seas. He grew up on a dairy farm “in the sticks of Illinois,” he explains.

But for whatever reason, his father loved the thought of and the physics behind sailing.

“He’d never been on a boat very much,” Burchby admits. “And none of us … myself nor my three sisters … had been on a boat until later in our lives.”

But as hard work and luck would have it, Burchby was the top graduate in the computer science major at USAFA, qualifying him for an immediate appointment to the cooperative master’s program at UCLA. He soon joined the university’s student sailing club, providing him an introduction to the Southern California water-centric culture. Burchby was immediately hooked as he immersed himself in all forms of watersports — ocean sailing, catamaran racing and more.

“Any kind of sailing is good with me,” he smiles. “Windsurfing was literally just being invented in those days, and the factory was about two miles up from Marina del Rey. I bought a windsurfer and started sailing that.”

BLUE SKIES

Burchby — who set his sights on attending USAFA after reading the book “Bruce Larkin: Air Force Cadet” as a youngster — had hoped to become a pilot. Unfortunately, he wasn’t qualified due to nearsightedness.

He instead began his Air Force career with the Space and Missile Systems Organization in El Segundo, California, continuing to take advantage of sailing opportunities when he had time.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dale Burchby '74 (left) helps guide sailor Russell Hart during a day on San Diego Bay in January.

A couple years later, his flight ambitions came true when he graduated from the USAF Flight Test School at Edwards Air Force Base as a flight test engineer.

“I got to spend a bunch of time in the backseat telling test pilots where to go and what to do when we got there,” he reports.

“Eddie’s Air Force Base is about 100 miles from the nearest decent water, but it was still Southern California … and it was a chance to get into a jet.”

The highlight of his tenure in flight test was being assigned as the chief flight test engineer, and later the test force director, for an Air Force black program — Northrop’s Tacit Blue — in the early days of stealth development.

“The airplane is in the Air Force Museum now,” he proudly reports. “It’s an ungainly looking airplane, but we proved some stealth concepts that were critical for the B-2.”

Following active duty, Burchby spent an additional 14 years in the Air Force Reserve and also went on to a 32-year career with Northrop Grumman.

FREEDOM

In 2018, after fully retiring, Burchby learned about the Challenged Sailors organization and jumped in to help.

“We sail with sailors who have disabilities,” he says, “and we take pretty much anybody who wants to go.”

Sailors participating in the program range from accident victims, stroke survivors and wounded warriors to people living with Down Syndrome and traumatic brain injuries.

About 20 Challenged Sailors volunteers a day are required to prepare the boats, coordinate logistics and ensure the safety of the group.

“I’ve really been struck by just how caring and careful the whole team is,” Burchby says. “People just do what it takes. The

care and dedication they all have is inspiring to be a part of.”

The sailboats are fully adapted so that anyone with a disability can have complete control of the sails and rudder. The sailors sit in the center of the boat, navigating the bay with the aid of a simple joystick. The boat can even be equipped with a powerassist unit controlled by a breath tube for those with more profound disabilities.

“At the bottom of the center board, there’s about a 300-pound torpedo of lead that keeps the boat very stable,” Burchby explains. “The boat can’t capsize even in high wind. And the inside hull of the boat is filled with foam, so you can’t sink even if you’re totally swamped.”

Each challenged sailor is paired with a companion sailor, who sits in the back of the boat and helps if needed.

“But a lot of times I don’t touch the helm the whole time,” Burchby says. “Once you’ve got your sailor in the boat and ready, it’s freedom for them. They’re able to get out of their wheelchair — or whatever their situation is — and be in total command.”

SMOOTH SAILING

As Hart steers his sailboat into the San Diego Bay, the sails capture the building wind. He and his fellow challenged sailors are soon darting across the choppy waters of the bay.

On the rising tide, the sailboats head toward downtown, passing by the Star of India (the oldest operational sailing boat in the world) and the USS Midway, which is now a museum.

Smiles are the dominant expression among participants for the afternoon, including the companion sailors in back.

“We all love being out in the wind, going wherever we want and burning no fossil fuels,” Burchby says. “Our all-volunteer organization enables this magical hour or two on the water.”

LEFT: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dale Burchby '74 has volunteered with Challenged Sailors for almost five years.

RIGHT: The Challenged Sailor boats navigate San Diego Bay on Friday and Saturday afternoons, weather permitting.

BRIDGES JOINS U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

Veteran NASA astronauts Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Roy Bridges ’65 and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (USMMA ’86) were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame May 6, bringing the total number of honorees to 107.

The ceremony was held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, set against the backdrop of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s selection committee chose Bridges and Kelly for induction for their accomplishments in furthering NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery.

“It was an amazing honor, and the Hall of Fame did a really nice job with all their events,” Bridges said. “And I saw a lot of friends that I haven’t seen in years.”

More than 25 other veteran astronauts, many of whom also have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, attended the ceremony.

Gen. Bridges joins other USAFA graduates who have been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, including Col. (Ret.) Karol Bobko ’59, the Honorable Frederick Gregory ’64, Col. (Ret.) John Blaha ’65, Col. (Ret.) Loren Shriver ’67, Col. (Ret.) Richard Covey ’68, Col. (Ret.) Brian Duffy ’75, Gen. (Ret.) Kevin Chilton ’76, Col. (Ret.) Charles Precourt ’77, Dr. Thomas Jones ’77, Col. (Ret.) Curtis Brown ’78, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Helms ’80, and Col. (Ret.) Steven Lindsey ’82.

DREAM JOB

In his remarks at the ceremony, Gen. Bridges said as a young man he secretly hoped to have a career in space.

“From the moment that I heard about the launch of Sputnik while I was in high school, my dream career was to be involved in opening the space frontier. My dream came true,” Gen. Bridges told the crowd. “I flew in space as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Challenger and led several large USAF, NASA and industry organizations that supported our nation’s space program, including Kennedy Space Center. To close out my career by now being inducted

into the Astronaut Hall of Fame is a great honor.”

Gen. Bridges described his journey as improbable. He grew up a rural Georgia boy whose family didn’t enjoy the convenience of indoor plumbing until he was in the ninth grade. But the future astronaut credits his passionate teachers for providing the education he needed for later success.

An article about the “new” Air Force Academy in National Geographic magazine caught Gen. Bridges’ attention, and he set his sights on attending the school. To secure the necessary congressional nomination for an appointment, his father would dress the young Bridges in his one suit, drive him to the town’s only hotel, and order him to cold-call their member of Congress several times when he visited the town. The ploy worked, as he landed a nomination. A nearby Academy liaison officer helped with the arduous application process.

“That was the first step in the long process of trying to achieve this goal of being part of the space program,” he said. “But it was a hugely important step.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Gen. Bridges majored in engineering management at USAFA and then later completed his master’s degree in astronautics at Purdue University.

As a pilot, test pilot and astronaut, he flew 4,460 hours in a variety of aircraft including the F-100, F-104, YA/A-10, A-37, OV-99 (Space Shuttle Challenger), C-11, F-15, T-37 and T-38.

He applied to join the 1978 class of NASA astronauts but wasn’t selected. When the application deadline for the 1980 class neared, Gen. Bridges received a call asking why he hadn’t applied again. He figured he didn’t have a chance.

But Gen. Bridges sent in his application at the last minute and ultimately joined the 1980 class.

In July 1985, he piloted the Challenger for the eight-day Spacelab 2 mission. The main mission objective for STS-51F was

to verify performance of Spacelab systems, determine interface capability of the orbiter, and measure the spacecraft environment. Experiments performed covered life sciences, plasma physics, astronomy, highenergy astrophysics, solar physics, atmospheric physics and technology research.

He was slated to participate in a second Shuttle flight in May 1986, but the Challenger disaster in January of that year caused NASA to put the program on pause.

Gen. Bridges was intent on waiting for another chance at space flight, but the Air

He went on to serve at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio as the Air Force Materiel Command director of requirements; commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California; commander of the Eastern Space and Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; and commander of the 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base.

Those assignments set him up for even greater impact in space during his civilian

acquisition and launch of NASA’s expendable launch vehicle missions.

Between 2003 and 2005, he served as the center director of NASA’s Langley Research Center, where he directed aeronautical and space research programs before joining Northrop Grumman. Gen. Bridges retired from his position as technology services’ director responsible for Department of Energy business with Northrop Grumman in January 2019.

“Even though I didn’t want to go back to the Air Force after my space flight, it’s kind of obvious that doing so opened doors to these higher-level leadership positions, both in the Air Force and in NASA,” he said. “I was wrongheaded about some of these things, but it worked out well. It’s been quite a ride.”

Among the awards Bridges has received are the National Nuclear Security Administration’s highest honor – the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award – in 2017, as well as NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award, the Northrop Grumman Award for Excellence and many military honors.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Roy Bridges '65 (left) and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (USMMA '86) were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 6. They join 105 other inductees in the hall, which is located at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

people with four, five or six flights. But obviously they considered my other service to the space program, rather than just flying in space.”

HALL HISTORY

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame was spearheaded more than 30 years ago by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts.

Gen. Bridges eventually served as center director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center from 1997 to 2003, where he was responsible for NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) launch processing and operations as well as the

Gen. Bridges says he was pleasantly surprised by his latest honor — being inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. He wasn’t sure he’d checked all the boxes.

“I only got the one flight,” he noted. “It’s just a tough thing when you’re up against

In November 2016, a new U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, as part of the Heroes & Legends attraction.

Each year, inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists.

LEFT: Roy Bridges was selected for NASA's astronaut program in 1980 and flew on one Space Shuttle mission. (NASA photo)

RIGHT:

SUPPORTING SCHOLARS

MARTINSON ’70 RANKED AMONG TOP NATIONAL PHILANTHROPISTS

With generous gifts to the U.S. Air Force Academy and Purdue University, among others, John Martinson ’70 found himself listed among America’s 50 most generous donors in 2022.

His philanthropy, focused on academic honors programs, landed him at #47 on the Philanthropy 50 list, compiled by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In all, the 50 philanthropists on the list donated $16 billion to a wide range of causes last year.

The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Air Force Academy Foundation announced Martinson’s gift of $10 million in March 2022. The gift to support and enhance the Martinson Honors Program — formerly the Academy Scholars Program — has had a tremendous impact already.

During the 2022-23 academic year, the Martinson Honors Program included 277 cadet scholars.

In a report to Martinson about the program at the end of the fall semester, scholar Cadet 2nd Class Zachary Hurd said, “I have been challenged intellectually through discussion-based courses and program colloquia that intentionally dive into and beyond the Academy’s curriculum. Further, I am humbled to have served as a leader in the program for other academically driven and impressive peers while feeling mutually supported in our cohort.”

Hurd was able to travel to Belgium to attend the International Conference on High-Speed Science and Technology and learn more about hypersonic research and experimentation. He also represented the Martinson Honors Program at regional and national Honors Council Conferences, bringing back ideas that will continue to

help improve and grow the Academy program.

These types of experiences and feedback are what drew Martinson to support honors programs with his philanthropy.

“Across the country, honors programs serve the top 5% to 12% of college students. These motivated scholars become campus leaders and academic role models. They conduct impactful research and innovate interdisciplinary solutions,” Martinson said. “The Martinson Honors Program is attracting top students and faculty to USAFA, and they are innovating learning methods that are effective for the Cadet Wing and Air Force.”

In addition to creating opportunities for honors scholars to thrive, the Martinson Honors Program offers funding and outlets

for faculty members to network at conferences and to create honors courses — called scholars courses at USAFA — that influence other curriculum offerings.

The Martinson Honors Program has a dedicated space in McDermott Library. Martinson was in attendance for a ribboncutting for the space May 30.

Martinson’s gift to Purdue University resulted in a name change there as well, to the John Martinson Honors College. The university will use his gift to promote undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity; leadership and professional development; global and community engagement; and innovative pedagogies. Martinson also supported honors colleges at Rowan University and New Jersey Institute for Technology.

John Martinson '70 cuts the ribbon to celebrate the new suite dedicated to the Martinson Honors Program in McDermott Library. Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86, superintendent, and Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre '96, dean of the faculty, hold the ribbon. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

USAFA’s F-100 Static Displays –And the Pilots Who Flew Them

By Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven A. Simon ’77

Astatic display is one of the best ways for a military installation to share its history with current populations. Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, missiles, tanks and other pieces of hardware are tangible links between every base’s past and present.

The United States Air Force Academy is fortunate to have perhaps the best static display collection this side of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, home of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Among the priceless artifacts at USAFA are many airframes with wartime experience, including three aircraft with kills in combat.

Two especially historic models of the North American F-100 Super Sabre have been part of the Academy’s static display collection. The plane was developed as the first Century Series fighter, the follow-on to the F-86. It joined the Air Force inventory in late 1954 and served active Air Force units until 1972. Air National Guard units continued to utilize the aircraft until 1979.

The Thunderbirds employed the jet for 13 years (1956-68), flying more than 1,000 demonstrations in the Super Sabre.

Most important, the plane was a workhorse during the Vietnam War, primarily flying close air support and interdiction missions. The F-100, also known as the Hun, flew more than 360,665 combat sorties in Southeast Asia — more than all other U.S. Air Force fighters combined.

Nine Air Force Academy grads gave their lives in F-100 crashes during the war, and two others became POWs as a result of F-100 shoot-downs.

As a bonus, the Academy’s two F-100s were both flown by exceptionally noteworthy pilots.

USAFA’S FIRST F-100

The first of the Academy’s F-100s took its place on the Terrazzo shortly after the Academy began operations at its Colorado Springs site. It occupied the northeast corner of the large grassy centerpiece, near the flagpole.

The aircraft’s serial number was 52-5754, but it could well have been 1, as it was the first F-100 produced.

The prototype made history right out of the hangar. North Ameri-

can Aviation’s senior test pilot, George “Wheaties” Welch, took the YF-100A on its first test flight on May 25, 1953, seven months ahead of schedule. During that 55-minute flight, the jet exceeded the speed of sound (Mach 1.03 or Mach 1.1, depending on the source). This accomplishment marked the first time in history that a combat-designed aircraft, flying straight and level, had reached supersonic speeds. Film clips of that momentous flight are available on YouTube.

The plane wasn’t done making history. Then-Cadet Hank Kramer ’63 documented the aircraft’s journey in his article “25754” in the October 1962 issue of the Academy’s Talon magazine. On Oct. 19, 1953, the first production F-100 was introduced to the press. Again aboard 525754, Welch flew a demonstration for the assembled media at the Palmdale Airport in California. On his first pass, at 500 feet above ground level, he went past Mach 1, blowing out more than 30 windows in the airport’s administration building. Unaware of what had happened on the ground, he made a second supersonic pass, doing more damage to the structure. After he was finally informed of the havoc he was causing, he made one more pass over the airport, low and slow, before returning to Edwards Air Force Base. Kramer writes, perhaps with some understatement, “The reporters were exceedingly impressed by the show.”

Ten days later, on Oct. 29, 1953, 52-5754 went after the official world speed record of 753.4 miles per hour that had been set by a U.S. Navy pilot weeks earlier.

Lt. Col. Frank Everest flew the mission over the Salton Sea in California.

Kramer writes, “Everest made two blistering runs over the course, each at an altitude of less than 150 feet. On the down-wind pass he was clocked at 767.337 miles per hour, but the important figure, the average speed for both passes, was 755.149 miles per hour, a new world’s record!”

Almost as interesting as the aircraft was 52-5754’s first test pilot, George Welch. Then-2nd Lt. Welch was stationed in Hawaii in December 1941. During the Japa-

nese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was one of very few pilots able to get airborne that day. Flying a Curtiss P-40, he was credited with four confirmed kills before the Japanese broke off the attack. His first kill, just moments before a kill by 2nd Lt. Kenneth Taylor, his friend and companion fighter pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, is generally regarded as the first air-to-air kill of World War II by an American fighting the Japanese.

Welch and Taylor’s exploits on Dec. 7, 1941, were commemorated with the Distinguished Service Cross (the Medal of Honor nomination having been disapproved, reportedly because they had taken off without proper authorization), with Welch receiving his DSC from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the White House.

Exactly one year after Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1942, flying a Bell P-39 out of New Guinea, Welch shot down three Japanese aircraft. He would accumulate a total of 16 career combat victories in three aircraft (the Lockheed P-38 being the third) before malaria ended his war effort. He left the military to become a test pilot.

RIGHT: North American Aviation’s chief engineering test pilot, George S. Welch, with the first prototype YF-100A Super Sabre, 52-5754. (U.S. Air Force)

LEFT ACROSS: The Academy's first F-100 on static display is pictured at night, with the Cadet Chapel in the background. It was the first F-100 ever produced.

In addition to his F-100 work mentioned above, he also flew the XP-86 during its test phase. In fact, there is unconfirmed speculation that he got that aircraft to Mach 1 as well, at about the same time Air Force Capt. Charles “Chuck” Yeager made the generally recognized first manned supersonic flight aboard the Bell X-1 on Oct. 14, 1947.

George Welch’s story does not have a happy ending. On Oct. 12, 1954, at the age of 36, he was flying the ninth production F-100 out of Edwards Air Force Base. During a planned 7.3G pullout from a Mach 1.55 dive, the aircraft broke apart at 24,000 feet and he was killed.

Incidentally, Welch received the nickname “Wheaties” because he was the first military officer to be featured on a box of Wheaties cereal.

DISPLAY LEAVES

Alas, for reasons lost to history, the F-100 didn’t remain at USAFA for long.

The beginning of the end occurred on Jan. 9, 1963, when a hangar fire at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, damaged a Convair F-106 Delta Dart.

Shortly after the fire, the commander of Air Defense Command offered the interceptor aircraft, serial number 58-0761, to the Air Force Academy for static display. The Academy accepted the offer. Rather than having the Delta Dart join the F-100 on the Terrazzo, officials decided to replace 52-5754.

Without fanfare, the historic F-100 was reportedly moved to Fort Carson, Colorado, where it was destroyed.

Like its predecessor, however, the F-106 was removed from its

RIGHT: An F-100 is now on display in front of the USAFA Prep School. It was recently repainted and helps to inspire cadet candidates who are on the path to an Academy appointment.

position on the Terrazzo after a short stay, replaced by a Republic F-105 Thunderchief.

Given the F-100’s supersonic glass-shattering flight in 1953, perhaps it is coincidental that the May 31, 1968, dedication of its replacement — once removed — also involved blown-out windows. During the noontime ceremony, an F-105 flown by Lt. Col. James Matthews broke the sound barrier as it approached the Cadet Area, destroying windows in Mitchell Hall, Vandenberg Hall and the Cadet Gymnasium.

The F-105 static display, an aircraft created from 10 different aircraft that saw combat duty in Southeast Asia, remains on the Terrazzo.

While 52-5754’s historic life was far too short, it does have a younger twin, 52-5755. After being displayed on a pedestal at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, for more than 35 years, it was acquired in 2001 by the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base, where it resides today.

USAFA’S SECOND F-100

The second F-100 to grace the Air Force Academy, serial number 56-3730, still occupies a place of honor outside the Academy Prep School in the Community Center area. Like 52-5754, it has ties to the early days of jet aviation. Also like its predecessor, it boasted a celebrated pilot.

First, some background: Early in the morning of May 20, 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island, New York. He pointed his aircraft, known as the Spirit of St. Louis, eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean and, far in the distance, Europe.

Cadets march past the F-106 static display on the Terrazzo in May 1963. The distinctive paint job was provided by the “Red Tag Bastards” of the Class of ‘66. That aircraft had recently replaced the F-100, and would in turn be replaced in May 1968 by the F-105 currently on display at that location.

FAR RIGHT: Then-Maj. Robinson Risner piloted the Prep School’s F-100 on its historic 1957 flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

After flying some 3,600 miles in 33.5 hours, Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget field near Paris at 10:24 p.m. on May 21. Having completed the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic, Lindbergh became an instant and worldwide hero.

Nearly a century later, the transatlantic flight still occupies a central place in aviation history. The Spirit of St. Louis continues to occupy a position of honor in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Now, fast-forward 30 years from the completion of that momentous flight. To commemorate Lindbergh’s 1927 achievement, on May 21, 1957, Maj. Robinson Risner flew 56-3730 on the same New York-to-Paris route. That plane was appropriately named the Spirit of St. Louis II. As would be imagined, Risner made the flight much faster than Lindbergh. Risner’s voyage took six hours and 37 minutes, approximately one-fifth of Lindbergh’s time, and set a new transatlantic record.

The plane was put on display at the Prep School in May 1983. Maj. Risner went on to become Brig. Gen. Risner, best known for his leadership and heroism while a prisoner of war in Vietnam. On Sept. 16, 1965, then-Lt. Col. Risner was shot down (for the second time) while flying an F-105D during a mission near Tuong Loc, North Vietnam. His life was made much more difficult by the fact that, on April 23, 1965, Time magazine had published a story, “The Fighting American,” featuring 10 military members in Vietnam,

with Risner on the cover. Due to that publicity, his North Vietnamese captors knew his story and used that information against him. He was imprisoned for seven and a half years, until his release on Feb.12, 1973.

The Academy features a statue of Gen. Risner, dedicated to all POWs and funded by Ross Perot. The sculpture stands nine feet tall and is in the Air Garden on the Terrazzo. The size is symbolic. Reflecting later on his reaction to a 1971 incident when POWs defiantly sang the American national anthem, he said, “I felt like I was nine feet tall and could go bear hunting with a switch.”

The members of the Class of 2021 recognized Risner’s greatness by making him their exemplar, the person they would most like to emulate.

Perhaps one day, a class will choose as its exemplar George Welch, who, like Robinson Risner, was a distinguished officer and F-100 aviator whose aircraft graced the Air Force Academy.

Special thanks to Col. (Ret.) Dick Troy ’63 for suggesting Checkpoints coverage of the Academy’s first F-100 and for providing Lt. Col. (Ret.) Hank Kramer’s Talon article.

FROM THE HILL

CADET CHOSEN AS TRUMAN SCHOLAR

C2C Isobel Dernlan has been named one of 62 Truman Scholars by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The two-degree was among 705 applicants nominated by 275 colleges, universities and military service academies for the program.

The foundation selects Truman Scholars from finalists who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

“Isobel is a generational talent with a unique ability to galvanize everything she touches — from academics and research to leadership and volunteer work — all underscored by her dedication to serve others,” says Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre

’96, Academy dean of the faculty.

Dernlan is a double major in political science and foreign area studies and plans to pursue a degree in international security and foreign service. She hopes to serve as an Air Force intelligence officer and eventually serve as a foreign area officer following her post-graduate program. She is the 24th Truman Scholar from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“I’m so incredibly grateful for the scholarship to continue my education, but I’m most excited for the community of past and present Truman Scholars that I will be joining,” Dernlan says.

CADETS OFFER DIGITAL LESSONS

Three USAFA Cadets — C3C Ethan Stroup, C3C Tri Nugroho (an Indonesian exchange cadet) and C2C Jordan Allen — recently provided a digital literacy lesson to middle schoolers at Monument Academy East.

The cadets taught approximately 50 students in three different class periods. With support from USAFA’s Institute for Future Conflict fellow Maj. Melissa McLain, the cadets recognized the importance of teaching the next generation about digital media and the impact it can have on an individual’s brain and habits.

The lesson raised students’ awareness about the design of digital applications, which can be addictive. Addictive design features provide users endless scrolling, automatically start the next video, and incorporate feedback loops to encourage the user to frequently check the application

(e.g., likes and comments).

In the final step, each student created guidelines to help keep them on track when using social media, gaming and video streaming that utilize an addictive design.

RESEARCH AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Research is an integral part of a cadet’s experience at the Academy, giving cadets ample opportunity to tackle tough topics and solve real-world issues.

Each year, some of the most innovative and inspiring projects are recognized at the Dean’s Annual Research Awards. These awards acknowledge the work of both cadets and faculty across many disciplines.

This year’s recipients include:

Frank J. Seiler Awards

Research Excellence in the Basic Sciences: Maj. Daniel O’Keefe ’10

Research Excellence in Engineering: Dr. Ioan Feier

Robert F. McDermott Award Honorees

Research Excellence in the Social Sciences: Dr. Kelly Piazza

Research Excellence in the Humanities: Dr. Thomas McGuire

Immediate Impact in Research: Lt. Col. William Atkins and Capt. Damon Kirkpatrick ’16

Research Excellence in Technology Transfer: Dr. Michael Anderson ’99

Martinson Award Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Joel Coffman

C2C Isobel Dernlan

News and topics from your Academy

The "From the Hill" column provides news briefs and information about what’s going on at your alma mater.

Dean of the Faculty Award Research Team of the Year

Human-Autonomy Teaming Capstone Team

Thomas D. Moore Award for Outstanding Cadet Summer Research

Basic Sciences Division Winner: C1C

Hannah Martinez

Humanities Division Winner: C1C

Rachel Price

Engineering Division Winner: C1C

Mathew Core

Social Sciences Division Winner/

Overall Winner: C1C Gabrielle LaRochelle

Dean of the Faculty Award

Outstanding Cadet Research

Individual: C2C Isobel Dernlan

Team: DFME Senior Design Capstone — 2nd Lt. Blake Armour, 2nd Lt. Mark Humphries, 2nd Lt. Adam Moeller, 2nd Lt. Devin Schwindt, and 2nd Lt. Chris Voegele, all Class of 2022.

PREP SCHOOL YEAR REVIEWED

A total of 218 cadet candidates reported on July 7, 2022, to face the rigor of college-level academics, physical training and character development, all while adapting to military life.

While there were several hundred new students reporting over the summer, staffing turnover at the Prep School was also quite high, with a new commander, two new squadron commanders (AOCs), new enlisted military trainers (AMTs), a new first sergeant, and several new academic instructors and athletic staff.

Despite this turnover, the Prep School quickly made improvements to maximize return on investment across its developmental lanes. As new Commander Col. Michael Cornelius ’00 mentioned at his change of command, the team “hit the ground running.”

Noting that the Prep School had the highest retention rate of the past 10 years (excluding 2020, when all students were sent home early due to COVID), William Rogers, acting dean, could not be more pleased with the school’s continued commitment to developmental education.

To bring a more well-rounded, holistic approach to science education in preparation for the preppies’ time at USAFA, the Prep School’s science department effectively began its own “phasing process” by integrating an entire quarter of physics for all the students.

Militarily, the Prep School modified its training program to dovetail with the USAFA fourth-class year. This included changes to the internal inspection and evaluation processes, focusing on smallgroup training and dynamics with an emphasis on character development in line with USAFA’s Leader of Character (LoC) framework, and external involvement from key leaders such as Gen. (Ret.) Robin Rand ’79 and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) BJ Shwedo ’87 (both former preppies).

Finally, the Prep School recognized the AOG and Air force Academy Foundation for raising $26,300 in donations to be used toward enhancing the preppies’ academic year experience. The AOG and Foundation have also generously sponsored a Prep School apparel and accessory line; donations may be made directly in support of the Prep School.

Coming soon: “Prep School Next: The Campus of the Future.” Designs are set for the new, fully funded PS dormitory complex that will house 252 students. The Prep School groundbreaking event is slated for 2024.

CADETS DEVELOP USAFA GREEN TOUR

Visitors can now take a “green tour” of USAFA, thanks to three recent graduates’ geospatial sciences capstone project.

Then-Cadets Emily Lukowski, Maddie Williams and Ardent Almazan spent last semester researching and mapping the existing and planned sustainability features at the Academy.

“Before we started this project, we didn’t realize that so many of our facilities had so many sustainability features. You just don’t see many of them,” said Almazan, who is going into U.S. Space Force operations.

The features include the solar array near the South Gate providing electricity; wastewater recycling for irrigation, saving on water consumption; and a geothermal

system at the Cadet Field House, cutting energy costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Among the planned projects are renovations to Sijan Hall to reduce energy consumption, updating landscaping to be more water-efficient by planting native grasses in select locations, improving the recycling program, and installing electric vehicle charging stations.

The cadets say this project will not only benefit the Academy’s future but also their future as officers.

“We learned how to dig for information, decipher a ton of data and determine what was important as it related to our project,” said Lukowski, a future pilot.

After the cadets sifted through the data, they created a green tour map with the Story Maps web tool, allowing them to bring together a lot of what they’ve learned throughout their geospatial sciences and core curriculum.

GENERAL OFFICERS PROVIDE INSIGHT

Present and former U.S. Air Forces Europe commanders shared insights into the year-old Russia-Ukraine war during the annual Ira C. Eaker Distinguished Lecture.

Current USAFE commander Gen. James Hecker ’89 along with retired Gens. Tod Wolters ’82, Jeffrey Harrigian ’85 and Philip Breedlove, participated in the panel discussion.

Air power was at the heart of the conversation. The generals said this conflict shows the importance of establishing and maintaining air power as key to opening access to other domains and to ultimately securing control. They say neither Russia nor Ukraine has been able to establish such dominance, in large part due to both sides’ effective missile defense systems.

The panelists also addressed the importance of international partnerships and allies in the context of great power competition. They say improving joint operations and capabilities will be key to success in the future fight and that the U.S. must lead those efforts from the front.

The annual Eaker Lecture commemorates the significant contributions to national defense policy and security made by air power pioneer Gen. Ira C. Eaker.

TECHNOLOGY GIFTS ADVANCE MADERA CYBER INNOVATION CENTER VISION

By Steven Lincoln

After several years of planning and design concepts, the skeleton of the Madera Cyber Innovation Center is quickly rising between Gregory Hall (formerly CETF) and Stillman Parade Field at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The 49,000-square-foot center, named in honor of lead donors Paul ’78 and Joan Madera, will house the Academy’s cyber programs, allowing cadets to stay at the forefront of cyber innovation and problem-solving — critical skills needed in the nation’s defense.

While this physical skeleton is being completed, the Academy is making sure recently announced gifts will anchor the future technological backbone of the facility. Three companies have generously provided gifts in kind — which are typically gifts of goods or services — to help create one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the Department of Defense.

Cisco Systems, through its Country Digital Acceleration program, a strategic partnership with government leadership to bring to life elements of a national digital agenda, is providing the foundational information technology infrastructure network to operate the facility securely. The company’s gift includes network routers, switches and storage solutions as well as collaboration and education tools.

Corning Optical Communications is providing fiber optic cable, hardware and connectors to ensure unlimited data transmission and the ability to accommodate future technology upgrades.

Siemens Industry is providing web-based energy management control systems that will integrate with Cisco’s and other thirdparty systems as part of a living lab that also coordinates with the Academy’s Cyber City capabilities.

All three gifts will allow for future growth as technology needs change and expand.

“All of our labs will require a state-of-the-art network to elevate to the next level,” said Col. Jud Dressler ’05, permanent professor and head of the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “We will be able to tie into national level exercises and resources. The Madera Center is designed as an innovation center, increasing our ability to work with industry and academia, pulling from these communities to solve complex operational problems. The throughput and computational power represented by these gifts will make all of this possible.”

An artist rendering of the east side, public entrance to the Madera Cyber Innovation Center.

EXPANDING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

As an innovation center, the Madera Center will have seven labs, three classrooms and two cyber training areas, all supported by the technology gifts. Col. Dressler said faculty members from 11 academic departments and Air Force CyberWorx offered input in creating the building’s spaces.

Planned labs include Robotics and Autonomous Systems; Industrial Controls and Platform Security; Cyber Security, Networking, Radio Frequency and Telecommunications; Immersive Environments, Data Visualization and Decision-Support; Forensics and Reverse Engineering; CrossDomain Integration and Command and Control; and Policy, Strategy, Cyber Law, Ethics and Digital Humanities.

Several areas will be important assets to the Academy’s Multi-Domain Lab (MDL) as well. Introduced in 2021, the MDL consists of two modular suites, with each suite housing a fully integrated Joint AllDomain Operations Center, flight bay and remotely piloted aircraft control room. The Cross-Domain Integration and Command and Control lab will serve as an additional suite for the MDL in cadet exercises. In addition, cadets will be able to learn about several cyber-related topics outlined in the National Defense Strategy that can affect warfare, including emerging and disruptive

technologies, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, big data, smart cities and supply chains.

“The Madera Cyber Innovation Center has labs addressing these technologies as well as the strategies, policies, laws and ethical considerations behind these technologies. Without these gifts, we would not be able to dive deep enough into these areas to prepare our cadets for their future roles,” Col. Dressler says.

As the headquarters for the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences, the Madera Center will host most upper-level cyber sciences courses as well as every cadet as they take the required Computer Science 110 course. Col. Dressler says having every cadet in the building will help them gain a better understanding of where cyber fits into the larger operational Air Force and Space Force. It could also inspire more cadets to pursue a cyber-related major.

For example, the Cyber Competition Team, supported by the Class of 1968, is one area where cadets from a variety of majors find outlets for their expertise. The successful cadet club will use the two cyber training rooms to prepare for competitions, which take place about twice a month during the academic year. In addition to the technological aspects, the team can benefit from cadets who major in political science, law, military and strategic studies, and others.

EQUIPPING FOR THE FUTURE

Cisco, Siemens and Corning were interested in impacting how cadets prepare for future conflict.

“It is imperative to equip the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders with the digital skills and resources they need to succeed in the future,” said Dr. Cynthia Temesi, director of Country Digital Acceleration at Cisco. “Cisco is honored to partner with the U.S. Air Force Academy and Siemens to accelerate innovation, enhance the overall cyber posture at the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, and ensure that cadets are prepared to meet the digital defense challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Cisco and Siemens collaborated to ensure their technologies would complement each other. With the addition of Corning’s optical cables, the gifted technology promises to serve the educational mission of the Academy for many years.

“Our gift was inspired by the belief that our country’s next generation of military leaders must have access now to the latest technologies and digital capabilities to optimize their education. They cannot be held back by the legacy constraints of signal access, latency and antiquated network architecture,” said Robert Basile, director of solution architecture at Corning Optical Communications.

An artist rendering illustrates the size of the open space of the Madera Cyber Innovation Center's top floor.

Col. Dressler said the Madera Center, with the gifted technology installed, will be flexible and rearrangeable.

“The network backbone provided in these gifts is state-of-the-art, allowing us to bring in any technologies without requiring a network upgrade,” Col. Dressler says.

In anticipation of the Madera Center’s influence across campus and within the operational Air Force and Space Force, Col. Dressler said his faculty members made sure they were partnering with the Institute for Future Conflict and the MDL.

With these connections and collaborations, cadets will be able to see their impact within a larger team of warfighters as they prepare for future military assignments.

Col. Dressler said his department will continually look toward the future to help prepare cadets for a career that will feature many

Madera Cyber Innovation Center Funding

33,000 square feet funded by military construction funding: $30 Million

Additional space, technology and equipment funded by donors: $39 Million

unknowns. The department would like to see an artificial intelligence expert as a fellow in the Institute for Future Conflict. It is also considering a quantum computing minor, which would require specialized faculty.

ABOUT THE MADERA CYBER INNOVATION CENTER

The Madera Cyber Innovation Center will enhance the ability of the Academy and cadets to remain at the forefront of innovation.

“We’re very proud of the ability to deliver this capability to the Academy and do it with the partnership of the Air Force Academy Foundation, the [Army Corps of Engineers] and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center,” said Carlos Cruz-Gonzalez, the Academy’s director of logistics, engineering and force protection during a construction update earlier in 2023. “This is a great example of a publicprivate partnership — of us taking federal funding for the military construction program to meet the basic mission requirements of the building and then partnering with the Foundation and using their funding to provide the margin of excellence that makes the facility that much better, that much more effective for the purposes of the program.”

Several organizations and agencies participated in the planning, design, administration and building of the three-story facility. The federal government allocated $30 million of military construction funding to sponsor 33,000 square feet of the building. The Air Force Academy Foundation raised an additional $39 million in gifts and technology, including from class giving projects, to add 16,000 square feet and to ensure the future readiness of the building.

“The Madera Cyber Innovation Center, as a core priority of our Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign, has energized a group of donors interested in the future of cyber in our military, especially the Air Force and Space Force,” said Mark Hille ’97, president of the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy Foundation. “Hundreds of donors have committed gifts to create this state-of-the-art facility that will produce innovative leaders in the cyber realm of conflict and defense.”

TOP: The Madera Cyber Innovation Center construction is taking shape on the east side of the Cadet Area. (Photo by Ryan Hall)

BOTTOM: A spiral staircase will be a prominent feature within the Madera Cyber Innovation Center.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Certificate program helps elevate foundational concepts

Written by David Bitton

The Air Force Academy launched a program designed to enhance the continued development of permanent party members as strong, competent and motivated leader-developers.

“When asked who Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) is here to serve, I always explain that it’s the cadets and, therefore, it has to also be the permanent party,” says Lt. Col. Toni Merhar ’06, development division chief at the Academy’s CCLD.

CCLD works to align academic, athletic and military efforts across USAFA to develop leaders of character. As part of its charge, CCLD oversees the Superintendent’s new Leader of Character Certificate Program.

“If we’re not intentionally developing the permanent party charged with the development of our cadets,” Merhar adds, “then we’re failing the cadets to some extent. USAFA is a large organization, and we need to be intentional about the people who are leading and shaping our future officers.”

Along with the certificate program, which began early this year, the Academy introduced a 42-page manual that serves as the how-to guide for developing leaders of character at USAFA.

The genesis of the certificate program and manual dates back more than a decade to when then-Brig. Gen. Richard Clark ’86 served as commandant of cadets and authored the forward of a conceptual framework for USAFA’s development of leaders of character.

“A lot of really smart people from both the Academy and out-

side the Academy used data-driven research to help create what’s now known as the Leader of Character Framework,” says Col. Kurt Wendt ’94, Center for Character and Leadership Development director.

The framework — the latest evolution of continually improving officer development — defines a leader of character as someone who:

• Lives honorably by consistently practicing the virtues embodied in the Core Values.

• Lifts others to their best possible selves.

• Elevates performance toward a common and noble purpose.

Wendt describes the Leader of Character Framework as the foundation, the manual as the how-to guide, and the Superintendent’s Certificate Program as the capstone.

He says the idea for the Superintendent’s Leader of Character Certificate Program came from the Dean of the Faculty’s teaching certificate, which offers professional certification for instructors and professors.

“The superintendent’s ownership of this program as his Leader of Character Certificate Program is significant because it’s meant for the entire institution,” Wendt says.

The Superintendent’s Leader of Character Certificate Program is self-paced. Instruction includes more than 13 hours of core and elective classes as well as an action plan and completion of a final project. According to Wendt, the certificate typically takes two or three semesters to complete.

Photos by Ryan Hall

“I’m really proud that the Superintendent’s Leader of Character Certificate Program involves action,” Col. Wendt says. “It’s not just taking a bunch of classes, getting a certificate and putting it in a desk drawer. It’s taking the coursework, the workshops and actually going, ‘Hey, how can I apply this in the classroom, on the sports fields, in the squadrons or wherever I work?’”

Wendt says leadership development of future officers is significantly different than when he graduated from the Academy 29 years ago.

“It’s not to say that we did it poorly, but I feel like we’ve evolved so far in our approach to how we develop cadets into not just officers but leaders of character,” Wendt says. “It’s been elevated, and it continues to improve.”

Wendt explains that USAFA sees great benefits when the permanent party personnel incorporate the framework’s concepts into every aspect of a cadet’s development.

“I like this certificate program because it encourages everyone across the Academy and lets them know that they are a part of developing leaders of character for our Air Force and Space Force,” Wendt says. “The Leader of Character Framework goes far beyond the Cadet Wing. It is for all of us.”

Learn more about the program by emailing CCLDdevelopment@afacademy.af.edu

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86, USAFA superintendent, reviews the Cadet Wing during the 2023 Graduation Parade.

Members of the Class of 2023 salute during the annual Graduation Parade at Stillman Field. (Photos by Ryan Hall)

FLIGHT!

PREP SCHOOL PROGRAM GIVES CADET CANDIDATES A TASTE OF AVIATOR LIFE

Written by David Bitton

he Early Path to Wings program at the Academy’s Prep School continues to soar as more and more preppies are logging flying time behind the controls of Cessna 172s and 182s.

Now in its third year, the program is enticing preppies toward careers in the sky as the Air Force continues to address an ongoing pilot shortage.

PAYNE

Lt. Col. Ben Payne ’04, an Air National Guardsman and experienced instructor pilot assigned to lead Early Path to Wings since last December, says the program is evolving to allow more preppies to gain experience.

The program, run at the Aero Club on USAFA’s Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Airfield, has been focused on helping participants earn their private pilot certificate, which Payne says is difficult to achieve due to demanding academic schedules, maintenance on aging aircraft and limited flying opportunities due to winter weather.

In May, some preppies were busy working toward their certificate while others were just beginning to get flying experience.

Payne says that shift will continue next academic year, when the focus will move from helping preppies earn their private pilot certificate to having the students gain enough experience to solo.

“Hopefully this hooks them on the love of flying,” Payne

Photos by Ryan Hall

Cadet Candidate Sophia Sanchez taxies to the Aero Club after a successful flight.

says. “The need for pilots is real.”

Next academic year, the Prep School will have six virtual-reality flight simulators like the ones in Fairchild Hall. This will allow more preppies to gain aviation skills before moving up to the Hill.

“I think of these preppies and I’m a little bit jealous of what they’re getting to learn early on,” Payne says. “I didn’t really touch the controls of an airplane until I was a second lieutenant. I think extending the Airmanship Experience Model an extra year is going to pay dividends for years to come.”

“When I was 9 years old, my mom told me about the Air Force Academy and how I could play Division I football and then serve my country like my ancestors did,” Brewington says. “I’ve had a family member serve in the military pretty much every generation since the Revolutionary War. It’s really cool knowing that for more than 200 years my family has worn the uniform, and now it’s my turn.”

BREWINGTON

The first time Ridge Brewington was in an airplane was less than a month before he reported to the Prep School. He and his mother were on their way back to Oklahoma from Orlando, Florida, after a vacation, when the pilot — a USAFA grad — noticed his Air Force football shirt and invited him up front.

“He let me sit in the cockpit, and I was like, ‘I like this view, maybe I want to fly.’ That was the coolest thing ever,” Brewington says.

Fast-forward to the final month of Brewington’s year at the Prep School and he’s learning the basics of flying in a Cessna 172.

“My instructor has been great,” Brewington says. “At the beginning, it felt like he was kind of throwing me into the fire, but he was always right there to help me. He’s given me so many opportunities to excel.”

Brewington, a 6’3” 280-pound offensive lineman, is grateful for the chance to play college football and the opportunity to serve his country.

SANCHEZ

Sofia Sanchez knew how to fly before she was old enough to drive. Her father had his private pilot certificate and rented time in Cessnas, taking Sofia and her younger brother high above Albuquerque, New Mexico, before she was a teen.

“I thought it was the coolest thing,” Sanchez says.

She began flying gliders in middle school and met members of USAFA’s soaring program the summer before her junior year when they visited Moriarty Municipal Airport.

“They were a great advertisement and it absolutely worked,” Sanchez says. “I talked to cadets for two hours, and after hearing everything, I was like, yep, I want to do that.”

Sanchez arrived at the Prep School with 30 flight hours and more than 100 glider flights.

By May, Sanchez — the first in her family to attend college — was well on her way to earning her private pilot certificate.

“I’m so glad I was chosen for the Early Path to Wings program because I get a pilot’s license for free, which is amazing,” Sanchez says.

“I’d love to command a ship in space.”

Ridge Brewington

— Sophia Sanchez

Sanchez is keeping an open mind about what airmanship programs she may be involved in over the next four years, but she knows exactly what she wants for her career.

She hopes to become an astronaut by excelling in undergraduate academics, getting a master’s degree and becoming a test pilot.

“I’d love to command a ship in space,” Sanchez says.

ADLER

Sam Adler never pictured himself piloting an aircraft before arriving at the Prep School, but now he can’t see a future without it. In May, Adler had nearly completed the requirements for his private pilot certificate.

He remembers the first time he went up for an orientation ride over the Academy. The instructor pilot let him FaceTime his parents while flying above the Academy along the Rocky Mountains.

“My parents are very excited and super happy for me,” Adler says.

He admits he didn’t know much about flying when he arrived at the Academy and says Early Path to Wings and the Prep School have quickly gotten him up to speed.

“I wanted to come here because I thought I’d have a lot of opportunities, which is definitely true, but I didn’t really know what was in store,” Adler says. “After getting introduced to this program, I now definitely want to be a pilot.”

He hopes to earn a spot on the highly competitive USAFA Flying Team.

ODOM

Ty Odom couldn’t be more grateful for a commander who saw

potential in him as an enlisted airman. After working in security forces for three years — including standing guard 12 hours at a time — Odom says he feels “spoiled rotten” being at the Prep School.

Odom was appointed to the Prep School through the Academy’s LEAD Program (Leaders Encouraging Airman Development), which gives promising young airmen the opportunity to attend the Academy and commission as officers in the Air Force or Space Force.

From a young age, Odom says he always wanted to fly for the military but didn’t think it was possible because he wore contacts. Now that he knows the actual policy and is on his way to becoming an officer, his dream is once again attainable.

Odom practiced multiple landings at Limon, Colorado’s municipal airport during a solo flight from Davis Airfield. By early May, he was nearing the requirements to get his private pilot certificate.

His instructor pilot, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rex Hoey ’75, says, “Ty picked things up very quickly. It’s nice to come back to the old alma mater after 45 years in the military or FedEx and help cadets and preppies earn their pilot license.”

Odom hopes to earn a fighter pilot slot when he graduates from USAFA in 2027.

“I don’t know where I’d be without the military,” Odom says. “I’m thankful to be in uniform and be able to give back to the Air Force that’s been so good to me.”

“I’m thankful to be in uniform and be able to give back to the Air Force that’s been so good to me.”

- Ty Odom

Sam Adler

Paul E. Pirtle, ’62

Paul Pirtle passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2022, in Las Cruces, N.M., after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul began his life’s journey on April 28,1939 in Dugger, Ind. He went on to attend high school in Sullivan, Ind., and Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre Haute, Ind., from 19571958. During these years he had a 1931 Model A Ford which he rebuilt and drove to school. His principal interest in that period was building and flying model airplanes.

Paul was accepted to the Air Force Academy in 1959. After graduating in 1962 and deciding he did not want to be a pilot, Paul as a second lieutenant went to MIT in Cambridge, Mass., for an MS in science in aeronautics and astronautics. He graduated in 1963. From there he married Beverley Mitchell, and their USAF career began.

His first assignment was Holloman AFB in 1963 where he worked in the central inertial guidance test facility in a Systems Command group. Assignments that followed: 1967 Defense Language Institute in Monterey Calif., for a course in basic German as preparation for the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) as an exchange scientist; 1969 Norton AFB in the Minuteman ICBM SPO; 1975 Los Angeles Air Force Station with the Secretary of the AF Special Projects TRW Space Park as the assistant AFPRO.

Paul retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1982 and worked for The Analytical Sciences Corporation (TASC) on classified space programs until 1997. Paul received many special awards and commendations during this career. These include a USAF Legion of Merit for his work on spacecraft integration to the Space Shuttle. Paul had many talents and hobbies.

He was an accomplished gunsmith, blacksmith, horno builder, and woodworker. He and Beverley began the Pirtle Spinner business while living in Huntington Beach, Calif., where they taught weaving, spinning, and dying. Paul, with the help of the family, made more than 200 spinning wheels while still serving in the USAF.

Moving on to Mesilla, N.M., in 1997, he became a gentlemen farmer owning an historic territorial 1875 home with four and a half acres of pecan groves. In 2006, they sold the farm and moved into a condominium. While there, he served on various boards and traveled.

Paul is survived by his wife, Beverley Pirtle; son Sean Pirtle; and daughter Jennifer Pirtle; granddaughter Rhiana Thomas and nephew David Pirtle. (Beverley Pirtle, Paul’s wife)

Joseph “Joe” Wallace Hanes died at home in Gastonia, N.C., on Dec. 26, 2022, with Donna, his wife of 32 years, by his side. He was 81.

As valedictorian of the 1959 class of Ashley High School in Gastonia, Joe was the first of his family to attend college. They were so impressed with Joe’s nomination to USAFA! On June 5, 1963, Joe sat in awe as he watched President Kennedy deliver the commencement speech from his seat in Falcon Stadium. His words reinforced the significance of his decision to serve in the Air Force during such a pivotal time in our nation’s history.

After pilot training, Joe flew critical airlift missions across the Pacific Theater during the Vietnam conflict. He loved flying the C-130 and

regaled family and friends with stories about his time as a cadet and pilot. Joe’s descriptions of events -- which could be funny, harrowing, or both -- captivated every audience. He recalled people who made an impact or anchored an experience in his memory with amazing clarity. Storytelling was one of his special gifts.

Joe transitioned to the AF Reserves in 1972. Under his leadership, the 911th Tactical Airlift Group in Pittsburgh, Pa., welcomed C-123K Providers as the C-124 Globemasters retired. Joe’s skills as a pilot, instructor and evaluator benefited TWA and the FAA, but when airlines struggled in the late 70s, Joe flexed into real estate. In the mid- 80s, he returned to the cockpit with Piedmont where he met Donna, a flight attendant. They married on Feb. 18, 1990. In May 2000, Joe retired from flying to focus on health, nutrition, and total mind/body wellness.

Joe relentlessly sought knowledge and was blessed with the ability to retain and explain complex information so others could understand. He studied the mind and body for decades, created Total Health Concepts to acquire the highest quality foods and supplements, and learned holistic treatments to heal. He invested many hours a day listening to and coaching people to improve the quality of their lives. Joe was always ready to lend a hand or an ear, and frequently made trips to be where he was most needed. Always a trusted confidante, devoted husband, loving brother, patient teacher, reliable friend and a proud USAFA grad and AF veteran! He is survived by his wife, Donna; sister Judith Crane; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. (Joe’s stepdaughter, Lt. Col. USAF, [Ret], Jennifer Amato)

Clarence T.Y. Fung of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., left to live with the saints on the morning of Dec. 20, 2022. He was born five months after Pearl Harbor on May 11, 1942, in the Kapiolani Maternity Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Charles and Ellen Fung.

At the age of 14, while attending Kaimuki High School, the glamour of aviation and high tech attracted him to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). This also led him to decide to join the U.S. Air Force. Newly elected Senator Hiram Fong nominated him to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1964. After a 20-year career in the USAF with various postings in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Vietnam, Taiwan, and England, he retired in 1984 to join TRW, bringing him to live and eventually retire in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Trying to live by the MacArthurian words of “Duty, Honor, and Country,” he enjoyed the challenges of being an officer in the Air Force, a civil engineer and a father. In his free time, he appreciated putting his civil engineering and other considerable skills to use volunteering with organizations like the Boy Scouts as a scoutmaster, Rolling Hills United Methodist Church and Preschool, and Habit for Humanity where he particularly enjoyed the instant gratification (something was always done at the end of the day) and the socialization that came with a good day’s work. He also took advantage of his retirement, going through a “bucket list” of destinations, his last being Antarctica during Christmas of 2021. Finally, he enjoyed fatherhood twice, first raising boys then nearly 20 years later girls, and finally grandfatherhood.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Suellen; four children Sanford (Deborah), Brendon, Rebecca (Ailama) and Lorie-Anne; and grandchildren Cecelya, Camylle, Cozytte and Aieko. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ellen; sister Rosalyn and daughter Daralyn. After the memorial service at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, he will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii. (Sanford Fung, Clarence’s son)

Joseph W. Hanes, ’63

Clarence T.Y. Fung, ’64

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

James F Sears, ’64

Beloved husband, father and friend, James Francis Sears, age 80, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away on Nov. 28, 2022, at Ohio’s Hospice in Dayton, surrounded by family. Jim was born on Oct. 26, 1942, in Milan, Mo., the son of James P. and Eula Francis Sears.

Jim graduated from Milan High School in 1960, after which he attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado. At the Academy, he lettered in football, playing as an offensive and defensive lineman. He started for the Falcons in the 1963 Gator Bowl. In 1964, he graduated from the Academy and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Caldwell, in the new Academy Chapel.

He completed pilot training at Moody AFB and flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam as a fighter pilot in the F-4 Phantom. During is 26 years in the Air Force, he was stationed around the U.S., England and Korea. He trained other fighter pilots, attained the rank of colonel, and was an award-winning Air Force contractor.

He retired in 1990 from the Air Force, settling in Beavercreek, Ohio. He then embarked on a 11-year second career teaching high school in southern Ohio. Jim was an active member of Kirkmont Church in Beavercreek for many years.

Jim is survived by his darling Betty, his four children: Teri Rostron (David), Christine Sears (Eric), James Aaron Sears and Valerie Oswalt (Ty); four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his sister Nancy Martin (Grant); extended family and many friends, all of whom will miss his sense of humor and adventurous spirit. (Jim’s loving family)

Armond A. Turner, ’65

Armond Allen Turner, age 79, of Columbia S.C., passed away on Nov. 28, 2022. Armond attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Fla., and was thereafter accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy. He earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering and later completed an MBA from the University of South Carolina. Armond graduated from the Academy in 1965. He then went on to flight school and served in the Air Force for 15 years as a fighter pilot, flying many aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas F4-D Phantom II. Armond conducted more than 100 missions supporting the Vietnam War. On May 25, 1968, while conducting a mission over Vietnam, Armond’s F-4 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Both he and his copilot were safely rescued by the “Jolly Green Giants” Air Force rescue squadron after a short time in the jungle. For the rest of his days, Armond celebrated May 25 as his second birthday – a second chance at life. Armond’s distinguished service included many medals but of note are the following: the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, the Air Medal twice and the Purple Heart.

Throughout his life, Armond was a very inquisitive and knowledge-

Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications

hungry individual, regularly reading books and trying new things. While at the Academy, he practiced Judo and pistol marksmanship. During his service, he attended Formula One racing school, acquired an international racing license, and was a member of the British Automobile Racing Club. He thoroughly enjoyed motorcycles, owning everything from small dirt bikes to large Harley Davidsons. Additionally, he owned boats, RVs and model RC airplanes (we can imagine he was good at piloting those)! He loved photography, taking road trips, and even cared for an older Appaloosa horse. He was in the Mensa organization and elected president of his chapter. A “social butterfly,” he knew how to energize and enliven people. Armond later entered real estate: buying, selling and renting. He was married twice (Barbara Meadows and Judy Dockery), had four children with Judy, and spent the remainder of his life working on his real estate business and raising his children. He always wanted the best for his kids: the best education, opportunities to play sports, involvement in extracurricular activities and encouraged once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Armond is survived by his children, daughters Carissa and Serena, and sons Weston and Hamilton, their grandchildren, and his brother Darrell. (Armond’s children)

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Nicholas Kehoe passed away Dec. 18, 2022, after a courageous battle with blood cancer. He handled it like he did everything, with a quiet strength, determined not to let it make his world any smaller.

Nick, the first child of Nicholas B. Kehoe, Jr., and Mary C. Kehoe Sullivan, was born at Langley AFB in Virginia. An Air Force family, they resided across the U.S. in nine different states until they settled in Rochester, N. Y., where Nick lived until college.

Inspired by his father, who passed away when Nick was 12, Nick too chose a military path. He attended the USAFA, graduated in 1966, and embarked upon an impressive military career. Highlights include two tours in Vietnam; time spent overseas in Germany at Ramstein AB and in England at the Royal Air Force War College and British Joint Warfare Wing; vice wing commander at Langley AFB and wing commander at Randolph AFB; 19th Air Force commander; more overseas time in Belgium at SHAPE and as the NATO military committee deputy chairman; and finally, as the USAF inspector general. After 34 years of distinguished service, he went on to serve as the national commander of the Order of Daedalians, as well as the president and CEO of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. Both organizations were so important to him, and he made an indelible mark on each of them.

In retirement, Nick remained busy with his favorite causes and trained to be a docent at the National Air and Space Museum. He was a faithful watcher of the news, an avid supporter of Washington sports teams, and never went far without his newspaper, his Sudoku puzzle and his briefcase. Nick was a good husband, a great dad and loved nothing more than being a “Grampy.”

Nick is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Hartzler (Shane) and Jennifer Whyte (Mike); five grandchildren; and 12 siblings. His wife of 55 years, Paula, passed away on March 19, 2023, three months after him.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing deceasednotifications@usafa.org or by calling 719472-0300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa.org for the most up-to-date information about graduate deaths.

Nicholas B. Kehoe III, ’66

Nick was the very best at staying humble and giving others a chance to shine. He will forever be remembered as an honorable, kind and generous man; one who valued service, mentoring, good character and giving back in both small and big ways.

He will certainly be missed, but his legacy will live on in all who knew him. (Nick’s loving family)

Col. (Ret) Terry Allen Schmidt died of cardiac arrest in Gold River, Calif., near Sacramento, on Nov. 5, 2022. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1943 to Howard and Beverley (Wilke) Schmidt. He is survived by Denise (Welch) Schmidt, his wife for nearly 54 years. He was buried with full military honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on Dec. 1, 2022.

After graduation from Juneau High School in Milwaukee, Terry was in the first graduating class of the Air Force Academy Prep School and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1966 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He flew C-130s in Vietnam, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, and Defense Superior Service Medal. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling military career, first flying C-130s, and later T-39s, accumulating more than 5,000 hours of flight time as a command pilot. He always said one of his most enjoyable postings was his three-year stint as an exchange officer to the Royal Australian Air Force, at RAAF Base Richmond, near Sydney, Australia. He went on to attend graduate school at the Air Force Institute of Technology, earning his master’s degree in nuclear physics. He was assigned to Sandia Labs at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, N. M., and later was appointed director of the McClellan Central Laboratory, Technical Operations Division, at McClellan AFB, Sacramento, Calif.

He retired from active duty in Sacramento in 1994 and started his business as an independent computer programmer/consultant for small businesses. He devoted much of his free time to his longtime love of railroads. He was a founding director of the Placerville Sacramento Valley Railroad in Folsom, a nonprofit organization for preserving railroad history by operating a heritage railroad for the public. He was also a longtime board member for the Sacramento Valley Historic Railways in Woodland, often acting as conductor/brakeman on its tourist railroad and working many years to help restore the historic Woodland Train Depot and steam engine.

He and Denise enjoyed many adventures travelling with friends aboard their private restored Pullman car, the Two Rivers, pulled across the U.S. behind Amtrak trains. He was very proud of his own narrow gauge model railroad, which was filmed and featured on German television, magazines and DVDs. He was also a longtime member of the Carmichael Kiwanis Club, Calrailfans, and the Sacramento Railroad Museum. (Denise Schmidt, Terry’s wife)

Paul Sheridan passed away on Feb. 26, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla., after a brief illness. He was a member of USAFA Class of 1966, 17th Squadron.

Paul had a distinguished Air Force career. After pilot training, he was assigned to the 555th (“Triple Nickel”) TFS at Udorn RTAB. His second tour was with the 366th TFW at Da Nang, AB. During the U.S. invasion of Cambodia in May 1970, Paul was selected to become one of the elite Stormy FACs.

Subsequently, Paul served as an F-4 RTU IP at Homestead AFB and attended graduate school at AFIT in systems analysis. His final assignment was to the Pentagon as an assistant to the chief of staff for studies and analysis. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1990 as a colonel. During his career, Paul earned two Meritorious Service Medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 30 Air Medals and one Air Force Commendation Medal.

In his post-AF career, Paul worked as an analyst for Pratt & Whitney, focusing on the design of the engines for the F-22 and as a consultant for CACI.

Paul was a gregarious individual who loved organizing parties and trips. He honed his partying skills at the Academy, collaborating with his close friend and classmate, Bob Evans, to organize periodic Saturday parties at motels in Denver. Gregg Swanson, ’66, recalls that Paul could “always find something to smile or laugh about. It’s a joy just thinking about those years.” Paul was the best man at Swanson’s 1971 wedding. To make it to the church on time, Paul and Pat O’Brien, ’66, “borrowed” an F-4 from Homestead AFB and flew into McGuire AFB for the wedding.

Paul’s wife, Barbara, passed away in 2010, and Paul eventually remarried. Over the last 11 years, Paul and his second wife, Kathy, traveled extensively. His final trip was last summer when he organized an extended trip to the Eastern Mediterranean. Kathy describes this adventure as Paul’s “masterpiece” of planning.

Paul’s zest for life and love for his family defined him. He loved playing tennis and golf and grilling for friends and family. He was a lifetime fan of Motown Music. Paul’s funeral Mass featured hits by Aretha Franklin and other Motown greats.

Paul was a great classmate, friend, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his sons Chris and Tim; and a large extended family. (Bill Reavey, ’66, and many other members of the Class of 1966)

A native Texan, Col. (Ret) Daniel Eugene “Stump” Sowada, was born at 0700 hours on May 4, 1945, at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, the first of 11 children (four boys and seven girls) of Eugene Daniel and Mildred

Irene Sammons Sowada.

He attended St. John Nepomucene Catholic Elementary School in Robstown, Texas, and graduated high school from Corpus Christi Academy as valedictorian of his all-male class of 40. A month later he entered the U.S. Air Force Academy where he received his nickname as an intramural wrestler and was a starting midfielder on the Academy’s first intercollegiate lacrosse team. He graduated and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the regular U.S. Air Force on June 7, 1967.

Stump completed pilot training at Randolph AFB, Texas, received his wings on Oct. 11, 1968, and accumulated more than 4,000 hours of flying

Paul R. Sheridan, ’66

Terry A Schmidt, ’66

Daniel E. "Stump" Sowada, ’67

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

time, primarily in C-130s, at Sewart AFB, Tenn.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Nha Trang AB, Vietnam; Kadena AB, Okinawa; Scott AFB, Ill.; Yokota AB, Japan; and Pope AFB, N.C. He was a Military Airlift Command flight examiner at Scott AFB and commanded the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Yokota and the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing at Pope. He was the C-130 air component commander on the Just Cause mission into Rio Hato, Panama. His staff tours included Headquarters MAC, three on the Air Staff at the Pentagon, and his final assignment at National Defense University, Fort McNair, D.C. He received an MBA from Webster University in December 1976 and graduated from Air War College in residence in May 1985.

After retiring from active duty in December 1993, Stump served as city administrator of West Lake Hills, Texas, a suburb of Austin, from February 1994 through May 2006. In June 2012, he moved to Blue Skies of Texas West, a retirement community near San Antonio. He moved to The Mission at Blue Skies East on June 9, 2022, where he passed away on Jan. 27, 2023.

Stump had three sons, Eugene Daniel III, Christopher Paul, and Brian Charles, and six grandblessings, Halley Irene, Samuel Rinon, William Mason, Olivia Grace, Daniel Noe and Brian Patrick. On March 12, 2019, Stump married Nancy Lyn Baker Jones, Ed. D.

We thank the Lord for his miraculous life of service to others and praise the Lord that Stump is in heaven. (Nancy Sowada, Stump’s wife)

James E DeFazio (Jim) died Feb. 13, 2023, in Fort Collins, Colo., killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle in Fort Collins. Jim was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio.

Jim spent his first two years in 6th Squadron then with 18th Squadron. While academics were not his passion, Jim did well and was able to do well as a member of the lacrosse team when it became a varsity sport in his second class year. After graduation, it was pilot training at Reese AFB, Texas, then to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam, flying C-123 missions in support of forward operating bases.

Jim and Sherry were married in Oxford, Ohio, in April of 1972. Later that year while he was at Kadena AB, his first son, Damian, was born. In 1973, Jim completed his Air Force commitment, and they embarked on amazing life experiences for the next 35 years in both the private and public sectors. In 1974, his second son, Adrian, was born while Jim was a labor negotiator as manager of the Central Kenturcky Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association in Lexington, Ky.

In 1976, Jim became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) working primarily on the organized crime squad. In 1984, he was transferred to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was the supervisor of 20 special agents covering southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia. After 10 years in Pittsburgh, Jim and Sherry were off to London, United Kingdom, where Jim was the assistant legal attaché until he retired in 1997. As the assistant legal attaché Jim worked closely with the Scotland Yard Fraud Squad and Special Branch, the Serious Fraud Office, and MI-6. He coordinated several investigations with agents in L.A., New York, Miami and Washington, D.C., of Russian organized crime figures

Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications

laundering funds through banks in England and the Channel Islands to the U.S.

Jim and Sherry chose Fort Collins, Colo., as their final retirement destination. They shared many wonderful times with both sons and their families. Colorado offered many adventures in hiking, skiing, cycling which greatly enriched their lives.

Jim’s life was greatly affected by his time at the Academy and his time served in the Air Force. He was a natural leader with a winning smile and gregarious nature. His wonderful laugh was remembered by all. His brother, Bob, said that Jim lived his life like his hair was on fire. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sherry, sons Damian, Adrian and his wife, Heather, and five grandchildren. (Written with love by Jim’s wife, Sherry.)

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert “Bob” Materna announce his passing due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on Jan. 1, 2023. Bob was born in Front Royal, Va., on July 4, 1947. He spent his young adult life in Madison, Ohio, where he graduated from high school and then received an appointment to the Air Force Academy. Following graduation, he completed pilot training and was assigned to Norton AFB, Calif., where he flew C-141s throughout the Pacific Rim. In addition, he flew missions into Israel during the Yom Kippur War, followed by a tour to Southeast Asia flying OV-10 Broncos out of Nakhon Phanom,Thailand.

Upon his return to the U.S. from Asia, Bob was accepted into the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, where he earned a masters degree in logistics management. He then returned to flying C-141s out of Charleston AFB, where he flew on a special operations crew that participated in the attempted rescue of the hostages in Iran.

Shortly thereafter, the Air Force sent Bob to Georgia State University where he earned a Ph.D. in international business, followed by a faculty assignment to AFIT, completing his Air Force career.

Bob entered the civilian work force where he was employed by NCR headquarters, followed by Anderson Consulting (Accenture). He then shifted his interest to work for a nonprofit in Atlanta. At that point, he returned to what he loved most; research and teaching for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide. At Embry-Riddle he became a full professor of business, where he set up their master’s program in logistics and supply chain management. He also launched the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership, ran several aerospace manufacturing summits, wrote several books and articles on topics related to aerospace and set up and ran the industry advisory board for the worldwide campus.

Above all Bob was a beloved child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Marnie Lyn Colwell; and his parents, Edward and Esther Materna. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sharyn Brooks Materna; and his brother Richard Materna (Teri).

He was buried with full military honors next to his daughter Marnie at Kennesaw Memorial Park, Ga. Bob was a beloved husband, father and friend and will be greatly missed. (His loving wife, Sharyn Materna)

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing deceasednotifications@usafa.org or by calling 719472-0300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa.org for the most up-to-date information about graduate deaths.

James E. DeFazio, ’68

Robert D. Materna, ’69

Gary W. Kito, ’72

Gary W. Kito, born Sept. 13, 1949, in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., currently living in Wimauma, Fla., passed away on March 31, 2023, in his home.

Gary had CLL (chronic lymphoma leukemia) for six years prior to the disease turning aggressive in September 2022, and started treatments at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Extensive care and efforts failed to stave off this disease.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Madeleine (Lynne) Kito; his stepson Ron Green and his family; his brother Craig and wife Lisa Kito; three nephews, Chris, Ken and Jaclyn and Keith Kito; and sister-in-law Norma May. His predeceased daughter, Danielle Darcy Kito, passed away on Oct. 20, 2006, at the age of 20 due to severe medical issues.

Gary graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs in 1972 and went on to pilot training for helicopters. Stationed at McClellan AFB, Calif., during the mid-1970s, he flew Jolly Green helicopters for rescue and recovery missions until 1979. His next assignments would take him to Scott AFB, Ill., to do planning functions for MAC. In 1984, he became the commander of Det 9 Helicopter Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Mo., with the mission of protecting missile silo sites. The next assignment was to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., where he procured aircraft for the Air Force. In 1990, he was awarded the position of commander of the prestigious Helicopter 1 Unit at Andrews AFB, Md. This unit flies all the VIPs of the Washington, D.C. area. From there he went to the 89th group at Andrews, the unit that flies Air Force One and vice presidents. His final assignment was back to Scott AFB where he worked with the space department. before that unit became its own entity.

Gary was an avid exercise guy, running miles every day, running many marathons. After retirement, he lived in Jemez, N.M., where he took on the challenges of climbing most of the ’14ers in Colorado. He hiked the slopes of the Rockies and the national parks. With his extensive travels during his career and after, he achieved status in all 50 states visited and 50 countries. Service were held May 17, 2023, at the Air Force Academy Cemetery with a gathering afterwards at the golf course reception room. (Written by his wife, Lynne.)

On Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, the life of the person we affectionately referred to as Ernie or Junior came to an end. Surrounded by family members, he was taken off life support after suffering a fatal brain aneurism. Maj.

(Ret) Ernest E. Butler Jr., was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1969.

Major Butler received his second lieutenant commission in the Air Force in 1973 after four illustrious years at the Academy. While at the Academy, he received special recognition by being named to the commandant’s list of military excellence and was highly decorated for his participation in the Academy parachute team – the Wings of Blue. In addition to competing on the parachute team, he served as a jump instructor. After graduation, he was selected for navigator training at Mather AFB, in California. He spent the next 20 years flying all over the world, never turning down an assignment and participating in clandestine adventures. He participated in the Desert Storm conflict.

While stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, Maj. Butler met and fell in love with Eva Marie Krouse. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 2, 1981. That union produced two daughters, Staff Sergeant Natalie Butler (USAF), and Heather Butler Castro, to add to his bonus son, the late Alexander Krause. In 1993, after 20 years of active duty, he retired from the Air Force. Fleeing the boredom of retirement, he began a second career at the Pentagon where his security clearance allowed him to work on classified information as a program manager for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). He worked there from 1995 until health issues forced him to retire in 2021.

Even though Ernie traveled all over the world, Quincy Street in northwest Washington, D.C. had always been his homing beacon calling him to return. He purchased a house down the street from his parent’s home and lived there until his passing. Anyone who knew Ernie knew of his passion for dancing, especially to Michael Jackson music. He is now dancing with the angels. He will be truly missed. (Maurice A. Butler, Ph.D., Ernest’s brother)

Capt. Hugh “Buddy” Gammon, Jr., passed away a few days before Christmas 2022. Services were held on Feb. 15, 2023, at the Air Force Academy Cemetery.

Buddy lived a life most of us can only dream about. A small-town boy from Rome, Ga., (high school state champion wrestler) who earned a congressional nomination to the Air Force Academy and graduated in 1973 [CS-31]. He went on to fly the C-141 for the Air Force in Vietnam. He earned a parachutist badge and jumped out of hundreds of planes, always wanting to be amongst the clouds. Buddy was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

After the service to his country, Buddy became a commercial pilot for Air Florida, Piedmont, US Airways and American Airlines where he proudly helped thousands of families get safely to their destination. He was an international pilot, rode a Harley, and his adventures were often sprinkled with misadventures and a lot of humor. He traveled to and scuba dived every corner of the world. He owned a dive shop in the Florida Keys and organized the dive club at US Airways.

Anyone who knew Buddy will recall his infectious laugh, wit and extraordinary zeal for life. His exploits were often like they could be from the pages of an adventure novel. Wherever he went people were attracted to his affable personality. He was deeply devoted to his family and fiercely loyal to his friends.

There are very few like him and we will miss him while remembering him often. His family knows he will be a guardian angel watching over his only daughter, Sarah Webner; and his grandson, Logan Webner. His mom, dad, and sister Frankie were there to meet him in heaven. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters Marilyn Allison and Joy Rickman. Until we see you again, Raven 7. (Sarah Webner, Hugh’s daughter)

Ernest E. Butler, Jr., ’73

Hugh H. "Buddy" Gammon, ’73

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Randall D. Shockley, ’74

Randall (Randy) Duayne Shockley, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 at his home on Dec. 19, 2022. Randy was born on July 15, 1950, to Elizabeth (Betty) and Duayne Shockley in Columbus, Ohio.

Randy graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1974 and continued to serve his country for more than 12 years. He then proudly established and operated a computer consulting company.

An avid music fan, one of his favorite things as a young man was to enjoy jazz music, especially when played by his family. For parties, weddings and gatherings in Key West, Fla., his family got together with mom (Betty) on the piano, Barry on drums, grandma on keyboard and Fred on the saxophone plus anyone else who wanted to join in.

Randy and his former wife, Karen, raised three children in Herndon, Va., where he attended numerous soccer games, coaching many of them, countless swim meets, also being team representative. His children’s many sports at Herndon High School (football, cross country, cheerleading, soccer, track and lacrosse) kept Randy busy cheering in the stands or on the course.

Randy was best known for his wry sense of humor and quick wit. He is survived by his three children, Barbara (Scott), Julia (Peter) and David; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Curt and Barry, as well as sisters Rita, Tami and Allison, and his father, Duayne.

Interment was at Magnolia Funeral Home on Dec. 31, 2022. A celebration of his life will be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors foundation of Houston (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

To send flowers or memorial gift to the family of Randall Shockley, visit Magnolia Sympathy Store. Comments or condolences at: https:// www.magnoliafunerals.com/obituaries/Randall-Shockley/#!/TributeWall (Submitted by his family.)

Col. (Ret) Daniel L. Falvey, age 68, of South Bend, Ind., died on March 13, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a courageous four-plus year battle against cancer. He was born on April 20, 1954, in Bainbridge, Md., the son of the late Col. Joseph L. and F. Marcia Falvey (Drake), of Auburn, N.Y. Dan grew up near several U.S. Air Force bases, the second oldest in a family that grew to four brothers and four sisters.

Upon graduation from Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, Va., in 1971, he was selected to and attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., carrying on the family tradition of service in the U.S. military. He was commissioned as an Air Force second lieutenant in 1975, beginning a successful 30-year career as a logistics and maintenance operations officer, with increasing responsibilities that culminated with his promotion to the rank of colonel. After retiring in 2005, Dan continued

Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications

his service in the Air Force as an instructor at the Advanced Air Force Maintenance and Munitions Operations School at Nellis AFB, Nev. There he taught and mentored the next generation of Air Force maintenance and logistics operations officers.

Dan’s devotion to the Air Force was only exceeded by his devotion to family. Blessed with two wonderful sons from a previous marriage, Christopher Falvey who predeceased him and Joseph Falvey of Milton, Wash., he married his perfect life partner, Patricia Falvey (Wood), also a career Air Force officer, in 1982. Dan and Pat were blessed with three children, Lauren Bonadies (Tim) of Mishawaka, Ind.; Timothy Falvey of Charleston, S.C.; and Katherine Yoder (Jeff) of Bloomington, Ind.; and eight grandchildren: Cecilia, Simon, Oliver, John, Daniel, Eileen, Tala and Margaret. Dan adored his family, enjoyed a good meal, and treasured his many vacations and cruises with Pat.

Dan is also survived by his siblings David (Jody) Falvey, Pensacola, Fla.; Patricia Taylor, Milford, Conn.; Margaret (Daniel) Surdam, Skaneateles, N.Y.; Joe (Anne) Falvey, Plymouth, Mich.; John (Deborah) Falvey, Granger, Ind.; Mary (Frank) Stephenson, Osceola, Ind.; and Amanda (John) Conmy, South Bend, Ind.; 20 nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. (Submitted by his wife, Pat Falvey.)

Charles "Charlie" Clayton Combs, Jr., age 69, of Mesa, Ariz., widower of Elaine M. Combs, passed away Dec. 11, 2022, after a short illness at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. He had been in declining health for the last several years and had recently suffered a massive stroke. He was born on April 20, 1953.

A native of Richmond, Ky., he was a 1971 graduate and National Merit Scholar at Model High School in Richmond. He received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1972, graduating in 1976. Charlie developed many lifetime friendships as a member of both the Protestant Cadet Choir and Academy’s Cadet Chorale. The Cadet Chorale performed at a wide variety of venues and events across the country during his time there.

After graduation, he served at various postings as an Air Force pilot, achieving the rank of captain. After his time in the Air Force, he worked in the aerospace industry, and later for his wife Elaine’s company, EMC Personnel Services. He leaves behind many caring Air Force Academy classmates, as well as his neighbors in Mesa, and will be missed.

Charlie was married to the former Elaine M. Wolk for 45 years until her death in August 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Charles Clayton Combs, Sr. and Betty Clark Combs. Charles is survived by two brothers, Clark (Cindy) of Eli, Ky., and Craig (Dorie) of Blythewood, S.C., along with several nieces and nephews. The family also thanks his Mesa neighbors, Robert and Cindy Gray, Richard Luhrs ’76, his roommate for much of his time at USAFA and David Crockett ’76, for being such good friends to him.

Services took place Dec. 29 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Community Center Chapel in Colorado Springs. Interment with military honors

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing deceasednotifications@usafa.org or by calling 719472-0300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa.org for the most up-to-date information about graduate deaths.

Daniel L. Falvey, ’75

Charles C. Combs, ’76

following at the Air Force Academy Cemetery. Special thanks to Janet Edwards of USAFA Mortuary Affairs and USAFA Deacon Bob Waller. (Craig Combs, his brother)

Robert J. Hoover, ’77

On Saturday, Jan. 14, Robert J, Hoover (Bob), beloved father and proud grandpa, passed away at the age of 68. Bob was surrounded by his children and family, after being diagnosed with an extremely rare and terminal neurodegenerative disease, just four weeks earlier.

Bob was born Oct. 1, 1954, in Detroit, Mich., to Wilbur and Ruth Hoover. Bob was a determined and studious young man, seeking the ability to fly high (and fast!) in the skies. In 1977, he graduated from the Air Force Academy. After graduating at the top of his class from flight training, Bob remained at Laughlin AFB to share his knowledge and love for flying as a T-38 instructor pilot. From 1982 – 1985, Bob was an F-15 pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB. During that time, Bob also served on the F-15 flight demonstration team, narrating shows across the country to highlight the speed and agility of the jet. From 1985 - 1987, Bob served as an AF liaison officer to the Army at Ft. Bragg, N.C. Jumping out of planes with his Army teammates, he provided coordinated tactical air strategy from the ground. In 1987, Bob returned to his passion of flying the F-15 in Bitburg, Germany, with the 525 Tactical Fighter Squadron. A true Maverick, known to his squadron as “SMOOV,” he proudly served 13 years as a U.S. Air Force pilot.

Bob continued his love for flying, through a 29-year career with American Airlines. He retired from American Airlines at age 65, as a captain of the Boeing 767.

Bob was happy doing whatever his kids or grandkids desired, building Lego’s, fishing, watching lacrosse games or running Tough Mudders (mud run and obstacle race). In fact, he earned the title of “World’s Toughest Dad,” from his children, after completing 10 Tough Mudders in a matter of five years, starting at the youthful age of 58! Bob was a great handyman, teaching his children how to run electrical wires and renovate practically any area of the house! Not only was Bob a true family man, but he also loved thy neighbor, gaining him yet another title of “PNB – Perfect Neighbor Bob.”

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Ruth Hoover. He is survived by four siblings: Linda, Jim, Cheryl and Wendy; and four children: Brandon (Morgan), Emily (Michael), Taylor, Mitchell; and four grandchildren: Reece, Camden, Lucas and Norah. (Bob’s loving family)

Travis Malcolm Beeson Jr., age 64, died peacefully in the morning hours of Jan. 22, 2023, at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, S.C. He was born in Walterboro on Feb. 14, 1958. Travis graduated from Walterboro High School in 1976 and went on to graduate with a degree in humanities from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1980.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot. After his service, he returned to Walterboro with his family to run Beeson Farms and Forests. He later worked at Hill Tire Store. He was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church where he sang in every choir. He participated in Elks Lodge #1988 and was renowned for his generous nature.

He married Kimberly Hare Beeson on March 17, 2013. He has two children with former spouse: Sheila Greene Beck; a daughter, Donovan Lee Beeson (Chicago, Ill.); and son, Travis Malcolm Beeson III (Colorado Springs, Colo.). He has two stepdaughters: Lydia and Addisyn Fee (Lugoff, S.C.). From his son, Travis, he has two grandchildren, River and Asher Beeson.

He is predeceased by his parents, Travis Malcolm Beeson and Alice Rayle Beeson.

He is survived by his wife, children, step and grandchildren and his two sisters, Lynne Rayle Beeson (Elberton, Ga.) and Gayle Beeson Ashworth (Greenville, S.C.) and their families. He has 10 nieces and nephews, 20 grandnieces and nephews and his legacy is expected to keep growing.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the Victory House staff, to Patriot Hospice and to his devoted caregivers for the love and support shown during his illness and passing.

The family also thanks his classmates Eric Milo Pell, Paul Feliz, Art Smith, John Palmer and Andy Akelman for their support through Travis’s journey. Also, thanks to Al Wallace, who flew in from Colorado for Travis’s funeral.

A memorial service was held on March 4, 2023, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro. Inurnment followed the service, with military honors, at the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Columbarium. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro. (Travis’s daughter Donovan)

Samantha passed away on Oct. 28, 2018, at age 53, after battling a long-term illness. She is survived by her husband, Keith, and their two Akitas, Kaiju and Tatsu. “Sam” was named by her older siblings after the character in Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Sam grew up on a picturesque ranch in Troy, Mont. The stories from the wilds of Montana were extensive, from her half-wolf Juno that she would sneak into the house through her bedroom window, her half- bobcat Robert who would go hunting with the half-wolf dogs, and the occasional raids from their local grizzly bear, Bernard. Her father was career Air Force, flew the F-4 and B-52 in Vietnam. Sam’s favorite Halloween costume was his flight suit and when asked by the hosts at the homes they visited, “who are you,” she would say, “I’m Dad.”

Of course, she was her high school class president and, of course, her goal was to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Sam was brilliant, she earned a perfect 1600 on her SAT, and with all her other credentials was accepted to the Class of’87. She attended comm officer school after graduation and her first assignment was to Hanscom AFB, Mass. Keith graduated from USAFA in 1988 and they were wed 18 June 1988. The USAF found a way to station him at Hanscom as well.

From there they went to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where she was afforded an opportunity to use her degree in human factors engineering. During the draw down in the early 1990s, Sam resigned her commission. They moved from WPAFB to USAFA to Robins AFB and then back to WPAFB.

She was a devoted wife during their 33 years of marriage. She kept the house running during Keith’s Ph.D. research and deployments. Her other true love was animals. She rescued countless animals throughout her life. Cats that showed up in her barn with kittens. She got them all spayed or neutered and found a home for them. Dogs that needed life-saving surgery that the owner couldn’t afford, she paid for it, rehabilitated the dog, and found him a new home. She would stop her truck to save turtles that were attempting to cross the road. She would save them all if she could, but she couldn’t save herself. (Keith

Bearden, ’88, husband)

Samantha A. (Loros) Bearden, ’87

Travis M. Beeson, Jr., ’80

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

David L. Russell, ’87

Dave Russell passed on Feb. 9, 2023, in Virginia. Dave served his country for more than 24 years, having the opportunity to fly the T-37, T-38, E-3 AWACS, and the U-2 Dragon Lady as well as instructing many other airmen on a variety of aircraft.

Dave was always the right guy for the right mission whether instructing fellow cadets in small arms, saving the life of a fellow U-2 pilot who developed decompression sickness at 70,000 feet, commanding a squadron, furthering our national reconnaissance capabilities or being a devoted husband and father.

Throughout his military career he had the opportunity to travel to various locations throughout the world before retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2011.

A prize-winning marksman and firearms expert, Dave opened and operated his dream business, Highflyer Arms, in 2014.

Dave is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 36 years, Angie; his daughters Brittany and Ashley; his granddaughter Sadie; his grandsons Harrison and James; and many friends across the globe. We’ll miss you, Super Dave.

(Preston Plous, friend and classmate)

Debbra S. (Villeneuve) Salo, ’87

Gracing us with her fiercely compassionate presence for just more than 57 years, Debbra Starr Salo enjoyed her final moments surrounded by her loving family. Her selfless reassurance to the loved ones around her during her final days is a true testament to her unwavering strength, kindness and generosity. As with all her accomplishments in life, she met her cancer diagnosis with a clear mind and pure determination to live life to the fullest, making the most of every moment.

On Jan. 30, 2023, Debbra passed away peacefully in the night surrounded by love and guided to her eternal home in heaven by the loving hands of the Lord.

If you had the gift of knowing Debbra, then you know her character was defined by an unmatched bravery to stand up for what was right, a youthful curiosity for learning and an enduring kindness.

Debbra was born Jan. 4, 1966, in Springfield, Mass., and has blazed a trail ever since. A high achiever from youth, she consistently won competitions in various pursuits from intellectual to physical. She had a strong internal will, fighting for what she believed in tirelessly. She spent her youth in Springfield, proudly graduating from Springfield Technical High School in 1983 with honors as a captain in the Air Force JROTC. She was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy by Congressman Edward P. Boland at the age of 17. She graduated from the USAFA in 1987 and was sworn into the U.S. Air Force.

Debbra served our country proudly as an active member of the U.S.

Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications

Air Force for 21 years and was awarded many honors. She completed her service in 2006 as a retired major.

After her time with the Air Force, Debbra continued to inspire and guide youth in the most underprivileged areas of Los Angeles as a substitute teacher. Her protective nature and strong will, some would even say stubborn, also made her an exceptional security guard with Allied Universal Security, allowing her to protect and serve the community as a proud Air Force veteran.

Debbra’s service was held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Mass., with full honors and escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders on Feb. 9, 2023. Her final resting place is at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. (Gabrielle and Sarah, Debbra’s daughters)

William F. "Chuck" Simpson, Jr., ’90

William “Chuck” Ferguson Simpson, Jr., passed peacefully on Dec. 21, 2023, from brain cancer. Chuck was a kind and caring man who loved his family above all else. Chuck was born in Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 17, 1968. He loved camping with his parents, exploring the city and trips to the beach. Trips to Elkton, Ky., to visit family were some of his favorite childhood memories.

Chuck attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating in 1990 from CS-12. After attending pilot training, he began his flying career in the B-52 and later instructing in the T-37. He flew in Desert Strike in 1996 where was a member of the crew awarded the McKay Trophy and the Curtis LeMay Trophy.

In 1996, he wed his wife, Mary, and they later started their family. He loved being a father. The family enjoyed trips together, exploring new places and attending concerts. He loved taking a quiet moment at dusk to enjoy the sunset, his “favorite time of day.”

Throughout his Air Force career, he made many life-long friends who are considered family.

After leaving the Air Force, he flew for Southwest Airlines. His passion for flying made him a consummate professional and he constantly strived to be the best pilot he could be.

He approached his brain cancer diagnosis with resolve and determination. While the treatment was grueling, he remained active and involved with family and friends until the disease made it impossible.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home for their care and compassion, Regional Hospice and all the dedicated medical professionals who have cared for Chuck over the years.

Contributions in Chuck’s memory may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; and their children, Emma and Connor of Shreveport, La.; his mother, Anita Fay Smith, of Monroe, Ga.; father and stepmother, William F (Bill) Simpson Sr. and Lynn of Hartwell, Ga.; brothers William C (Bill) Simpson of Hartwell, Ga.; and Josh Simpson MD of Piedmont, S.C. (Mary Simpson, Chuck’s wife)

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing deceasednotifications@usafa.org or by calling 719-472-0300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa. org for the most up-to-date information about graduate deaths.

Richard C. Hemmings, ’98

Richard Charles Hemmings was born on May 21, 1976, in Pointe Claire, Quebec. He lived in Montreal until age five, at which time he moved to the United States. During his early years Rich attended Stella Niagara Education Park in Lewiston, N.Y. He then moved to Columbia, S.C., where he attended Hammond Academy and Dreher High School. Rich later moved to Anderson, S.C., and graduated from T.L. Hanna High School where he played soccer and participated in ROTC and the debate team.

Rich was accepted to the USAFA in 1994 where he earned a fierce reputation in rugby and completed a BS in European area studies with French minor. While at the Academy, Rich had an exchange tour with the École de l’Air, Salon de Provence, France. After completing pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss., Rich was assigned to the 351st Air Refueling Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, UK, where he served from 2000-2004. In 2003, Rich was selected pilot of the year for the 100th Air Refueling Wing. Rich and Viktória met in Cambridge, England, and got married on Aug. 17, 2002.

In 2005, Rich was assigned to Creech AFB, Nev., where he transitioned to flying the MQ-9. Rich qualified as an MQ-9 instructor pilot and flight examiner. His accomplishments in the MQ-9 are legendary and include the first MQ-9 combat mission from Kandahar, Afghanistan. Rich’s decorations include the Aerial Achievement Medal (9 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal (SS), and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (SS).

In 2008, Rich transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to serve U.S. and allied warfighters. This ultimately led him to the UAWC (USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center), where, in 2017, he began work as an MQ-9 subject matter expert. The scope of Rich’s responsibilities increased rapidly, to include work with NATO HQ on advanced combat training via distributed simulation. His efforts at the UAWC resulted in a major positive effect on U.S. and NATO warfighter capabilities across the globe.

Rich loved his children Grace (8), George (8) and Sofia (6) very much and did everything for his family. Rich helped everyone and was always driven by good intentions. People admired, respected and loved him.

Rich passed away on Feb. 16, 2023. He is greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his loving family, friends, and many others. (Submitted by Viktória Hemmings on behalf of Kent Laughbaum.)

Dominic C. Buraglio, ’20

1st. Lt. Dominic Clayton Buraglio, born and raised in Carmel Valley, Calif., passed away on Nov. 22, 2022, while on active duty at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La., of complications from an undiagnosed diabetic condition. He was a compassionate, thoughtful, and humble soul who had a positive impact on the lives of many during his short time on Earth.

Dominic is survived by his parents, Donald and Tiffany Buraglio; his sisters Sophia and Giana; aunts Trina Clayton and Christine (Brian) Nicks; and grandparents

Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications

Sue and Doyle Clayton, Francie and Michael Gundzik, and Rockne Buraglio (USAFA ’68). He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Barbara Buraglio.

From his earliest days, Dominic had a passion for science and technology, and an inquisitive drive to understand the mechanics of complex systems. His childhood love of heavy machinery and trains morphed into a lifelong passion for intricate Lego constructions, which in turn developed into mastery of robotics and drone operation. Dominic was the captain of his high school robotics team, and active with remote piloted aircraft (RPA) programs at the Air Force Academy. He graduated with a degree in computer science as a Tough Twenty Troll following in the footsteps of his Troll Grandpa Rocky before him.

Dominic served at Barksdale AFB as a 17-Delta cyber defense officer with the 608th Air Communications Squadron in charge of the mission defense team. This team was created to detect, protect and respond to cyber threats surrounding a $34M air operations weapons system, which is our first line of defense against adversaries in the cyber realm. Dominic played a vital role in assessing potential vulnerabilities and identifying where to focus the efforts of the team and his commanders for optimal network security.

Dominic had an intensely compassionate heart, and a continual desire to serve others. His commitment to service inspired his Air Force career, where he strove to protect our nation from harm and positively influence the culture of the military. Dominic’s mission ended far too soon, but his sense of duty and his willingness to put others before himself never faltered.

Farewell and Godspeed, Dominic. We love you to the moon and back. (Dominic’s parents, Donald and Tiffany)

At presstime, we learned of the deaths of the following graduates and cadets:

Maj. (Ret) Walter C. Givens, Class of 1959, who died on May 8, 2023, in Newalla, Okla.

Col. (Ret) Stephen R. Holt, Class of 1960, who died on Feb. 17, 2023, in Fredericksburg, Va.

Col. (Ret) Ronald A. Fullerton, Class of 1961, who died on Feb. 27, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz.

Maj. (Ret) Walter C. Givens, Class of 1959, who died on May 8, 2023, in Newalla, Okla.

Mr. Philip H. Woods, Class of 1961, who died on April 10, 2023, in Dallas, Texas

Dr. Thomas Hutchison, Class of 1962, who died on April 22, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz.

Col. (Ret) Charles A. Larson, Class of 1962, who died on March 8, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C.

Col. (Ret) Wayne D. Corder, Class of 1964, who died on Feb. 14, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Lt. Col. (Ret) James A. Richmond, Class of 1964, who died on April 5, 2023, in Newport Beach, Calif.

Mr. Thomas Treadon, Class of 1965, who died on March 1, 2023, in Canton, Ohio.

Col. (Ret) Peter R. Nash, Class of 1966, who died on April 14, 2023, in Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Keith Sweatland, Class ofr 1967, who died on April 1, 2023, in Wagcross, Ga.

Col. (Ret) Bruce A. Gerrity, Class of 1968, who died on March 13, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

(Continued on page 102)

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing deceasednotifications@usafa.org or by calling 719-4720300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa.org for the most up-to-date information about graduate deaths.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

(Gone But Not Forgotten: Continued from page 101)

Dr. Robert A. Walker, Class of 1969, who died on Jan. 6, 2023, in Mountain View, Calif'.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Michael B. Murdoch, Class of 1975, who died on March 21, 2023, in Hummelstown, Pa.

Mr. Mark Shanks, Class of 1976, who died on Oct. 16, 2017, in Beaverton, Ohio.

Mr. Daniel J. "Bubba" Baumgartner, Jr., Class of 1979, who died on April 23, 2023, in Fredericksburg, Va.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Kenneth L. Dressel, Class of 1980, who died on April 2, 2023, in Gilbert, Ariz.

Mr. Ronald R. McCurdy, Class of 1980, who died on March 29, 2023, in Boulder, Colo.

Maj. (Ret) George A. Herr, Class of 1981, who died on Jan. 13, 2023, in Eagle River, Alaska.

Mr. Sidney A Ward III, Class of 1981, who died on Feb. 19, 2023, in Denver, Colo.

Mr. Michael E. Smith, Class of 1983, who died on April 15, 2023, in Lenoir City, Tenn.

Col. (Ret) Gordon B. Hendrickson, Class of 1985, who died on Oct. 22, 2022, in Washingon, D.C.

Col. (Ret) Lane A. Seaholm, Class of 1986, who died on March 26, 2023, in Tacoma, Wash.

Dr. Jeffrey D. Watson, Class of 1996, who died on March 13, 2023, in Buckeye Canyon, Utah.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Christopher J. Reteneller, Class of 2002, who died on March 27, 2023, in Gretna, Neb.

C1C Cole P. Kilty, Class of 2023, who died on March 6, 2023, in Park County, Colo. C3C Hunter R. Brown, Class of 2025, who died on Jan. 10, 2023, at the Air Force Academy, Colo.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates and cadets.

The last quarter has been a quiet time for the members of the Class of 1959. Bobby Blake was among the basketball supporters hosted by Coach Scott for the game against San Jose State on 4 March. MJ Williams joined Bobby at courtside.

Some of us were on the road. Don Brooks reports that he and Jin Hee flew to Tahiti and took a 10-day cruise around the South Pacific islands. He commented that it is quite a beautiful part of our world.

Lorin Krueger, instead of poetry, was again reminiscing about the Vietnam War. He wrote about his one encounter with a MIG-21 and the fact that neither got a kill. Well, maybe better to think of one side of this?

Greater Houston Soap Box Derby, an all-volunteer charitable organization that provides derby cars for the enjoyment of special needs children, family fun and senior adults.

Also from Southwest Florida, Dick reports that despite having a two-star, three-star and four-star on the AFA Alumni golf team, we did not win the annual golf tournament over West Point and Annapolis grads this year. Practice has begun for next year's match!

Apologies to all classmates or others who do not see their input because your scribe had no internet and computer problems resulted in some emails being blank and possibly missing others during the input dates mid-April.

Break, Break! Your assistant scribe Dusty Trail answered the distress call. Reminds me of some airplanes that I’ve flown but happy to do it.

In 1980, retiring back to my hometown I got involved with serving on boards and in local government. Air Force training served me well. An interesting organization was serving the U.S. military in the role of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. A recent example:

Also, I am passing along an impassioned plea from Jim Reed: “I’d like to add more items of interest to the class flag document and invite all ’59ers to submit brief items, war stories, and other items of interest. In addition, the class history is missing information on several of the class members. If there’s a ’59er who has time to do specific research and add to the class history, I could use the help. They can contact me by email."

Thought for the quarter: “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth gets its pants on.”

Sir Winston Churchill

–Dick Carr, 3612 San Sebastian Ct., Punta Gorda, FL 33950; H: 941-637-8272; C: 941-585-8280; dickc59@embarqmail.com; with Dusty Trail, dickt@swnebr.net; FB: USAFA Class of 1959

MJ with Bobby Blake

We are still working on our 65th class reunion. As many of us know, Americans are travelling in greater numbers than before COVID. Prices for air travel and hotels are particularly increasing. Working with the reunion brat (arranged the last two reunions), we are concentrating on price and having a hospitality room, looking in the Tampa or Panhandle of Florida areas. Date TBD, but looking for January or February 2024.

Patriot Award: Jake Curl, Craig Dickes and Dick Trail

The Patriot Award honors a manager who supports the National Guard or Reserves by acknowledging that employees may need flexible schedules, time off before or after deployment, or leaves of absence. ESGR was established in 1972 by the Department of Defense to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve service members and their civilian employers. Recently McCook Senior High Principal Craig Dickes and Vice Principal Jake Curl were awarded the official thank you for going above and beyond to cover the normal duties of their compatriot teacher, Clint Hosick, while he was called to active duty serving overseas with his local Reserve unit.

The awards were presented by Dick Trail, Lt. Col. USAF retired, the local ESGR representative for the Nebraska Army National Guard and Army Reserve units located at McCook, NE.

HT Johnson and Joe Morgan

HT Johnson completed his move into the Army Residence Community in San Antonio. Joe and Janet Morgan welcomed him and Max Miller wrote, “We need to show this photo to the Cadet Wing as an example of cadets 64 years later.”

Have you ever really bonded with fellow tourists on a tour? This happened to Dick Carr on a Yukon/ Alaska tour. His friendship with Rick Higginbotham resulted in his being named as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2022-2023 season of the

1960

In mid-March, our intrepid RV road warrior, Ralph Lalime, along with Darlene and two of their grandkids, travelled south to Sanibel Island, Florida, to set up camp at their favorite campground. Devastation framed their thoughts as they drove the RV across the limited causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island. Once on the main street through the island, they saw downed trees, destroyed houses and piles of trashed buildings along the road. There were construction workers everywhere; on rooftops; hauling brush and logs from the mangroves, etc. The weather was perfect, and they were ecstatic to see so much activity and progress six months after Hurricane Ian.

The things the Lalime family enjoys most about Sanibel are the warm ocean, the miles of bicycle trails, the lovely library and the Community Christian Church. The church filled up on Sunday at 10 o’clock despite its bare floors and flickering electrical lights. Cell phones pierced the darkness so that those who didn’t know the words could read the handouts for the hymns.

Members 94% Sabre Society Donors 12 Polaris Society Members 2

In late January, four of our adventurous classmates and their wives embarked on an eightday cruise out of Miami, around the Yucatan Peninsula. They visited Honduras, Belize, a private island resort on Roatan and lastly, Cozumel. The specialty restaurants and onboard entertainment were so good that Jim Glaza and John McCullough opted to skip all the ports, except for a 30-minute walk around the pier at their last stop. Howie Bronson was the hero of the group. Just before starting the trip, he crushed his elbow chasing a run-away suitcase rolling down his driveway, but never turned back.

Members 88% Top Class - Gold Sabre Society Donors

Top Class - Gold Polaris Society Members

Alex and Pam Zimmerman, from left, John and Deanne McCullough, Howie and Judy Bronson and Jim and Jenny Glaza

Interest is building around the concept of the “First Four” Academy classmate get togethers. The first will be at the AF/Army game at Empower Field at Mile High. Some 80 Zoomies have committed thus far. A second First Four reunion is planned by the AOG for the 28th and 29th of July next-year at the Academy. This will be the first reunion devoted to these first classes and, according to the AOG, one more class will be added to the First Four next year and each subsequent year indefinitely.

Last year, Les Hobgood and his daughter Rani achieved a long sought after first-place victory at the Big Bend Open Road Race in Fort Stockton, TX. We have watched their progress for several years in second and third places, but this one was their crowning glory. Of course, they now must defend their success and will fire up the 2006 Corvette C-6 again with a few heat reduction packages added to keep the car running smoothly at an average of 145 mph. Recently, Les endured a classic face plant while walking in his neighborhood. No major damage ensued, but sadly, at our age, even walking has its challenges.

to him so easily just a few years ago. He recommends “In Love and War,” by James Stockdale as a refreshing read.

Tom Burke reports that in March there was a good showing for the DC area Founders Day as seven members of our community gathered at the Springfield Country Club to swap stories and enjoy a fine lunch. As has become the new norm, seven of our ladies joined us to break bread and enjoy the comradeship around the table. This marks the 20th year that the group has met at the Springfield Country Club for lunch, a far cry from the old Starbucks picnic tables across the street.

stay. At home alone now, healing slowly, and with much help from the three kids who live locally and the Jersey son who has visited twice. Don’s grateful for the notes and cards, and looking forward to a more normal summertime.

Tom and Anne Eller enjoyed a 35-day cruise, which provided a good break from their Colorado snowstorms. Travel in May is a road trip to South Carolina and Georgia to see kids and grandkids.  Jim Hinkle spent a day and night with Brice Jones, who is still recovering from the effects of a bad stroke. Brice is very tired and mostly homebound, but with all of the challenges, he is still the Brice we all knew and would enjoy hearing from classmates and friends.

Standing: Tom Burke, Bill Hockenberry and Cathe, Ken Alnwick, Bill Carnegie, Jerry and Betty de la Cruz, Bob and Liliane Badger and Howie Bronson. Seated: Mary Ellen Burke, Pat Warack, Karen Burschnick and Judy Bronson.

A blast from the past: Dave Sweigart recalls when, on 16 November 56, at Lowry AFB, a B-36 that had been on static display in the morning, crashed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal sending up a cloud of smoke that could be seen from the dining hall. All aboard survived. Sixty-seven years later, a visitor to the Sweigerts, Nona Maxwell, revealed that, unbeknownst to all, her husband had been the pilot of that spectacular B-36 crash.

–Ken Alnwick, 2403 Arrow Park Dr., Alexandria, VA 22306; 703-768-8280; kjalnwick@cox.net; Class Website: www.usafaclasses.org/1960/afa60.html

Dean and Jo Jones just finished a 10-week visit to the quaint little art community of Tubac, AZ, south of Tucson. They also enjoyed visits by PB and Mer O’Connor, Jim and Nancy Wilhelm, Tom and Susan Conley with guest Marnie Boyd, and brother Wayne and daughter Pam and her friend. They checked out the golf course and hiked the historic Anza Trail. The area was a pleasant surprise.

Denny O’Keefe and his new wife Joy have found peace and happiness in a flexible living arrangement that will allow them to advance into an assisted living facility when the need arises. Currently, they are actively looking forward to travelling “back East.” Denny is a strong advocate for finding arrangements that allow freedom, while providing helping hands when needed. Finding one’s path to the future seems to loom larger for our gang as we assess the paths that lie before us. Denny chose well.

Neil Reavely remembers fondly the day when the Academy’s nascent lacrosse team introduced the sport to the Denver community in the Denver stadium during the half-time at an Air Force / Denver University football game. As Neil recalls, the crowd loved it and asked for more. Now Neil lives in Sun City West. One of his favorite pastimes is teaching pre-calculus at a local home school coop. He finds it a bit harder to remember what came

1961

We lost Ron Fullerton and Phil Woods this quarter. Ron’s wife, Jeri, predeceased him in 2015. Ron was always upbeat and positive, with a great sense of humor. No information was provided for Ron’s obituary or his April services. Phil’s wife, Glenda, predeceased him in 2019. His friends will gather later, and his ashes will be inurned at the USAFA Cemetery.

Mark and Ginger Anderson are now in their fifth year of living in a retirement community and continue to be glad they made the move. Mark still chases the golf ball around the course a couple times a week, plays some pickle ball, and has found that walking is a great exercise.

Doug Cairns said that it was a sudden surprise when Dee passed away in February. Family and friends have been marvelous helping him through the transition. TWC Wilson brought some joy for three nights and days on his way to see Bob Best. Sharing their similar situations has been good therapy.

Don Danborn had an eventful month: a planned quick overnight hospital stay for a valve repair job in late February morphed into a valve replacement (bovine) with four days on a heart and lung machine and a month-long hospital and rehab

Terry Jorris said that all three of his kids joined him there in Orange County, CA, for a day in February: James from Colorado with his wife and two daughters; Tim from Tehachapi, CA; and Teresa from Wyoming. Also joining them were Terry’s two cousins from the local mountains. It was great having everyone together.

Charlie Neel and Guy Gruters ’64 — On the “Feet Wet Beach” near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, a few hundred yards from where the “Jolly Green Giants” (HH-3Cs) picked them up in November 1967. Guy was Charlie’s Misty Fast FAC F-100F co-pilot, was shot down again two missions later, and spent 5½ years in the big pokey up north. They were warmly welcomed back to Feet Wet Beach by their (nearly) captors in March 2023.

Les Hobgood, daughter Rani, and the C-6 Corvette.

Jim Hinkle and Brice Jones

Charlie Neel and Guy Gruters in Vietnam. This 92-year-old NVN lady was the province chief of defense in Dong Hoi, who directed the motorized sampans to go out from the fishing village at Feet Wet Beach and capture Charlie

and Guy. Warm and tough. The adjacent man must have been quite young then and was on the sampan until Jerry Nabors, of the DaNang Gunfighters, scraped them off with two pods of 2.75” rockets. They were all together for lunch at Feet Wet Beach.

A former North Vietnamese Navy province chief of defense.

Carly and Terry Storm had a nice trip to Las Vegas for the Mountain West basketball tournament. In the airport on the return, a guy came up and hugged Carly; they then recognized Dave Philipovic, the past AFA basketball coach, who was also on his way home.

Bob and Winnie Wagner have been in Crozet, VA, (near Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge) almost three years since moving from St. Augustine, FL. They had a good trip to Harper’s Ferry and D.C. and later to Montgomery to be with Doug Cairns, as they all said goodbye to Dee. They also have plans for a September cruise from Boston to Montreal, with a side trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Twy and Nancy Williams remain at their home in the Northern Neck of Virginia. They are healthy enough to maintain “this old house on the water,” track his medical issues, continue their church activities, and keep track of their scattered families. Travel has been reduced, except for medical care. Twy has tried to keep up with classmates through Jim Darnauer’s monthly Zoom sessions. Thanks to Jim and all who have participated.

As I submitted my March column, we had just been informed that Paul Pirtle had died. At the time no details were available, so I thought it appropriate to open this column with an acknowledgement of Paul’s contributions. A consummate professional engineer and scientist, Paul went directly to MIT after graduation, earning a master’s degree in aero and astro after which he supported numerous important Air Force projects and programs until he retired. A little-known fact: Paul and his wife developed and ran a business specializing in designing and building spinning wheels and they taught users the arcane skills of spinning and weaving in Huntington Beach, CA. The family built more than 200 spinning wheels. Paul and the family later moved to New Mexico where Paul was active with the BLM patrolling the wilderness areas in southern New Mexico. Until the end, Paul constantly reminded us of the state of current science and engineering progress through his contributions to the RTB General network. A memorial service was held on 2 February to celebrate Paul’s life.

I am still looking for that quarter where I do not have to report another Redtag gone. It is with no small degree of sadness that I report that Chuck Larson passed (March 8). Chuck was absolutely the most unassuming, open, and friendly guy anyone might imagine. He always had an encouraging word and was always willing to help where he could. After a full 27-year career from which he retired as an O-6, Chuck then went on to become an instructor pilot at Boeing. Then, as his family says, he graduated to the role of grandfather, a role at which he excelled. Chuck will be missed by all who knew him. Many of us watched the web broadcast of memorial services held in his honor at his church in Charlotte, N.C.

Got a note alluding to two of our number racing around the secondary roads in Florida –Tom Young and Chuck Cheeseman – apparently enjoying the need for speed and the roar of the engines. Cool guys in hot cars; what a concept.

a heart value/EKG issue that the doctors have yet to remedy. We all wish both Dick and Liz speedy recoveries and good health going forward.

17 Polaris Society Members 2

This issue seems to be my time for re-visiting comments made in previous issues of Checkpoints I recently commented on exotic travel where I described a visit Scott Fisher had made to the Black Forest area of Germany. Scott’s travels continue to intrigue me. During this quarter, Scott traveled to Cuba to take part in activities associated with his church as they relate to that church’s branch activities there. Of course, Scott’s Spanish speaking abilities are the envy of most of us who studied Spanish while cadets, so that was, no doubt, one of the prime reasons for his representing the church on this trip to Cuba.

And speaking of travel, I got a nice note from Jack Swonson, where he mentioned that he and Polly Ann would be river cruising in the northwest this May. Jack also mentioned that his granddaughter recently delivered a great grandson, also named Jack. As it happens, Jack’s father, son, and now great grandson are all named Jack. I am imagining a Swanson family reunion where, if anyone calls for Jack, half the men in the room turn around.

In the category of “I could not resist this because of the picture,” I include a shot of Tuck and Chuck where Chuck Cheeseman welcomes Tuck McAtee as Tuck arrives for the annual fly-in at Spruce Creek for SX-300 aircraft owners.

Tom Wilson drove to Dallas shortly before Easter and had breakfast with Howard and Sue Ellen Bodenhamer in Wichita en route. He spent a few days with son Tom in Dallas where they both met Dick Fairlamb and Joan for lunch. Son Tommy and he then drove to Montgomery for a family mini-reunion. Tom took time to go to his high school class luncheon and then spent three days with Doug Cairns. Also saw Jimmy Poole and Neal Westbrook for lunch. Tom then visited Bob Best in Dyersburg, TN, for a couple of days, before heading home.

In the March issue, I included a picture of Dick Klass and his wife Liz enjoying drinks in Tennerife while on a three-week cruise. They were the picture of a healthy couple enjoying retirement. But not so fast there. Recently it turns out that Liz is now recovering from surgery and Dick fell at home and broke his femur. As Dick was recovering in a rehab center in Arlington, VA, several of us visited and had lunch with him. The good news here is that Dick was released from the rehab center on 6 April. Meanwhile, Dick continues to deal with

Tuck and Chuck.

Probably the highlight of this quarter is the ceremony on 29 April that will celebrate the induction of George Harrison into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. To make it an even more memorable event is the fact that Tom Young and Chuck Cheeseman are organizing a Redtag minireunion. Some 20 or more of our classmates are traveling to Macon to honor George and to let the folks in Georgia know what Redtag solidarity is all about. Unfortunately, my deadline for this column is prior to the actual date of the event, so I hope to have a few comments and pictures for the next (September 2023) issue of Checkpoints.

Redtags Tom Young and Chuck Cheeseman with hot cars.

Members 93% #3 Class - Bronze Sabre Society Donors 14

Polaris Society Members 4

–Nelson O’Rear, 50582 Stonington Dr., Granger, IN 46530-8243; 574-273-2597; enoandtjo@gmail. com

Members 85% Sabre Society Donors

–Bob Lightsey, 3105 Cunningham Dr., Alexandria, VA 22309; H: 703-360-5320; C: 703772-2061; bob.lightsey@gmail.com

60th Class Reunion: As I prepare this edition of the Class News (April 19th), everything I see from classmates is related to the upcoming reunion in August. Most importantly, registering for the reunion must be the first thing in our planning. You should have received an email from the AOG that I found makes registration relatively easy, although in the end, my credit card needs to be put on the line to confirm my registration. Trust me; it will be worth it!

Next, of course, is a place to stay. The Colorado Springs Marriott is the reunion hotel, and they are waiting for you! Call them and tell them you are a 1963 Golden Boy, and they will fix you right up. Again, the card! Christmas is more than 180 days away; plenty of time to recover. Arrival date is Tuesday, Aug. 8th, and check-in time is 1,600 hours. Meet and greet opens at 1700 with no host bar, and hors d'oeuvres will be the first order of business.

From there, it is all downhill and relaxed. You shouldn't have to worry about transport to and from — the planners know we are over 80! Wednesday's events include golf and the memorial service at the Arnold Hall Theater beginning at 1400. The remaining hours of Wednesday will be an evening of relaxation and squadron parties or dinner at leisure. I'm working on the 15CS leisure dinner at a nearby welcoming restaurant.

Name this group? I can give you six off the top of my head.

We begin our journey back home on Friday the 11th.

Memories of past Reunions: As I said in the March Class News, the reunion committee handed out a booklet titled “Biographical Sketches of Golden Boys Class of 1963.” If you didn't get one or can't find it, you are in luck, thanks to Gil Merkle! Since some of you haven't found your copy of this 35-year snapshot of many in our class, and most of you had one or have no clue where those 40-50 pages are 25 years later, Gil has made it easy for you. The 1998 project was started by Jack McTasney, asking for classmates to send him bios. He didn't set a format, so there's an exciting variety of people telling us part of what they had been up to in those 35 years. Some of the entries were submitted on behalf of classmates who didn't have the opportunity to live out those 35 years. The booklet is now in the class histories. Find it at https://s3.amazonaws.com/usafach/m/ documents/UCH_DOC_1783.pdf.

The class website also contains a video shown at the banquet during our 30th reunion.  “Ad Novos Mundos: The First 30 Years,” presented by Ron Fogleman as a multi-projector slide show. Gil Merkle has both now available on the archives page of the Class of 1963 section of USAFA histories. Both are worth some of your spare time. They remind us of being a part of such a great class.

Vintage photo of two of our well-known fighter pilots during that time! Thanks to Jimmie Butler for the picture.

Closing: I consider the upcoming 60th reunion to be a great adventure of memories. Please make an effort to be there. I am looking forward to seeing you again.

–Norman I. “Skip” Lee, 63119 E. Cat Claw Ln., Tucson, AZ 85739-2058; H: 520-825-7980; C: 520241-3498; 54wrs63@gmail.com; Class Web Site: www.usafa63.org

The golf option is available on Wednesday morning if you are so inclined. I told Dick Guild I wouldn't embarrass him by teeing off from the lady's tees and riding in a cart. Besides, my SUV won't take golf clubs as we will need room for luggage for three passengers and a driver. A possible option for Wednesday morning will be a cadet parade to formally accept the new Class of 2027. At the moment, there is no transportation planned for the parade.

On Thursday morning, buses are available at Doolittle Hall 0915-0945 to take us to the leadership challenge tower dedication honoring Ron Fogleman and lunch back at Doolittle. Following lunch will be the superintendent's presentation and class meetings. Thursday evening, a reception, and cash bar at 1800, with the banquet starting at 1900 sharp.

Besides the aforementioned biographical sketches, I also found on my bookshelf a project assembled by Drue DeBerry. Finding anything on my bookshelf is a daunting task! We received Drue's “A Selected Chronology of Our Rendezvous with Destiny 1937-2013” at the 50th reunion in 2013. Good reading! It also contains many historical photographs. At this moment, there is no digital version. I hope you still have a copy. If not, it might soon become available to us in digital form.

Late breaking news: The AOG was required to rerun the board election this month (April) when they found out they needed one more board member. So, they requested the membership vote for one more individual from those not selected for the board the first time. For us, that meant Hank Hoffman was still in the running. I’m happy to report that Hank was elected. Congratulations, Hank!

1964

Reunion Planning: The latest plan for the 2024 reunion is as follows: Arrive on 14 Aug. (Wed.) and go home 17 Aug. (Sat.). In between will be several functions, like a memorial ceremony, dinners, etc. There’s not much of a chance to visit any of the cadet area buildings, but we might have access to the Terrazzo area. This will be the last formal (I.E., with AOG support) reunion, but someone has already suggested a 64th ’64 reunion in 2028 — probably not at USAFA. However, a lot of people are already working the coming reunion, so put it on your planning calendars.

You met when? Fred Gregory posted the following: “ Two images of two friends. In 1984, I traveled to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, to participate in an Air Force ROTC Dining In. I was greeted and hosted by the Cadet Wing commander, Cadet Brown. Recently the two of us attended a movie preview honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and we met for the first time since 1984. The Cadet Wing commander is now Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown and we are still friends. He never aged!”

Sent by Brian Esterby 15CS Class of 1965: The Singing Sergeants. I recognize from left, Sula, Pickens, Voorhees, Goodman, Durham and Bartlett

Gen. Brown and Fred Gregory – Long ago and recently with their lovely wives, Sharene and Annette.

Long Ago and Far Away: Speaking of longago happenings, Steve Ritchie got a surprise one morning when he found an F-4 cockpit in the driveway. Mariana surprised him as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his MiG Victory #5!

year. A funeral was held in Tulsa, where he and Lura lived, and the burial was at USAFA. There was a good turnout of classmates to celebrate Kris’ life. In the picture below, from left, are Tom Morris, Jay Kelley, Bob Thomas, Bill Sieg, Claude Billings, Rich Porter and Scotty Sudmalis. Following the ceremony, they went to the golf course clubhouse to meet with the Mineau family. There they learned the good news that Kris’ son, David Mineau, has just been selected for promotion to major general. Like his father and older brother, Kris ’88, David ’94 is a graduate of USAFA.

celebration! The accompanying photo shows me at a local Mexican restaurant that featured a rousing happy birthday song, a sombrero and a sopapilla topped with whipping cream, which one waitress smeared on my nose (and mustache) while the others sang and played their instruments. Good times were had by all. I suspect that many of you have turned 80 recently or will do so this year. Like you, I am happy to still be alive and kicking! I often think about our classmates who are no longer with us. May they live in our memories.

Steve hasn’t changed at all!(?)

Lost?: Jeff Levy is still knocking around D.C., because he sent out a change of address that said he’s now living at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, VA. (Your scribe will go to many lengths to find words to fill the column!)

Green Wearing the Green: Gaylord Green posted a picture of himself at a St. Patrick’s Day party surrounded by 14 ladies. Careful there, Gaylord.

Memorial Wall: As you might remember, Max Manning was killed in action in the service of the State of Israel while searching for a downed pilot during the Yom Kippur War on 17 October 1973. His name had not been included on the USAFA AOG Graduate Memorial Wall since he was not a member of the U.S. military at the time of his passing. Jay Kelley has been working with the AOG to correct the situation and the AOG board finally has approved the addition of Max’s name to the Memorial Wall.

Other Sources: There was a great article in the Atchison Globe (Jan. 24) about Leroy Stutz. (“Local Atchison County native recognized as a hero.”) It covered his career and his time as a POW. I can’t figure out how to post a link to the article. Is that a sign that I’m getting old?

1964 members say “Farewell” to Kris Mineau. Reunion: OK. Now you’re about 10 minutes closer to the reunion. Do you have it on your calendar yet? See you next year!

Bill Wall celebrating his 80th birthday.

Gone But Not Forgotten: I remember when most of this article was about promotions and having babies. Somewhere along the line it’s changed to more somber happenings. Anyway, we heard of several classmates who flew their last flights recently:

Wayne Corder, CS-15, passed in February in Destin, Florida

Clarence Fung, CS-05, passed in December in Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Jim Richmond, CS-18, passed in April in Newport Beach, California

And finally, Kris Mineau, CS-10, passed late last

1965

John Blaha: A MUST READ, “An Improbable Astronaut” is the BEST leadership book I have ever read. Roy Bridges hits the nail on the head with specific challenges and how he overcame them while flying “Misty” combat missions in Vietnam. The reader feels like they are in the F-100 cockpit flying harrowing missions, surviving, then returning to the sky to fight the enemy again. Riveting!

Roy also pegged it with his leadership challenges as the eastern missile test commander at Patrick Air Force Base and later as the center director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Roy gives detailed examples of relationships that needed to be fixed to change the Space Center to accommodate the commercialization of space flight. A bridge between the Air Force and NASA areas is named “Roy Dubard Bridges” in honor of his tremendous accomplishments.

Roy was scheduled to be inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame May 6. This induction is a direct result of the incredible job Roy did during a Space Shuttle Challenger flight in August 1985. This was the only space flight that lost a main engine during the second stage to orbit and survived. “An Improbable Astronaut,” provides details of this challenge. This hall of fame induction also is a result of the extensive challenges Roy achieved during his many command and leadership positions in the Air Force and NASA. Read this book. You won’t put it down. The BEST leadership book I have ever read.

Bill Wall: For my 80th birthday in March, my sons flew in from Florida and Massachusetts to join my wife and daughters here in New Mexico for the big

Jim Mynar: Had another annual (25 years plus) Hawaii golf trip Jan 17-31. Few more golfers (21) than last year’s “residual COVID” group. Good weather until showers last couple days; played 12 of 13 possible golf days. Bellows AFS beach cabin already reserved for Jan. 2024 golf trip. Health remains OK; no heart abnormalities or major self-inflicted wounds in the past year. Lots of golf when weather allows (140-plus rounds even being “picky” about not playing in rain in WA); yard/ housework, travel, and walks when not golfing keep me entertained.

Bob Haffa: From April 12 through April 16, first squadron held a mini-reunion in the Washington, D.C. area. Highlights included museum visits, the Vietnam Memorial and dinner at the Army Navy Country Club where the photo was taken.

Standing from left are Waterstraat, Wayne, Sellers, Neireiter, Berkman, Hewitt and Plummer. Front from left are Haffa, Bowers, Morrison and Lynch

Also attending, Anne Hewitt, Ellen Haffa, Jeanie Lynch, Willie Morrison, Kathy Siner and Sally Waterstraat.

Tom Browder: Twelve members of the USAFA Class of 1965, CS-24, along with wives, friends and guests, gathered at Cocoa Beach, Florida, in early February to enjoy three days of reminiscing, renewing old friendships, breaking bread together, swapping lies (or dim memories), along with an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). As you may

Members 85% Sabre Society Donors

#3 Class - Bronze Polaris Society Members

–Bob Hovde, 206 Walker Ave., Huntsville, AL 35801; H: 256-532-3923; C: 256-348-9794; bob@ hovde.us

know, CS-24 claims the honor of being the single squadron with both astronauts from our class: Roy Bridges and John Blaha, who was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame at KSC in 2008. Thanks to their efforts, we got to see things most visitors don’t. As we realized at the reunion, CS-24 also has the only two class members and founders of the original USAFA Parachute Team (now the Wings of Blue): Jim McGorry and John Huetter.

Greetings, Redtags! Let’s start this class newsletter off with some good news. (I think “good news” has become an oxymoron). Hans Mueh has been selected as one of this year’s USAFA Distinguished Graduates. Hans truly does have a distinguished career that has mostly revolved around service to the Academy. He spent many years teaching chemistry and then became a permanent professor and head of the department of chemistry. Later, he served as vice dean of the faculty. After retiring from academics in 2004, he was our director of athletics until he retired from that job in 2015. Not slowing down, Hans was recently elected to serve on the AOG board of directors. He will be honored at the Distinguished Graduate dinner on Aug. 12.

and sent it off to them all. Their response was so positive that he decided to publish it and give more people something to smile about. (It worked for me!) Available on Amazon.

In addition to the KSC tour, we also had a tour of the fascinating collection of aircraft at the Warbird Air Museum, Titusville, Florida. See https://bit. ly/3nDbvSy.

The culmination of the gathering was a group dinner at Zarrella’s Italian restaurant in Cape Canaveral, Florida. See pictures below, and note the cool squadron T-shirts generously provided to us as a surprise by classmate Steven Wallach Thanks, Steven!

After the reunion, guest Brian Becker produced a video on YouTube with highlights of the weekend. See https://bit.ly/3nIWyOF.

In more good news, Art Suro (defying all the odds) celebrated his 80th birthday. Dick Oliver described the event as follows, “Nine Colorado front range ’66 RTB's gathered to celebrate Art (call sign Gecko) Suro’s 80th birthday. It was a motley crew of grizzled old (what rhymes with art?) paying homage to a fellow warrior. Art and Patricia rented the American Legion Hall in the small rural community of Elizabeth (near Castle Rock) and hosted an epic event for family and friends with a buffet meal, adult beverages and Patricia's delicious home-made birthday cakes. Entertainment included a hilarious, thigh-slappin’ comedian with sing-along songs from the 60s. Art has dipped his toes into the ‘80’s waters’ -- found it delightful -- and invites the rest of us to join him!”

Mark’s sequel to a Christmas classic. As reported last time, Nick Kehoe passed away on 18 Dec 2022 in Falls Church, VA. Several of our classmates in the D.C. area were able to attend his funeral in Annandale, VA, and I’m sure more will attend when Nick’s remains are buried at Arlington later this year. We were just notified by Nick’s daughter, Jen Whyte, that his wife, Paula, passed away on March 19, 2023. Paula had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time. She and Nick will be buried together at Arlington. It has been a rough few months for their family. Please pray for them.

Redtags celebrate Art’s birthday. Dick Oliver, Bill Riley, Marty Daack, Dale Elliott, Larry Bagley, Art Suro, Tom Brandon, Hugh Gommel and Dan Cecil

Art has also been helping Bill Reavey compile a list of our classmates who served in SEA, including the aircraft they flew, or the job they had and their assigned base. Most of this information is available in various places but not in one list. I think it probably shows that 90-plus percent of our class served in SEA. Bill Reavey has continued to lead a small group of volunteers who have been investigating difficult MIA cases. Joseph Mortati ’86 and Bob Barnard (aka Spruce Goose), a reservist, are doing a great job at this, but they can only work on one or two cases a year. Bill would like their work to get more visibility and support, so they can take on more MIA research projects. If you have any ideas, let Bill know.

Mark Simmons has joined the ranks of published authors in our class, with his sequel to the Christmas classic called “Another Night Before Christmas.” Mark says that he has been composing their annual Christmas letter to family and friends for over 30 years, but in 2020, bogged down with the pandemic and seeking a change of pace, he wrote an imagined sequel to the classic tale

Redtags at Nick Kehoe’s funeral included Jerry Allen, Mike Gaffney, Walt Schrecker, Steve Conver and Mike Connors

Two more classmates have passed away this year. Paul Sheridan passed away on February 26, 2023, in Palm Beach, FL, after a brief illness. Pete Nash fought a long and courageous battle with cancer before leaving us on 14 Apr 2023. Both of these classmates were outstanding people with loving families, many friends, great lives, and successful careers. Details on each will be in the Gone But Not Forgotten section of this edition, or the next, of Checkpoints

If you haven’t looked at our class web page recently (classof66.usafagroups.org), take a look at a new feature that Gregg Swanson has added — the “Squadron Bulletin Board.” Its purpose is to publicize anything relating to our class or USAFA community that is of general importance or interest to most of us in ’66. Posts could include class reunion planning, important developments at USAFA or the AOG, or news about ’66 classmates and squadrons that cant wait for the next edition of Checkpoints. The latest post includes some fun stories about Paul Sheridan that Bill Reavey has compiled. We envision an average of one or two posts monthly.

Left side near to far are Karen Nolan, Scotty Schafer, Jo Schafer, Jim McGorry, John Rademacher, Joyce Rademacher, John Blaha, John Huetter, Mike Nolan and Steven Wallach. Right side near to far are Roy Bridges, Bob Giffen, Bob Foerster, Tom Browder, Missy Browder, Marilyn Williams (Larry’s wife), Larry Rank, Brian Becker (guest), Susan Becker (guest) and Barbara Heine (Steven’s friend).

Members 83% Sabre Society Donors

Polaris Society Members

–Bill Roberts, 9870 E. Golden Currant Dr., Tucson, AZ 85748-7897; 520-342-8002; scribe@ usafa1965.org; usafa-1965.org; FB: USAFA '65 Best Alive

That’s all the news for now. Our friends continue to leave before we’re ready for them to go, so see them now while you can. Until next time … Happy Landings!

million with a completion date of 2027.”

When we stood in formation at the Chapel’s dedication in ’63, and marched to mandatory chapel all those years  — who’da thunk this.

Greetings and happy springtime. We in New Mexico have been beset by a series of extended periods of blustery winds — not  tornadoes or anything very destructive, but strong enough to interfere with outdoor activities like tennis, hiking, etc. In the great scheme of things that seems pretty small potatoes. I hope your springtime is/has been good.

I have not previously included much information on funeral activities in my quarterly updates, but the farewell to Stump Sowada involved a fair number of ’67 and other folks.

I am including here information from Owen Ashbrook: “(Attending the graveside services) in addition to Nancy were many family members, classmates and friends. Family members were Nancy; Stump’s sons from his marriage with Sandy: Brian & wife Diella, their children: Olivia, Daniel, and Brian Patrick. Christopher and girlfriend, Annie. Mina’s children: Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany; Reid Brees and his wife, Allison. Ron Blum, Lorraine Scott, Karol and I represented CS16. Russ Murray and I represented the Lax team. We are grateful to Lax Coach Bill Williams who provided the Lax jerseys. The service was quite moving and the reception was a celebration of Stump’s life. The C-130 flyover was perfectly timed with TAPS. Although we did throw those nickels after the lowering of the urn, apparently no one was willing to begin to sing Throw a Nickel in the Grass at the gravesite. However, at the reception, the ’67 classmates tried to sing it. It was a privilege to know Stump all these years. We miss him. God bless all.”

Stump’s wife, Nancy, put together a very nice video about Stump’s life, available on YouTube as “Daniel Eugene ‘Stump’ Sowada Memorial Video.”

Bill and Patti Hurley in a reunion picture. My apologies for the glare.

Not much input and no pics, thus not much output for this Checkpoints. So I will wrap this up with the reminder: “No garbage in, no garbage out.” God bless the troops and their families. God bless the United States of America. Vaya con Dios.

1968

HELLO ’68! MUSTER TIME! 55-year class reunion from 1417 September at the Colorado Springs Marriott. Make your reservations today!! More info on our class website.

DUDLEY PREVAILS: Congratulations to Garry Dudley in his successful bid to be re-elected to the AOG board of directors. Garry sent out a notice to the class thanking them for voting in record numbers to help him achieve his objective. The class extends many thanks for Garry’s diligent and selfless years of service!

An Albuquerque area petroglyph.

Em Monda and Gary Green contacted me with information about an article in the March 23, 2023, edition of Judicial Watch. The press release related to a longer report about topics particularly involving diversity and inclusion issues, which were included in comments by the superintendent in the update/Q&A meeting at our October homecoming. I missed that meeting and — as I reported in my last input — a transcript is not available so this information may be enlightening. Here is some updated info about the Cadet Chapel, via Bob Muldrow: “According to the Academy architect, it leaked from day one. Some of the many fixes did not work like; (sic) applying 32 miles of caulking (and) installing storm windows, which had an additional feature of cutting 1/3 to 1/2 of the light entering the main floor. The chapel is the most visited man-made structure in Colorado. (Here are) some numbers of where we are today: No idea how much the original structure cost, nor can I remember this first estimate to do the repairs are now costing. I think it was $68 million and was to be done in four years. Now the last price tag, according to the Gazette, was $220

I had a recent communication with Harry Wetzler who described how “after the memorial ceremony at the 50th reunion in 2017, I wondered how our class’s mortality/survival compares to that of other folks. I back-burnered the effort but rekindled it after the recent 55th reunion. This could be merely an academic exercise but I believe there would be classmate and other graduate interest.”  Look forward to more from Harry on this interesting effort.

: I received an email from Alan Price telling of a January visit from Fred Bassett at John Dunham’s home in Sea Island, Georgia. Beyond a catching up among old friends, the purpose of the visit was for Fred to catch and band some hummingbirds. In toto, Fred has banded more than 30,000 hummingbirds and is one of Mother Nature’s true professionals. Alan joined John to watch Fred practice his craft and said it was a truly amazing experience. Fred is also the owner of another interesting piece of ’68 history. As you may recall, USAFA began its undergraduate pilot training program with “supercharged” T-41 Cessnas

Current (from Oct. 22 reunion) room configuration.

Hummingbird Whisperers John Dunham, from left, Fred Bassett and Alan Price. '68ER HELPS TO TRACK HUMMINGBIRDS

–Ryan Denny, 1635 Mary Todd Ln., O'Fallon, IL 62269; 618-670-2298; ryanden@aol.com

–Larry Wilson, 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111; 505-291-8949; Lwilsn628@ aol.com

during the second semester of our Firstie year. By virtue of initial cadet takeoffs being performed in alphabetical order, Fred Bassett was first, Elmon Caudill was second, and I was third.

by loss of two of our classmates. James Eugene DeFazio and Bruce Alan Gerrity.

Jim DeFazio died from injuries he received on 13 February 2023 when the bicycle he was riding in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado, collided with a car. Jim and I went to pilot training together at Reese AFB and shared a common bond with the Band of Brothers from the Class of 70-01. He went on to fly the C-123 and KC-135 in combat and after completing his Air Force commitment, received an MBA from Wayne State University. In 1976, he became a special agent with the FBI and built a solid reputation over more than 20 years working both domestic and international law enforcement matters. Our prayers go out to Sherry and Jim’s family as they deal with Jim’s loss. Please see the memoriam section of our class website for more specifics about Jim’s life and contributions.

at Mike’s home course, Plantation G&CC. Ron Marcotte and Mike were the only ’69ers on the AF team this year, missing regular participant Dennis McCarthy. USAFA’s full team comprised of Chuck Johnson ’72, from left, Dean Fox ’72, Tony Robertson ’68, Dick Carr ’59, Ron Marcotte ’69, Mike McGalliard ’69, Rick Mizell ’68 and Ed Dubicki ’79. The first five on the right were flag officers. Hmmmm--any correlation there?

'68ERS ATTEND 2023 USAFA WING OPEN

BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP: With many thanks to the leadership and organizational skills of Carl Janssen, a bunch of us were able to get outstanding seats to watch the blow-by-blow action of this year’s USAFA Wing Open Boxing Championship. This was not an event for the faint-hearted and yes, there were more than a few matches that needed some rapid, between-rounds, corner work to stop the bleeding. Some of the major differences from the Wing Opens of our day included live streaming cameras, a hired announcer to hype each bout and herald each fighter, seating at ring-side tables with food and beverages served while watching the matches, and paying for tickets with assigned seating to watch the event. Oh yes, there was one other change that is probably worthy of mention, it also featured matches between female cadets. “The times they are a changin’!”

Bruce Gerrity passed away on 13 March 2023 at his residence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He served as an Air Force officer for 26 years and retired in the rank of colonel. Among his many Air Force duties, he flew Air Force One for presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bruce and I served together in the Pentagon in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict and then again in the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida. He was a good and faithful friend and he will be missed.

Just wait ‘til next year!

Roy and Barb Parker are celebrating daughter Tanya Snook’s Keller Campus Teacher of the Year award at the Keller ISD. A Lanier High School Hall of Famer, Keller ISD Campus Teacher of the Year, and leader of the Technology Students Association, Tanya is also a school leader in emphasizing STEM curricula and has paved the way for several local students to attend USAFA and West Point. Another proud USAFA family here, propagating exemplar messages to America’s youth.

The wonderfully gallivanting John and Marlene Brummit marshalled their coast-to-coast getaround mobile in a visit to the West Coast. They stopped mid-December in Celina, Texas, north of Dallas, for a micro-reunion with Vicki and Bud Speace and Peggy Meece. Our fallen ’69er, Jeff Meece, RIP. The best man at John and Marlene’s wedding, was duly honored.

THAT’S A WRAP: Mind the flak; keep ‘em flying, and keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Ciao for now. Tim

–Tim Davidson, 9712 Hidden Valley Rd., Vienna, VA 22181-6094; H: 703-255-5313; C: 703-7726052; timd1968@gmail.com; www.usafa68.org

1969

Wing Open Boxing champions Frank Moore and Gary Vasek. FORMER ’68 BOXING CHAMPIONS

RECOGNIZED: In an effort to honor former Wing Open Boxing Champions, the Academy invited them to come back and recognize them for their past performance and prowess in the ring. Frank Moore returned as a two-time champion for our Doolie and Third Class years and Gary Vasek returned as one of the very few four-time champions in USAFA’s history. Carl Janssen organized a get-together at a local restaurant for all of us to share remembrances of those athletic triumphs when we were all still invincible cadets.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: We were saddened

Greetings, 69. Another three months in the books and that much closer to our 55th, destination TBD. In the meantime, break out the sunscreen and ready yourself for another splendid summer.

A terrific first-time note from Mike McGalliard, who had been out doing what many of us seem to be doing often these days, playing golf, and at times wishing we had the sweet games of Jeff Grime, Scott Bench, Gerry Schwartzel, Mike Goode, John Buckner, Craig Collins, et al. For 13 years, southwest Florida (Fort Myers and Naples) has hosted the combined entries of teams from the Army, Navy and Air Force academies as they square off for annual golf bragging rights. Though AF has won the title seven times, Army captured this year’s championship

Vicki and Bud, Peggy, John and MarleenSentimental reunion.

Building on the recent enthusiasm expressed when USAFA baseball made its first appearance in the NCAA playoffs in 50 years, coaches and players were gratified to accept the president of the North Texas USAFA AOG (Rick Wright ’74) event organization which built “Honoring Those Who Serve” tributes around the three-game openingseason battle versus Army. Attending ballers from ’69 were Dave (with Debbie) Spenser, Flip Keck and Bill Savage. The organizers, not missing a beat, did their best to fix timing around Team Savage’s 50th anniversary celebration that weekend, and did so with perfection! Of the three games, one honored first responders, a second honored

’68ers at Wing Open Boxing Championship. L-R: Frank Moore, Doug Wilson, Carl Janssen, Dana Drenkowski, Garry Dudley, Gary Vasek, and scribe Tim Davidson

#2 Class - Silver Sabre Society

veterans, and the third honored teachers and coaches. Coach Kaz honored USAFA grads (and others, including Robin Olds) who had played for USAFA and flown in Vietnam by having the team wear camouflaged jerseys with “old timer’s” printing over their former team (or squadron) numbers. There was a reception at the ball park, Wings of Blue parachute jumps and flyovers before each game, cadet falconers with falcons to pet, a golfing event, downtown Cleburne scavenger hunt, clinics, and a huge banquet with Paul Mainieri (USAFA 89-94) — one of college baseballs most famous icons — as speaker. Wow! Rick Wright’s notion to intermix Army and AF teams at the banquet reached into the future, beyond the competition of the day, to emphasize the commonality of the teams’ selfless same defenseof-nation at graduation. Only downsides were cold and windy weather, and the two-games-to-one victory margin for the cadets over our Zoomies. Perhaps this superb get-together could be an exemplar that helps further energize the non-major military academies’ sports in a manner that builds camaraderie.

a look, and count ourselves fortunate to have been alive at a time that produced men like this. Although the AOG’s Checkpoints word limit per class per issue has been reduced, we still need your inputs to make updates as informative, accurate, full as possible, with humorous events accepted. If you use one of the many social media engines as your primary means of communicating and sharing, please shoot the information along to me if you’d like it disseminated to your classmates via the Checkpoints channel. A grand spring and summer to all. Salute, Lindsey

Greetings classmates! I hope you are all gearing up for a great summer. It is 20 April and I am enduring the vagaries of the Colorado weather this time of year. I have always maintained there is “no spring” in Colorado.

I continue to be amazed at the many great honors our classmates receive. John Martinson was recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as a member of Philanthropy 50 — a comprehensive report on America’s most generous donors. John has been a long time major supporter of our class projects as well as numerous Academy projects like the planetarium and the Martinson Honors Program. Speedy Martin is getting the Air Force Historical Foundation’s General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz award in D.C. in early June. It recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the making of Air and Space Force history. Speedy has certainly done that!

Bags and Flightline celebrate Horse of the Year. Classmates continue to do some serious traveling. Many provide some awesome pictures on Facebook. Larry and Jo Anne Vaughn went to South Africa. John and Lucy Lu Russ were in Montego Bay — among other places. Tom and Sheila Waskow went to Disneyland. Tom said it reminded him of our days at USAFA. Larry and Marleen Bush are enroute to Japan and Alaska as I write this. Royces enjoyed some whale soup and other delicacies on their trip to South (really south) America. Based on a picture, I believe Tim and Sue Kinnan were in Puerto Rico. Mark and Karen Miller visited the Holy Lands and cruised the Nile. Radcliffs enjoyed touring Norway. Wurglitzs will be heading to Maine this summer.

Urging USAFA baseball on were Dave, Flip and Bill.

’69 suffered less sadness this quarter, but not without a significant loss to all of us. Bob Walker was called to heaven on 6 January in Mountain View, CA. The family suggested memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063; (888) 511-6548. I have thought and suggested many times that our class is truly special, and that a random sampling of 50 from our graduating class would be capable of delivering fascinating insights, if not answers, to virtually any complicated problem challenging them. A perfect example is Bob, whose obituary is available at Legacy.com. His dedication to aerospace and aeronautics led to remarkable advances, including software to control pilot ejections above 40,000 ft. (survival rates at the time were 5%), next generation satellites, control design software, missile launch detections and much more. A true exemplar. Take the time to have

The Foundation also selected Phil Meilinger to receive the Major General I.B. Holley Award. Phil is the quintessential model of exactly what the I. B. Holley Award was designed to recognize — an individual who has made sustained, significant contributions to the documentation of Air Force and Space Force history during a lifetime of service. The award is a tribute to his decades of writing, teaching, assistance, support and encouragement to military airpower historians around the world.

The award ceremony will take place at the fall AFHF Symposium to be held at the Hyatt Denver Tech Center and Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Denver 15-18 September. The award will be presented the evening of the 18th during the AFHF awards event. Information can be found at https:// www.afhistory.org/events/. Colorado men, let's have a good turnout to honor our classmate!

The winningest coach in NBA history, our own Gregg Popovich, was selected for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bags Bagliebter hit it big as a part owner of Flightline — probably one of the greatest racehorses in history. Flightline won the Breeders Cup by over eight lengths and was named 2022 North American Horse of the Year. Grady Cash, despite a bad ankle, finished second in the men’s 75 400 race. That is the second fastest time in the world this year! A big shout out to all these remarkable classmates!

Mike Torreano’s latest book, “Fireflys at Dusk,” should be available for your summer reading. His previous book, “White Sands Gold,” continues to get awesome praise by the critics. Chuck Reed’s daughter’s (Kim “KC” Campbell) book, “Flying in the Face of Fear,” is getting rave reviews. John Disosway and Jim Reel teed it up recently. Wild Bill Stealey is working on still beating his grandkids in golf. But the gap is closing. Ed Cole flew in to catch a Falcon baseball game. Dana Arbaugh in Sacramento and Gary Bagliebter in Fort Lauderdale endured some really bad weather. Rick Bereit participated in a recorded interview about honor, ethics and leadership on the job as an AF officer. I saw Vic Bradford at the National Character and Leadership Symposium in February. If you ever get a chance to attend this annual event, do it. Got to resolve the world’s problems with Craig Northrup, BJ Bjorklund and Larry Bush at a local watering hole. Also had a great dinner with Mike and Anne Torreano. Saw Greg Gilles, Gary Dahlen, Tooey Emery, Frank Heming, Larry Bush and significant others at most basketball games. Had a great time with Mike Kelley. We did lunch and then went to a game. It brought a lot

Parris, 9 Tilbury Ln., San Antonio TX 78230; 703-869-0642; howardparris@comcast. net

of memories back for Mike as he regaled me with every shot he took in Clune Arena. Mike never met a shot he didn’t like.

Smokey Stover posted this pix of our freshman basketball team in 1966. Free drink to whoever first identifies all the men. Smokey and I couldn’t do it. AGE!

At our most recent meeting of the Class Advisory Senate (CAS) to the AOG Board, we had an excellent presentation from Mark Hille ’97, AOG and Air Force Academy Foundation president. Highlights included an update on the AOG’s strategic planning efforts, on successfully fundraising efforts this past year that support our current cadets and the graduate community, and on administrative changes for future class reunions. I am impressed with Mark’s vision and focus on long-range planning. For more on the CAS, you can go to the AOG website, www.usafa. org, and click on the Class Advisory Senate block."

Thanks, Tom, for representing our class, and thanks to Bob Lowe for your service on the Board of Directors.

Steve Mott, Andy Ceroni and I still try to meet and solve the world’s problems on a monthly basis. Andy’s most recent book is out and, as usual, is a page-turner and barn burner. Speaking of authors, Darryl Wimberley released a screenplay version of a science fiction story he’d written a few years back. As I understand, it was a class exercise that turned out very well. It is available on Amazon. We seem to have avoided the “obituary jinx” through two columns so far. I would rather mention the activities you guys enjoyed than how you are mourned.

1966 Falcon freshmen basketball team. Where are they all now?

Legendary football coach Jim Bowman passed away last summer. Bow was a good friend for many years. Bo was like a second dad to Chip Terrill when he was growing up. Chip gave very moving remarks at Bo’s celebration of life. He also went to a football game with Rick Murrow and Vick Bradford. We all know Chip wanted to lead a few cheers.

Big shout out to Roger Hill who has served as our class senator for the last five years. Mick Davey has graciously agreed to take his place. Mick and Jan were lucky to survive a major auto accident when a guy driving the wrong way hit them. Unbelievable!

We lost Bob Webb recently. Dana Arbaugh, Russ Carparelli and Gary Bagliebter attended Wally Fey’s celebration of life in Reno.

And now for something totally different. Jim Nance has produced a bust of Brig. Gen. Olds for the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Our Class President, Frank Morgan, asked me to post the following message for the class: “Seems several museums would like a copy of the Olds bust for their aviation sections, but none want to pay for it! And at $36K per, Jim cannot donate them. However, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver came up with a novel idea as to how to raise funds … a GoFundMe account. The details are spelled out in the flyer https:// www.jamesnancesculpture.com/olds-edition/. Please take a look, and if you feel the urge, make a donation. Jim mentioned that if the collective Class of ’71 donation is over $1,000, he will attach a small bronze plaque acknowledging the class donation. I will also add that these statues are not really money makers for Jim, he does it to sustain Robin’s legacy. Let’s help him out. Thanks … Frank.”

To the 32 classmates who now get Checkpoints on a quarterly basis, welcome. If you wish to share news about travel, jobs, family, or whatever with classmates, my contact info is at the end the column.

When it’s springtime in the Rockies, one day may be in the 70s and the next may have snow. Jayne Wroblewski had some class jerseys available, and there may be a collared XL jersey or two left by the time you read the column. If interested, let me know and I’ll double-check with Jayne.

Our class senator, Tom Berry, forwarded information from the last meeting: “I must thank the 32 members of our class who recently joined the Association of Graduates under the recently enacted Membership for All program. Glad to have you as full, participating members of the AOG. Note: The Membership for All program has resulted in about 5,000 new members to our Association.

Rick and Joanie Sullivan hosted Bruce Crimin, Art Simms and Bob Peterman for five days of skiing at Steamboat Springs, an annual tradition stretching more than 10 years. Bob: “It usually stops snowing when I arrive from Virginia. But this year, we had two great powder days to ski the Aspen Glades.” Bruce has moved from Sandy, Utah, to Victor, CO. Art is still ski instructing at Beaver Creek while he resides at Copper Mountain. Bob enjoys giving ski lessons to his 8- and 10-yearold granddaughters back in Virginia. Rick and Joanie spend half the year in Colorado and half in Wisconsin. They entertain tirelessly with friends and family as ski condo and lake cabin owners. ‘We’ll be back!’ says Bob.

With the recent passing of a friend who shared our wedding day, it occurred to me that several of you also were married on July 17, 1971. If you married then, or were in a classmate’s wedding party, I would like to know basic details like location and any interesting things that happened. As an example, we held our reception at the O-Club, and the air conditioning failed on what turned out to be a record high for the date. Just drop me a note and perhaps some of the more memorable faux-pas might make a future column.

GBA

1972

Hello again to you all on this springtime morning. There hasn’t been a lot of class mail correspondence this time, but I will pass on what I have. Hopefully the upcoming summer season will bring more news from one and all.

Before going any further, I want to correct a mistake that appeared in the last edition of your class news and add my apology for the error. The “Jigger Story” passed on by Dan Lohmeyer included the names of our departed classmates John Migyanko and Andy LaFreniere, who were toasted by the guys during their reunion visit to Doolittle Hall. Joining them for that toast was Andy’s widow rather than John’s. I had that reversed.

Moving on to other topics now, it is official that with the election of Lee Krauth we have a ’72 classmate holding a position on the AOG board. As reported via class email by Ski Wagasky, our class had the highest percentage (53.6%) of eligible graduate votes, enough to not only win our decade, but also making it the highest percentage of any

Seventy Men honor Wally Fey

Bruce, Art, Bob and Rick hitting the slopes.

–Dick Rauschkolb, 719-310-6928; AOG70@ comcast.net

Members 72% Sabre Society Donors 43 Polaris Society Members 10

–Paul D. Knott, 5565 Lantana Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80915; 719-570-9162; pk71knott@gmail.com

USAFA class, proving once again that ’72 IS Best in Blue! Thank you, class, for voting, and thanks to Lee as well for stepping up to take on the project of representing us on the board.

As they have done in recent years, Roy and Debi Hendrickson hosted a ’72 Best In Blue BBQ gathering of classmates and friends in their Phoenix, AZ, home that took place on 26 April 23. Happy hour merged into dinner, which was enjoyed by a small group this year with the usual level of extraordinary hospitality shared by Debi and Roy Boy.

Four hours spent together by this group literally flew by with many (mostly) true stories gleaned from a 50-plus-year history among friends. The photo includes Randy Fitzhugh displaying a recent copy of Checkpoints. Also present in said photo is the distinctively unique USAFA “Form 96” license plate cover held by Doug Adamson. (Seeing that, now I will have to grab one of these gems for my ’95 Corvette)! Also, notably present is a small assortment of logo-adorned golf shirts and ball cap, which the guys modeled for us.

groups within the old Eastern Airlines community: Retired Eastern Pilots Association (REPA) and the Silver Falcons, who usually report these notices simultaneously. Further information will come following our contact with Dan’s wife, Lyn, and the AOG as final plans are made.

Roy Hendrickson, from left, Bingo Eaton, Randy Fitzhugh, Doug Adamson and Phil Hudson (holding the real master host of the event, Maxwell, the dog).

Sadly, we have a few obituaries to report in this edition. The first came in somewhat late to the AOG, and was forwarded to our class just this February. Our classmate (Dr.) George B. Dawson (CS-31) passed away on 9 Sep 22 in Oklahoma City, OK. Funeral services took place in Edmond, OK. Condolences may be sent to George’s wife, Barbara, and his family in Oklahoma. After a several-months-long battle with a very difficult illness, our classmate Col. (Ret.) Gary Kito (CS22) passed away on 30 March 23. His wife, Lynne, was by his side throughout the arduous struggle, yet found the energy to keep us all posted on the progress of Gary’s treatments right up to the final days when they were able to have their own peaceful time together. Lynne planned his service to be at the USAFA Cemetery on May 17th, followed by a reception. As reported in the last Checkpoints, the final services for Shelley Bishop, loving wife of our Ed, took place at the USAFA Cemetery on 14 April 23. Ed invited all who were in attendance to the CMB (Colorado Mountain Brewery) where he hosted an informal reception thanking all who supported the Bishop family honoring Shelley’s memory by their presence. As I was finishing the text of this column, notice came through Bill Leech of Seagram’s 7 and Ski Wagasky that our classmate Daniel J. Vician (CS-07) passed away suddenly on 17 April 23 during a visit to his FL home after being found unconscious a day or two earlier in his front yard. Word from Bill advised that there are two

In these cases, as always whenever one of our class or a spouse passes on, I know I speak on behalf of the entire Class of ’72 in expressing our profound condolences and concern to their families and all who know them. Truly they may be gone but will never be forgotten. FPA.

–Bob Bell, 13 Pacific Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608; 302-399-3240; reservist777@yahoo. com

“Twenty classmates and 14 spouses participated in this year’s NCLS. Thanks to ’73, NCLS has become the premier USAFA academic event, drawing senior USAF and USSF leadership, and will continue to be so. Our class has worked closely with the Academy to continually improve NCLS ever since our first funds began supporting it. Without exaggeration, we have had more impact on the character and leadership development of cadets than any other class. And it looks good to continue in perpetuity.” — Bob Munson

Thanks to the great turnout by our class, Trapper Carpenter was elected to the AOG board of directors. Our class senator, AJ Ranft, was elected/ appointed to the Class Advisory Senate Executive Committee. Thanks for representing us, gents!

Chuck Beames ’88, left, executive chairman of York Space Systems, and Dave Myers at Dave’s retirement from the company.

Carl Foerster sent a great story from Doolie year. He wrote Kelly Johnson, famous head of Lockheed’s Skunk Works and designer of the P-38, F-104, U-2, SR-71 and others, asking him to make and send him a paper airplane so the Doolies at his table could sit at rest at a Friday evening meal. Mr. Johnson obliged with a nice letter and a signed paper airplane. The airplane survives, though a little worse off for Carl’s having tried to preserve it in plastic resin. For the full story and pix, see USAFA73.org.

Al Dunlap and daughter Allison hiked the 8.4-mile trail to the top of Texas’s highest point, Guadalupe Peak, gaining 3,000 feet along the way, on April 1 in honor of Founders Day. Look for his summit pic with a copy of Checkpoints elsewhere in this magazine.

Chuck Beames ’88, executive chairman of York Space Systems, wrote to recognize Dave Myers’ retirement from York. “Dave, more than anyone else, including the CEO and myself, deserves most of the credit for over $1B in wins, culminating in the Space Development Agency’s launch of 10 York satellites on one Falcon 9 rocket in April and helping to usher in a new era for the Space Force.” I’ve never before received a commendation for a classmate from the top level of an aerospace company.

John Rosser skiing at Snowshoe, WV, with wife, Virginia, daughter, Mary, and three grandkids, John Wayne, Kennedy and Charlotte.

Dan O’Hollaren proudly reported his granddaughter, Keelie, was recruited by the USAFA women’s basketball team and will be a member of the Class of 2027.

Jack Hudson continues flaunting his age in the face of extreme cycling accomplishments. Full rundown and pix online.

Ted Kammire once more bagged himself a pig in the 13th annual South Florida AOG Pig Hunt. Pix online.

The second annual CS-39 Campus Radical Whiskey Trail Adventure focused on Austin and San Antonio. Texans Bob Decker and Kelly McCullar were joined by Mark Romain, Paul Motley, Dan Pierre, Craig MacPherson and chauffeur extraordinaire Hiram Payne. The fiveday experience included the Alamo, National Museum of the Pacific War, seven distilleries, wonderful Texan fare, and hours of just enjoying friendships highlighted around the fire pit with samples of the day’s visit.

(L-R) Kneeling: Mark Romain and Paul Motley

Standing: Dan Pierre, Craig MacPherson, Hiram Payne, Kelly McCullar and Bob Decker.

On 16 Feb 23, classmate Bud Gammon was laid to rest at the Academy Cemetery. Bud’s daughter, Sarah Webner, was in charge of her father’s arrangements and asked if some of our classmates could attend. About half a dozen did, including diving buddy Skip Smith, who hosted a lunch after the interment. Sarah was most appreciative and a delight to get to know. She knew so little about her father’s experience at the Academy, and gladly accepted the invitation to be included in our class communications and our 50th reunion. Scott Wilson sent an anecdote about Bud that is in the online version due to space. It’s a great story that attests to Bud’s sense of duty and loyalty.

We also lost Ernie Butler on 4 Feb. His GBNF memorial is elsewhere in this issue. When I noticed his daughter was corresponding with the AOG about Ernie’s GBNF memorial, I asked her if she would like me to include her in our class communications. She enthusiastically replied she would. Like Sarah, Heather knew very little about her dad’s experience at the Academy and wanted to pass it on to her 2-year-old daughter.

As with Sarah and Heather, we would like to stay connected with another surviving family member if our GBNF classmate was not married. If you know any, please invite them to join our mailing list and Facebook page and let me know.

Steve Burke departed this life on 19 Feb 23. Steve was a pilot on one of the C-130s that landed in Iran during the attempted hostage rescue mission in 1981, where classmate Charles McMillan died in a helo/C-130 collision.

We also lost Mark Witkowski on 6 Dec 2021. Mark was not in touch with his squadronmates, so his passing went unnoticed until Jeff Blanchette searched for him after Mark didn’t reply to emails. Links to obituaries and pictures of our departed classmates are in the expanded online version. If you are seeing the reports of GBNF classmates here for the first time, you’re not receiving my class email blasts. Please email me so I can include you. “Here’s a toast…to the host…of the men we boast”

Greetings classmates! Last issue, taking care of business was the topic for several lines. Several other stories with that topic have come across my desk. Denny Hughes is serving as the Lions Club district governor in Nebraska. He visited 28 clubs, putting about 2,000 miles on their POVs last year. He and Lin attended the international convention in Montreal with 10,000 delegates. Paul Sherry is not fully retired and still works several days a week as a doctor in the Colorado Springs area. Joe Traficanti continues to staunchly defend citizens’ rights through his lawyer skills. Nathan Rosenberg, founding partner of Insigniam, adds to the more than 85,000 people over the last 16 years through advising their companies toward a better bottom line. Lance Bachran is working to develop a charity on a 501(c)(3) program to provide drinking water to hard-pressed areas. Lance wrote that “There are 19 million in the U.S. and millions around the world who don't have potable water. About 18% of African children die before age 5 because of drinking dirty water.” Doug Pelton, still in Mesa, AZ, has turned his hobby of restoring vintage cars “from the frame up” into a worldwide business. He has quite a picture story to show-n-tell for you connoisseurs of classic vehicles! Tom Hayden continuing ’74 senator support to USAFA. Rod Bishop continues striving to reaffirm the USAFA values. That’s all I have heard of this quarter. Hopefully, more stories and pics to come.

For fun deeds: Mark Smith continues supporting Civil Air Patrol and teaching leadership, more on part time. Mark wrote the big bucket list item he recently tackled was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. His son and daughter-in-law joined. They spent 10 days on the mountain and topped it on March 11. Mark wrote, “Phenomenal adventure, amazing vistas, and lifelong family memories. Summiting the 19,341-foot peak was challenging, but coming back down on my old, well-used knees was brutal! This was definitely the hardest thing I have done in my life, surpassing even my being on Goon Squad during First Beast! But the adventure was worth it.”

with disabilities on the ski slopes in a local adaptive sports program and works with disabled veterans at Snowmass, CO. Tony added volunteering with the Animal Humane NM (He writes: Not the dog walking) with the Calming Canine program. He reads or picks banjo /plays guitar. One pit bull has expressed dislike. Abq’s AOG meets for breakfast once a month — he tries to attend. There are many cities in which our classmates and other service grads could meet at local AOG to share news, insights, complaints!

One gathering of classmates was at the celebration of life for Roy Lower this March 10 at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA. Russell Patterson replied to my query. Phil Irish, Lance Lane, Colin Scheidt, Paul Rogers and Russ attended Roy Lower’s memorial. Charles Holly also attended. Col. Vic Lofton ’82 was the emcee. Roy and Anne mentored Col. Lofton when he was a cadet and they have been friends ever since. The day before the service, the five from ’74 met via Zoom and about a dozen of us reconnected. The day after the service, Lance and Pam, Paul and Marsha, Phil, and Russ went sightseeing in Seattle.

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Up next is a delightful picture and report to pass on to y’all! Classmates actually met for a fun minireunion. I hope there are more future meetings to talk about and pictures to show! This lively group met at the Moon River Ranch in Waco, Texas, for their annual New Year’s Eve get-together!

Smith Bucket List: Kilimanjaro – Check.

Dale (Ginny) Burchby visited the British Virgin Islands where he skippered a 42-foot catamaran around the island for a week. Tony (Cheryl) Brozena are still in Albuquerque. Cheryl retired from University of NM last year. Tony retired in 2013, and although older now, assists individuals

Paul (Ginger) Spendley wrote a bit on family legacy. Their son, Bart, is a navigator in the C-130 reserve unit in Colorado Springs. Bart was selected to fly airdrop missions at the D-Day remembrance ceremonies in Normandy. Bart’s grandfather was a member of the 101st Airborne Division that parachuted in Normandy. Paul’s C-130 unit is a legacy unit of the troop carrier group that supported the airborne assault on Normandy. Such stories strengthen the Long Blue Line.

Phil Irish, from left, Paul Rogers, Lance Lane and Russ Patterson

Duncan McNabb, Jim Struble, Doug Frost, Rob Wayne, Fred Fedewa, Duke Ramey, Joe Buckwalter, Tom Henricks, Dan Shine and Jim Fitzgerald celebrate a new year.

–Mike Arnett, 5285 Copper Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918; 719-310-8100; class. scribe.73@gmail.com; usafa73.org; FB: The Illustrious Class of 1973

In honor of its 50th reunion, the Class of 1974 is raising funds for the ’74 Forevermore Overlook. The project will establish a series of seating-and-gathering areas for cadets to use for personal reflection, group conversations, reading, imagining their future, or simply getting away without venturing far from the cadet area.

Thank you for supporting this worthy ’74 Forevermore Overlook legacy class gift.

Find out more: falconfunder.usafa.org/1974

1974USAFA@gmail.com

Shorts: Don Berryman left Reno, NV, to cooler (?) Panora, IA. Robert Ryan left the snow and cold of Virginia for Phoenix, AZ, weather. On last issue’s youngest discussion from James Lillis: “Saw the debate in Checkpoints about the youngest among us. I turned 70 in January 22. Tell Keith Quinn, with whom I went to high school, that Zeke Lillis is younger and better looking than he.”

Lastly, encouraging classmates to reconnect. It’s always a shocker to find and learn of classmates passing. The last steps into the last flight can be a tough solo. A support crew may ease the classmates transition and strengthen those left behind. May you live long and prosper.

faint memories until some unthinking scribe just reminded you of them. Those who live in Florida are undoubtedly wearing their usual smug expressions for possessing enough intelligence to reside in a state that sneers at winter as if it were a salesman who showed up at dinnertime. The rest of us get a perverse pleasure in knowing that the smirking winter evaders have a deep south summer knocking at their doors, and palmetto bugs that are large enough to wear leashes. Last winter was great for the skiers. I skied an average number of times, and that was even with being sidelined for three weeks for a minor medical procedure. I hit a new personal record of 62.5 mph on the slopes, and the fact that you’re reading about it means I survived the run. Actually, getting the skis to go that speed isn’t all that hard. The hard part is in finding a run without a lot of people on it, because if you were to hit someone at that speed, there’s no telling what kind of damage it could do to your skis and bindings.

It’s a small world: Scott Hente and Jerry Macken had a chance encounter a few months ago…in Istanbul. They and their wives were both on the same Mediterranean cruise. Scott and Jerry hadn’t known each other in school, but after they went through the usual break-the-ice questions they awkwardly realized they were classmates. The awkwardness stopped there, and the four of them spent a lot of time together during the rest of the cruise. Scott guarantees he’ll remember Jerry when he sees him again at the 50th reunion.

in the middle of the picture is 50 years older than everyone else in the picture.

"Renegade Wisdom" is the title of Bill Murray’s second book, which is now available on Amazon. In the preamble to the book, Bill says it is a book of philosophy and truth, but don’t take his word for it…ask someone who has already read the book.

Family Traditions: On June 1, Glenn Jones, son of Duane Jones, graduated with the Class of ’23. The night before, Glenn was commissioned by his dad and his two older twin brothers, Capt. Blake Jones and 1st Lt. Clark Jones. On June 3, Duane and Jan were in attendance as Chris married his high school sweetheart, 1st Lt. Felicia Engebrecht. Glenn and Felicia both enrolled in AFROTC at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus, but Glenn took a detour to the Academy his junior year and Felicia was commissioned in 2021. The act of taking two paths to get to the same point is a relationship representation of Bernoulli’s principle, and since that results in lift, it can only say good things for their future.

Bryon Huddleston reported that his son, Chris, is carrying on the family tradition of flying for Delta Airlines. Chris started his Delta class in April and is the third generation of Huddlestons to fly for the company. Bryon’s dad, Bob, was one of the few sergeant pilots of the Army Air Corps, was commissioned an officer when he flew B-17s during WWII, signed on with Delta in 1950, and had a career of 30-plus years with the airline. Bryon was hired in 1987 and also had a 30-plus years career with the company, and Chris has the potential of being with the company for 38 years. That would take the Huddleston-Delta story to almost 100 years. That’s a boatload of frequent flier miles.

By the time this issue of Checkpoints shows up in your mailbox, the winter of 2022-2023 will hopefully be faint memories of colder than normal temperatures, the tallest snowbanks in decades, and w-a-a-a-y higher than usual heating bills. At least they were

Dave Ehrhart was attending an American Bar Association meeting in Annapolis in March and ran into the USAFA men’s gymnastics team in the hotel lobby. He tried to convince them he was on the team for a couple years, but he’s pretty sure they didn’t believe him. After all, how many 6-foot 7-inch gymnasts are running around the world? However, they did notice his class ring, and the Class of ’25 guys wanted a picture with a member of their legacy class. It’s hard to believe the guy

Unrepentant: In the December 2022 edition of Checkpoints, Dale Hanner submitted rationalization for his and Joe Carroll’s inexplicable insistence at staying in the ranks of the employed. Dale was called to repentance in that issue, but he presented evidence this month that he and Joe ignored that call. This time, they also provided a picture to punctuate their solidarity against sanity. Dale must think he’s still tooling across the Terrazzo because he still has his hands in his pockets. Joe is the one with the scowl on his face and the stone-cold look in his eyes. He’d had runny eggs and cold toast for breakfast that morning and at our age that’ll do a job on one’s normally sunny disposition.

Scott and Jerry.

Dave with gymnasts.

–Joe Brezovic, 228 Senior Cir., Lompoc, CA 93436; \832-285-4179; launchops74@gmail.com

Dale and Joe. Maniacs at work. GBNF: Mike Murdoch (CS-11), Dan Falvey (CS25) and John Sims (CS-21). Their obituaries can be found in 75bestalive.org/gbnf.

Fellow ’76ers, As you read this, the Class of 2023 has graduated. Martha and I hope y'all are well.

Sad News: Reminder of Enrique Saa’s inurnment 16 June, 1000 at USAFA Cemetery. Several classmates indicate they will attend, I will report in my summer article. Hugh Pendergrass was interred at USAFA Cemetery 22 February. Several local classmates attended. Marc Felman’s wife Pamela died on 30 January; she was buried at Arlington 03 April. Please keep these classmates and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Moving up/Moving on: Dave Lippert retired from Hamilton Caster at the end of 2022, staying busy traveling, serving on several boards, spending time with grandkids.

notes. Stan and Barb Rader are in Cambodia for a few months. Stan is assisting young Cambodian engineers in Phnom Penh. Barb is looking for ways to volunteer with NGOs. Richey Felder asked how many '76ers are AOG members (65%). He had some general comments about AOG membership. Chris Inglis reports he knew he was chronologically advancing when he told some 2023 USAFA interns last summer he had arrived at USAFA 50 years ago to the day and they asked “to do what?” Dirk Werhane updated his contact info and mentioned he and his wife were with Enrique and Delphine at K.I. Sawyer for several years. He is still at Intel focusing on mergers and acquisitions and his family doing well. Monty Lee noted a recent Checkpoints article about picking up Pontiacs at the factory. It reminded me ’76 did that first. Dave Berg said Mike Fricano visited for a few days. Bill Clifford is still in the Kansas Legislature serving western Kansas. He filed for a 2024 State Senate seat. He sees Mike Kelly almost daily. Kelly lobbies for all veterans as the MOA rep. Jim ‘Action’ Jackson transferred to Vance AFB as a civilian T-6 sim IP. Jim McNamara attended Nevada Legislature Veterans Day with two other USAFA grads. Jim Marg updated his contact info. He spent a few days hospitalized in January with a lung blood clot but has recovered well. Mark Welsh reports all is well. Ron McElroy sent a contact update. ‘Papa’ Joe Marchino inquired about Army game tickets and is trying to organize the 31st Grim Reapers mini-reunion. Warnie Meisetschleager shared time with James L. Collins Catholic School veterans history group students.

Jimmy and Becky Deaux, Roger and Marla Kontak, Ky and Marty Webb, (first reunion of any kind since ’76) myself and Diane Woodman, John and Nino Hope, and Mary and Paul Prange (second reunion since ’76).

General Class Stuff: I conveyed apologies to Dave Cloud’s wife Barb for some incorrect information about Dave in my last article. Dave does not have Alzheimer’s. Barb and I traded some thoughts about caring for ailing spouses. Ray Tyc reported from Alpine, Wyoming, and sent contact info update. He and Lenice are doing well. Ray’s been substitute teaching a few days a week and has plans to hike Black Mountain in Idaho. Joe and Julie Wysocki are doing well ‘down under’ in Canberra. They are enjoying life with the Aussies and Roos and say they have learned to ‘look right and drive left.’ They would love to have some beer or wine with any classmate visiting now to July. John and Heather Rivera and Kim and Laurie Weber sent very nice cards. John connected me with his high school classmate, a USMA ’76er who is their class legacy POC. We may trade some

Warnie with a future pilot.

John Mashl requested assistance contacting a couple of older grads. Mashl reports he and Darlene spent several weeks watching grandkids in Great Falls. Doug Fry and others sang at the honor flight return to Middle Georgia Airport. Patrick O’Brien, Gregg Boomgaard and Charlie ‘Diesel’ Deano all sent some interesting articles about recent news items. John Kurtz requested a classmate’s family contact info to return some personal items. Lee Leber (ZULU) requested a ’73 grad contact info to send him a small memento commemorating the loan of a 911 Porsche to take Linda to her 1973 prom. Craig Manson chatted with Mike Eyolfson recently and says Mike Gould was a featured speaker at the Sacramento AOG Chapter Founders Day event. Mike Woodman reported a San Diego mini Pink Panther reunion recently including touring the USS Midway with some personal stories from John Hope about his tour on the Midway. Classmates attending included

Mini Pink Panther reunion.

I’m taking a literary license. Our youngest daughter Stephanie pinned on major (USAF) 23 Apr. She is stationed at Wright-Patterson and did her ceremony in the USAF Museum in front of the HH-3E helicopter in the Vietnam CSAR display. I flew that tail number in Korea 81-82.

Maj. Teeple and Capt. Teeple. Classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Martha and I again tell you your prayers, notes and calls, and offers of support mean a lot to us as we journey with her brain cancer. The comfort you have provided us and our family has helped significantly. Martha responded well to chemo and stem cell treatments and the tumor is virtually gone. We still have a path to follow and we will continue to meet all of our challenges head-on! Get your medical checkups. Stay well and healthy. If you haven't received an email from me in the past three to six months, I don't have your current email address. Please update. If you are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flying your flags and keep our deployed troops in your thoughts and prayers.

THE SPIRIT LIVES!

Until next time......Beatty

–Dan Beatty, 12196 Stanley Canyon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80921; H: 719-488-1962; C: 719-338-0276; whrlybrd76@aol.com

–Foster Bitton, 75scribealive@gmail.com

Greetings from a decidedly unspring-like Denver where we continue to jump between 80-degree days and 20-degree days. I’m sure you all remember the crazy temperature swings in the Front Range, but what seems to be new to your humble scribe is the ever-present fire danger here. We’ve already had two fires close to our place and while the fire crews are doing a great job, it’s just a matter of time before a really significant burn starts around Rampart Range Road, Farish Memorial, and our old SERE stomping grounds.

The mail bag is a little empty this time around so I will lead with a great picture from Mike Ruggiero (Lisa) and the 40 Thieves at their latest off-year reunion. At the end of January, the group got together at the Phantom Canyon brewery in Colorado Springs. Important safety tip — the brewery’s namesake, Phantom Canyon Road, is a moderately treacherous, unpaved jaunt between Cañon City and Cripple Creek. It is a gorgeous drive and I can recommend it if you aren’t spooked too much by cliff walls and drop offs. I do not recommend that you take another road between Cripple Creek and Cañon City known as the Shelf Road. That little trek will have you gripping your steering wheel so hard that you will leave your fingerprints in the vinyl (or leather for those of you driving your luxury SUV). If you’re going to go on Shelf Road, use a rental.

In any event, the 40th squadron alumni and their significant others show up for these gatherings with regularity. As demonstrated here:

Here are the participants in this bacchanalia: John Makuta (Sue), Bob Mongillo (Teresa), Bob Bartolone, Don Turos (Jacqueline), Phil Smith, Mike Ruggiero (Lisa), Steve Osborne (Jeaneen), Frank Leurquin (Jeannette), Larry Shafer (Cassie), Denny Flint (Emmie), Dennis Bellamy (Lulu), Al Bruce (Tammy) and Joe Smutko (Carolyn). A very handsome and distinguished group, which leads me into my next bit of news, courtesy of Dan Jarka (Tami) concerning our graduate community. Trigger warning - if you are upset or concerned about your declining physical and mental capabilities, or hair loss, or the fact that your grandchildren are about to enter college, don’t read this next part. Dan attended a recent AOG Chapter meeting here in Colorado at which some person from the AOG spread the defamatory rumor that the median age of the USAFA graduate is 46 and

the median class is 1999. It goes without saying (I’m going to say it, anyway) that this information puts us on a flight path that is well below the glide slope. And yet, just looking at Rugger’s picture, and my still clear memories of our 45th, gives me hope not just for the immediate future, but for many reunions to come. So take heart, and take care of your heart, my friends. We are in this for the long haul and it ain’t over yet.

Greetings ’78ers…

By the time you see this we all should be in the throes of summer…which we don’t necessarily look forward to in the CA high dessert.

Members 64% Sabre Society Donors 27 Polaris Society Members

I want to briefly mention a couple of projects that are changing the face of our alma mater, somewhat. The Cyber Innovation Center that is rapidly taking shape up on the Hill, in no small part because of Earl Enix’s (Candy) outstanding work on our class gift. The new visitor center, which your humble scribe played a very small part in getting off the ground. Both projects look to be major architectural triumphs for USAFA. With any luck, all of these facilities will be completed and up and running for our 50th in 2027. I’m not holding my breath on the Chapel being ready, however.

One final note for your consideration. The class of 2027 is our 50-year legacy class that will graduate on or about the 50th anniversary of our hat toss. Some of us are being asked to assist with various events as part of that class’s matriculation and I suspect there will be ongoing requests over the next four years. We have a dedication/welcome page in their Contrails and one of our members will be speaking to the Basics on July 4th. If any of you are interested in participating in any capacity for these events, please let me know. I’m not sure exactly what will be coming down the road, but I have absolutely no doubt of your ability to provide our legacy class with insight, guidance, examples, and war stories that will make them thankful they are joining this Air Force instead of the Air Force with the floppy disks, fax machines, and word processors without spell check.

That’s it from the Front Range. Drop me some photos and content or I will revert to my treasure trove of imaginary and stories about you guys. Until next time. Be seeing you.

Right out of the chute is a great shot of six classmates at the 36TFW (Bitburg) reunion in San Antonio back in October, courtesy of Deon “Tank” Gieg. Tank (retired from Delta) said that it was great to see so many classmates there as quite a few flew the F-15 at Bitburg…many of them going to and instructing at the Eagle Fighter Weapons School. He’s living in New Orleans but he and bride, Arlene, spend five months of the year at the lake in AL. He’s “…busier now than when I was working. Doing kitchen and bath remodels, fences, a little of everything to help out friends and of course my kids. Otherwise having fun with my two grandsons (4 1/2 and 1 1/2).”

Herb

,

, Mike “Fenn” Fennessy and Tank. Everyone but Hawk (whom I’ve written about the exceptional things he’s done/doing in this space before) flew for the airlines and are now retired. Thanks for the great pic and update Tank.

Members 62% Sabre Society Donors 38 Polaris Society Members 17

Glenn Spears and bride, Kimberly, are living the good life in Central VA. He is a “one-dude consultant,” volunteers with local veterans organizations and his church. That and chasing five grandkids! Speaking of grandkids, Mike Ausserer happily reports that his and Paula’s four are only a mile and a half away in Beavercreek, OH, (Dayton suburb). His AF son is moving back to Wright Pat air patch as well. He’s going to an 80% work schedule in May setting the stage for retirement.

Dan Garner made the big move from C Springs to Hixson, TN, (suburb of Chattanooga). He earned his CFI the hard way (not mil equivalency) while

“Hawk” Carlisle

from left, Tim “Wolf” Wolters, Greg “Magic” Kennedy, Ted “Ank” Ankenbauer

CO-ed thievery.

–John “Lou” Michels, Jr., 621 Jasmine St., Denver, CO 80220; loumichels55@gmail.com

still living in the Springs and is currently an active instructor at the local flying club. He finds himself teaching nearly full-time, having essentially retired from medical practice and is totally enjoying it. He has a daughter living locally and is expecting her second child so Dan is now practicing being a grandpa (seems to be a common thread among us for some reason!). His other two daughters live in Austin and Richardson, TX, and each have a boy and a girl.

BD Dunton reports some great visits with several classmates…will let him pick up the narrative: “I can report nice visits the past six months with fellow CS-21 Blackjacks John Murtari, Scott Yeakel, Tom Owen, Mark Swigonski, and Kevin Hayes. My wife, Terri, and I visited John Murtari on a Western NY vacation in early October. John was a great tour guide and host. We did a wine tour, Corning glass museum, apple orchards, glider rides, and the highlight was a visit to Niagara Falls. Scott Yeakel came to COS for a business meeting, and we had dinner with him at the ViewHouse. He’s doing great, and we had a nice evening to catch up. We now snowbird from COS to PHX, and enjoy the AZ winter much more that the CO winters these days. In early Feb, we attended the wedding of Tom and Mary Beth Owen’s son, T. Jeff. All went well, and Tom has settled in Niceville, FL, after spending some time in San Antonio and Fort Worth, TX. We hosted a party in Feb. and Mark and Sandy Swigonski along with Kevin Hayes were able to stop by for a nice visit. Both Mark and Kevin are retired SWA pilots.”

Great info BD, thanks so much!

There were several more shots, severe space limits prevented me from posting them. I will hold in reserve for when I don’t have much, but you guys have rocked sending me stuff!

As I mentioned last quarter, my bride, Ellie, myself, Fred Zeitz and his bride, Cheryl, spent over two incredible weeks in Israel. We went up north looking at the Lebanon border/Golan Heights to the southern Negev desert. Also ate lunch at an Israeli kubutz next to the Gaza Strip just to name a few activities. It was truly life changing and highly recommend it to you. Several classmates contacted me and Fred about it already and we provided info on how to contact my son-in-law for tours (full disclosure). I’m certainly not advocating their tour group only but we certainly recommend them. Again, due to space limits, I can’t post a pic but will stash in the aforementioned reserve.

Hi classmates. On May 5, our class presented USAFA with one of our 40th anniversary class gifts, the Spirit 03 Memorial, honoring our classmate, Paul Weaver. It is displayed on the Honor Court by Harmon Hall. Mike Van Hoomissen was the MC and the superintendent, AFSOC/16th SOS commander, and Paul’s family spoke at the dedication. It was a well-attended event and thanks to everyone who participated and did the hard work to make this happen.

The Class of ’78 is raising funds in honor of its 40th reunion class giving project to support the Madera Cyber Innovation Center. Cyberspace is the newest frontier for today’s war fighter, and the cyber programs at the U.S. Air Force Academy will help cadets prepare for their complex future. The class is striving to reach maximum participation and take advantage of a generous classmate’s match challenge!

Join the class in leaving a lasting legacy for the Class of ’78 and represent their commitment to duty, honor, our alma mater and our nation.

Give at falconfunder.usafa.org/1978

Finally, on the reunion, all of you should have received at least one (there are a couple of updates as I write this on 19 Apr) CAS blast from Wayne Hermandorfer as well as info from the AOG reunion folks. If not, please let him know at whermand@gmail.com. John Paterson (genpaterson@comcast.net) and Blake Linder (budaenid@yahoo.com) are doing incredible work if you want to reach out to them directly. This promises to be a great time (slipped to Nov but we don’t get to attend a service academy game for reunions normally). Until next quarter…

God Bless ’78 is Great!

Spirit 03 Memorial was dedicated May 5. I received quite a few emails from guys, and it seems a lot of you are enjoying your retirement years by traveling to exciting places and taking on some interesting activities.

Mark Neice, who retired in December, checked in from Antarctica. Mark, Paul Swanson and their wives were checking this off their bucket list. When they boarded the ship for the expedition in Santiago, they ran into Joe and Dana Hackbarth who just happened to be on the same expedition. He said the trip was fantastic!

Paul Hough was also whittling down his bucket list on a trip to Kenya where he scaled Mount Kenya’s third highest point, Lenana Peak (16,355 ft.). It was his fifth highest summit to date.

Jeff Liederbach and Paul Bimmerman (Thirsty Third buds) did their annual ski vacation to Breckenridge, CO. When not on vacation, Jeff is busy finishing a construction project on his retirement home in East Tennessee. Paul is getting ready to do some serious RV traveling. His plan is to do a three-month Western U.S. trip this summer from May-July.

Swig, from left, BD and Kevin in BD’s very nice back yard. He also included a very nice pic of Tom and Mary Beth as the mother and father of the groom at their son’s wedding.

Celebrating at a wedding.

Joe and Dana Hackbarth, Paul and Melissa Swanson with Mark and Leslie Neice exploring Antarctica.

–Bob Kay, 40411 Tesoro Ln., Palmdale, CA 93551; 661-974-1417; robert.kay78@gmail.com

Andy Busch hosted ninth squadron classmates Dutch Dunkelberger, Pat Swanson and Steve Newbold for what has become an annual ski trip to Park City. It was an epic year of snow, and they had a great time. Ed McIntire lives in the area and got in a few days of skiing with the boys while in town.

Fred Jacobsen and I met up with Brian Kelly in Cabo San Lucas. Brian just happened to be there at the same time. We enjoyed a fine dinner together and caught up on old times.

Thank you, Class of ’79, for helping bring the Spirit 03 memorial to the U.S. Air Force Academy Honor Court. The sculpture by Jim Nance ’71 was dedicated May 5, 2023.

When at the Zoo, I greatly looked forward to this time of year (around June week, as you read this), when I would soon make my escape for summer programs or go on leave. Today, however, I find myself missing the stimulating environment on the Hill and being among my theninvincible classmates. Perhaps this feeling has to do with my justifiable sadness, since I’m writing that we’ve lost three more of our own this quarter: Ron McCurdy, Kenny Dressel and Travis Beason. Each fought tough battles, as you’ll likely read in the GBNF section.

Brian Kochel and Mike Donetelli sent a picture from Brian’s condo in Portugal. Looks like a beautiful place and he would be happy to rent it to you and give you the classmate discount.

Dave Rhodes is travelling the USA in his nice RV. His first big trip was to Key West where he got together with classmate Dan Repasky and wife, Jamie, who live on Sugarloaf Key. They enjoyed sharing stories and beers.

Roger Parsons is spending his retirement years as an artist. He does mostly oil landscapes and his favorite place to paint seems to be the Palo Duro Canyon in North Texas. His new work is on display at the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, TX, through June.

Bruce Lujan visited Steve King in Florida. Bruce is selling insurance part-time and Steve is embarking on a speaking opportunity.

afacademyfoundation.org/1979 1979usafa@gmail.com

met up with Scott Ahmie. Scott is a retired United pilot and now spends his days golfing and surfing. HoJo is retired from the Air Force Reserve and IBM Corporation and living in Portland.

Ken Wavering met up with Mike Watson at Mike’s newly completed retirement home outside of Tucson. Ken is still working in industry for SAIC where he has been for 19 years.

Omar Bradly, Korky Von Kessel and Joel Maynard celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of iFLY Colorado Springs. If you are in town, definitely stop by and do a flight. I can attest that it is a lot of fun!

More transitions: Jim Dunn recounted, “Tom Jordan and I were roommates for three years in CS23. We got together at his place in Sedalia, CO. We hadn’t seen each other for several years, so it was great to reunite. Both of us retired in 2022. Tom was flying for American, and I was an executive for a medical device company. We are both enjoying the time and freedom.” I had to ask how they worked it out to be roommates for three years.

“Tom and I hit it off right away. We requested to stay as roomies for subsequent years and it wasn’t an issue. I was on wing staff for two semesters so Tom had to find a stand-in.”

Members 65% Sabre Society Donors 40 Polaris Society Members 12

Steve King, Bruce and Becky Lujan.

Mike Gee is in Montana and had a spinal fusion last summer. He says he is trying to get all the parts working. He has been skiing quite a bit, walking, lifting weights and PT, but reports it has been slow going. A lot of us with back issues can certainly relate.

There are still guys out there flying. Roger Shell is flying the Citation X for Mountain Aviation. He says Bill Gregory is flying EMB-145s with JSX out of Phoenix and Ken Impellizzerri is flying around the country in his Grumman Cheetah. Roger also relayed that Mark Leuthold had a minor stroke but is recovering well.

Henry Johnson was on vacation in Florida and

Most of us are now retired and traveling around the country/world is something we now have time for. I know a lot of classmates own second homes and may not rent them because they don’t want strangers they don’t trust staying in their house. That’s how I feel also. So, over lies and coffee with the boys, Geoff Mulligan came up with the idea to make a website for our class to be able to list their houses for rent/exchange to our fellow classmates. I received a very positive response about doing this and Geoff graciously offered his expertise to make the website. The website is usafa79rentals. com. The objective is for you to list your home/ vacation house for rent/exchange or search the site for places you may want to rent/exchange. It is an informational website, and you will have to contact the owner of the property to finalize details. Check it out. Cabo anyone?

Next up is our autumn scribe – John Pardo (pardo_john@hotmail.com). Send him your updates.

Cheers, Denny

There has been a flood of ’80 airline retirements. For example, John Eriksen announced, “I officially (and fully) retired from Delta Air Lines. I took an early COVID-related retirement, so I haven’t flown since 2021. Retirement is wonderful! My schedule is my own and I grew a beard to celebrate no restrictions on facial hair. Just got back from an amazing, 16-day trip with our younger son, Connor, to India. Our wives were not interested in this trip. Can’t say I blame them, but it truly was great. At one point we were about seven feet from two, very large, mating tigers with nothing but the side of the jeep between us and them. The Taj Mahal is everything everyone says and it actually exceeded our expectations.”

With great relief, I’m sure, Steve Swauger announced, “After almost four years in the making, my book is available for preorder. I am also launching my website, masterairlinepilot.com.” His book is titled, “Master Airline Pilot: Applying Human Factors to Reach Peak Performance and Operational Resilience.” Steve has also started a human factors consulting business.

More good stuff: Shortly after the last deadline, Sue Desjardins was named a Distinguished Graduate by the AOG. Congrats!

-Denny Hugo, 12836 N. Mimosa Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268; 602-750-8435; dennyhugo@ msn.com

A bittersweet reunion.

Too late to make the last article was a photo of 21 of our classmates at the funeral of Michele (Pompili) Agee. From left are Tom Mabry, Chris Miller, Dee (Mahaffy) Steel, Tom Jones, Steve Green, Fred Kornahrens (hidden behind Steve), Lorrie (Morse) Kresge, Kathy (Utley) Kornahrens, Andrea (Bopp) Anderson, Andi (Ungashick) Beckham, Karen (Barland) Lucas, Karen (Cole) Selva, Betsy (Joviak) Pimentel, Margie (Clark) Varuska, Ed Goggins, Linda (Garcia) Cubero, Mo Tritle, Gail (Benjamin) Colvin, Dave and Marianne (Owens) LaRivee and Ed Herlick

The picture was provided by Dave’s and Marianne’s daughter, Jamie, who came from Ramstein Air Base for the funeral, immediately returned, flew several back-to-back C-21 missions, then snatched some catch-up time on the admin side of life by delivering the goods to mom and dad. There was a small, all-1980, CS-28 Magpie gathering in Williamsburg, VA. According to Mike Skinner, all live in the relative vicinity. He shared, “Well preserved participants included Andi Carpenter, Chris Walker, Julie Smith, Pam Skinner and a 1979 Z-28. Also in attendance (and left-to-right in the photo) were Mike, Dan Walker, Dan Smith and Mace Carpenter. Aim High!”

(I’m from Dripping Springs, Texas), and I live in Brush. Life is great here in a quiet, small town with a golf course just half a mile away. I do hit the driving range there whenever I can. I spend most of my time with Sherry, the Petty’s Park golf course, and the grandkids. Although she’s a Colorado girl, Sherry had never been to USAFA, so we went down for the AF vs. CSU game. We crushed them of course! I gave her the tour, and although the construction greatly hampered our view, it was fun just the same.”

I’ve been waiting to include a view from the cabin David Vallado built and I finally get to do so. The photo features David’s sister, niece, David, mother and nephew.

hockey. I miss it. I may swing by a LAX game this Spring.

Class News: Quick note from Tony Lorusso that he and Yvonne Schilz met for lunch in Omaha. Yvonne spends part of the winter with her father. Tony and Yvonne were classmates at Northwestern Prep in Minnesota with Ed Knox, Chris Patrie and several others working on their appointments for USAFA. Yvonne emailed that they both had a wonderful visit and planned to get together again.

’80 Magpies and a hot, vintage Chevy. Periodically, I conduct a comms check with squadron POCs and ask for updates. Daryll Keeling shares, “I am alive and well and living happily in the land of Geeno Mitchell and Kory Cornum. I am now a resident of Brush, Colorado! They still talk about Kory here and his football acumen. He was mentioned to me over a couple of enchiladas at one of our local establishments just the other day. And Gene and I joke that he now lives in Texas

“My mom (age 91!) was still climbing around and walking through town but noticing the lack of air at 10,600 feet!” They celebrated an early Thanksgiving there since David was about to go on an elk hunt during the official holiday.

Tony Lorusso and Yvonne Schilz in Omaha. Tom Maloof emailed while on a Delta layover in Seoul. We were exchanging emails about Colorado vs. Florida weather. He will be back in Colorado in June for a mini-Barnstormer reunion for Bernie Schwartz’s ordination as a deacon in the Catholic church. Bernie had told me that they were moving to Sterling, CO. I miss running into Tom with his son, Michael, at Boy Scout camporees when he lived in Colorado. Tom spends volunteer hours with the Coast Guard Auxiliary performing surface patrols; flying patrols and manning radios/phones at Coast Guard Station Sand Key waiting for distress calls from boaters. Tom has logged three saves to date. Tom looks forward to additional relaxation time when he retires from Delta in January 2024. Drew Grant and I were reminiscing about life in Aroostook County, Maine. Sub-zero temperatures and lots of snow means good times for growing up. Drew is heading to the Houlton, Maine, metroplex to see his 96-year-old mom and his brother. Drew also keeps his mind sharp with his private fund and less fun, annual audits.

–Don Myers, P.O. Box 153, Tyrone, GA 302900153; dmyers80@hotmail.com; FB: USAFA Class of 1980; usafa80.org

1981

Three allotted photos and 900 words make this all for now. Stay well . . . and stay in touch with one another. God bless. Don Well, we had seven inches of snow last week (April 13)Springtime in the Rockies! Sadly, it is all gone now. I know all of you, well most, have abandoned the beauty of snow and cold by settling in southern regions. The sports doldrums have started with no football/basketball/

Members 63% Sabre Society Donors 29 Polaris Society Members 10

Dr. Terry Adler (University of Oklahoma) thoroughly enjoyed coaching high school basketball with his son, Scott Adler ’15. While their team lost in the state championship, it was a first for Oklahoma Christian Academy. This was Terry’s sixth state championship coaching appearance having won three previously in New Mexico. Most importantly, Terry was blessed to share coaching time with his son.

Porch with a view.

Terry and Scott Adler.

Scott Land is still loving life in Missouri and like many of us misses his kids that are now West Coasters. He plans to continue the one-hour commute each way to Whiteman AFB, teaching B-2 academics and simulators to new and upgrading pilots. Scott says he is still a couple years away from joining our growing retired group. He hears from Jean Floyd. Since leaving Stratolaunch, Jean has been doing some consulting and still deciding what to do next. Lowell Stockman is living the classic retired life in The Villages in Florida. Golf, bowling, tennis and travel are now his focus. Their grandkids live nearby, which they love while their other grandchildren live near Wright-Patterson AFB.

Mike Bronson is still working part time as an A-320 Delta instructor and started playing the cornet in a community brass band. The 10-piece band is off to a national competition in Huntsville, AL. We have added AF hockey to our sports season tickets repertoire and sat next to a nice couple for the entire season. I wore one of our class crest fleeces to one of the last games and the guy next to me, Gary Yale, asked if I was in ’81. We both laughed. I was walking out of my dad’s independent living apartment in Omaha and ran into Roger Foley! Roger was visiting his parents. Roger and I went to high school together. It was great getting to do a quick sync. Roger and Della are doing well in San Antonio.

going to the coast of Maine to see Acadia National Park, eat lobster and cross Maine of the list of only two states they haven’t visited. They are active in their AOG chapter and are planning a Founders Day celebration for May. Their sons are doing well! Robbie and Kaitlyn are at Edwards AFB and Richie and Jayd are in London. They all get together four or five times a year. My small, but loyal Detroit Lions classmates and I are getting (maybe too?) excited for their turnaround this fall (hopefully). Mike Bloomfield, Dan Bell and I hold out hope for a possible second playoff win in our lifetimes.

Our Academy is still quite the construction zone. As I said before, you will be amazed the next time you visit. The Chapel will still be in the box, unfortunately, through our 45th. Please keep George Herr and Sid Ward in your thoughts and prayers as we lost both since my last article. I appreciate all the great inputs this cycle. Stay close and connected! Go AF, beat Navy!

for pleasure, Mike stays busy in “occasional retirement” by writing (chapter on China out soon), commentating (Sky News, Al Jazeera, GBT), lecturing (Crystal, SeaDream, Azamara, and Viking cruise lines so far), and consulting (defense firms). Their children, Michael and Carissa, are both doing well.

Roger Foley and Rich Trentman in Omaha. Silvi (Kiisk) and Bob Steigerwald are traveling and keeping busy! They spent a few weeks in Hawaii at the Hale Koa in Waikiki and on the beach at Bellows AFS. At our 40th, they reconnected with Rick and Patty Pelican and have gotten together for a multi-day bike ride through Sonoma and a few days at their home. Bob and Silvi plan to visit them in New Jersey this summer. Bob and Silvi are

1982

Hey Redtags, Only a small amount of news this quarter, but interesting nonetheless. Let’s get to it! Early in 2023, Peter Bryant attended his nephew’s wedding. Peter’s brothers and their wives were there as well as several nieces and nephews. While at the reception, Peter got a photo of himself with one of his brothers, his brother’s wife, and his niece, all USAFA grads.

My last tidbit of news comes from Tim Collins. Tim let me know that Atwell Williams has been elected to the board of directors of Walsh University. You may recall, Tim is the president of Walsh University. It seems these two former roommates have joined forces to serve young people seeking higher education at an independent, faith-based institution in North Canton, OH. Tim assures me there was “no election interference” – just a board having the wisdom to put two ’82ers together to further the mission of the university. Well done to both Atwell and Tim!

And that’s all the news I have this quarter! If you’d like to see more, send your news this way and I’ll spread it around.

Until next time, stay safe, Ratman

1983

We'll start with the biggest news we've all been waiting for:

83 Best to Be 40th Reunion. Our tireless reunion chair Laurie (Schroeder) Healy reports the dates are 28-30 September. She and Alan Arata are working hard to make it another great one! The Marriott is our hotel (5580 Tech Center Drive), and the football game is against San Diego State (good thing it’s not a basketball game)! Other planned activities include group banquet, reception, memorial service, golf and team gatherings.

The Bryant Family.

In the picture are Peter, his brother Chris Bryant ’90, Chris’ wife Kathy (Knight) Bryant ’91 and their daughter Becki Bryant ’20. You may remember that in a previous column I posted a picture of Peter pinning his wings on Becki at her UPT graduation. Lots of family connections here – how cool! And such a handsome bunch, too!

Right around St. Patrick’s Day, I received Mike and Gloria (Montoya) Ryan’s annual Wee Epistle, a nod to Mike’s Irish heritage and their version of the annual Christmas letter. As usual, they’ve been very busy. For example, a cruise from San Juan to Barcelona; an overland trip to Andalucía; new hips for Gloria; our USAFA 40th reunion; a trip through Belgium, Germany, the UK and Estonia; and the Oberammergau Passion Play. When not traveling

We’ll need squadron reps for both Doolie and graduation squadrons, as well as POCs for any other groups that want to meet. If you want to help or have suggestions, Laurie asks that you text her at 719-205-2911.

Brad and Sharon (Braun) Gann are currently working overtime to get us to our class gift goal of $1.8M. If by some slim chance no one has contacted you directly to support the class gift, visit the website at https://falconfunder.usafa.org/ project/22943 and please give generously!

Some additional words from class pres Ray Blust: “In my last Checkpoints article, I asked for volunteers who would like to help me as a class VP. As you may know, the other class officers have been MIA. I have selected three classmates to be

–Rich Trentman, 719-640-9586; rtrentman81@ comcast.net; FB: USAFA Class of 1981

Members 64% Sabre Society Donors

–Jim Ratti, 2860 Arbor Pointe Dr., Middletown, OH 45042; 937-760-2333; rattijm@mindspring. com

Class of 1983 40th Reunion Project

The Class of ’83 has embarked on a class giving project for its 40th reunion. The class is supporting the construction of the new Madera Cyber Innovation Center and creating an endowed fund to support the National Character Leadership Symposium (NCLS). Please help the Class of ’83 reach its goal.

Give at falconfunder.usafa.org/1983

builds beautiful things in his woodshop. He says he doesn’t like selling so he just gives his creations away as gifts or donates them.

Bob and Josie deliver Meals on Wheels — one of his clients is a 98-year-old World War II Army vet who’s “a real treat to talk to” — and visit vets in nursing homes. Inspiring, Bob! Like many of us, they are also catching up on their travels post-COVID, with Ireland next on the itinerary.

Members 60%

Hope to see you all in September. As you drive in the North Gate, you’ll see work well underway on the new hotel, visitors center, and retail complex, thanks to the indefatigable (that’s why I’m an English teacher; sometimes you need just the right word) efforts of Dan Schnepff. Drive slowly over the road protector/speed bump; it’s a doozy! Please keep the updates, coming. Next quarter’s scribe is Chris Mannion. Give him your updates at cpmannion@gmail.com or 720-288-7213.

last semester, after a long COVID delay, and now has a PhD in curriculum and instruction in addition to three other degrees. Ken intends to keep accomplishing research in the area of his dissertation, which involved community college trades students using mobile devices to aid in learning basic math skills.

Craig Griffis checked in to say that he, John Denny and Chris Arnold are still flying B-767s as captains for ABX Air (formerly Airborne Express) flying Amazon and DHL cargo.

Griff also reports that Dean Sollmann retired last year and Tim Pratt has retired to Florida.

So as you can see, the ease of staying in contact has not done a service to my skills writing this column. Please send me some updates or even links to your other info to help me get that enthusiasm rockin’ for our class, USAFA, and our upcoming activities.

Thanks in advance. Jens

–Mike Jensen, 6547 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918; 719-338-3570; usafa1984@ gmail.com; usafa84.com; FB: USAF Academy 1984; Twitter: @USAFA84

1985

VPs who have volunteered and have helped our class in many projects. They are very involved in just about every class endeavor and activity. Tamra Rank will be our first VP while Dave Ruffley and Stu Hixon will also be VPs. Just to publicly reassure Tamra, Dave and Stu, there will be no dumping of tasks and work. I thank you guys for stepping up and volunteering and I look forward to working with you. If you have any class issues or ideas, send them my way. Anything to do with the reunion, please go straight to Alan or Laurie.”

On to other news…Inspired by a Facebook post of a gorgeous butcher block he made, I reached out to Bob Schantz for the details and a general life update. Like many of us, he’s now retired, after an AF career in finance and OSI, then a second career with General Dynamics. His last duty was exercise planning with the Army, which I know firsthand involves a lot of messy PowerPoint slides.

–Sue Ross, 719-238-8136; sueross@sierraconsulting.org 1984

Wings to Soar! By the time you receive this it will be over 43 years since we entered USAFA. If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t have anything better. What a ride! I don’t know about you, but the time is getting really compressed now. Please take a moment and send me an email at usafa1984@ gmail.com and maybe your vcard/contact information. There is so much going on, and it is important to realize and utilize the fact we have an extraordinary amount of gifted, talented and loving people in our class. I have never been prouder of being associated with this group. I truly appreciate all of you. Thanks.

Also by the time you read this, I will have updated the usafa84.com site. I haven’t done much with it and we can do better getting info out there. I hope to fan the flames of enthusiasm about our 40th reunion next year and this fall’s Army football game in Denver. There are also away games in Houston, Annapolis and Hawaii for those in those areas.

Updates: Ken Thalmann completed his doctoral program at New Mexico State University (NMSU)

Greetings 85ers!!

Hard to believe the year is already half over. Where did the time go? Can you believe it has been 42 years since we came together as a class that hot day in June of ‘81? As a class we have continued to climb the ladder of success on a regular basis.

Members 55% Sabre Society Donors 25 Polaris Society Members 3

Recently, our classmate, Lynn Steer became the newest captain for United Airlines. Giving Lynn her left seat upgrade check ride was fellow classmate, Chuck Chapman. Congratulations, Lynn, on such a great performance. Looking forward to flying the friendly skies with you in command of the aircraft.

Bob Schantz and his wife, Josie, with Howard Wong and his mom.

He now goes to the gym, drives his wife, Josie, around in her job as a health care consultant, and

Members

holds quarterly breakfasts at various local

Lynn Steer and Chuck Chapman taking a quick preflight break.

For those residing in the Colorado Springs area, the class

restaurants. Their most recent get together was held at Mimi’s. Dan Hrovat is the event coordinator. Gary Rafferty, always the consummate yell leader, showed up sporting his USAFA class jersey. Gary also served as the official photographer. Due to photograph clarity, attendees are listed in no particular order.

Lakers cut that lead to three with less than a minute left. The Celtics stole the ball and the ensuing foul put them on the free throw line. I lined up two and said if he sinks them you drink, if not I drink. The Celtics sank both and ran out the clock to seal the championship and my bragging rights from that day forward to…..well…..today! But for Mark – his team might of quit that day, but not him! He tossed back both of them and fell off his stool. Lucky for me, he was lighter in those days as I carried him back to the VOQ and laid him and his L.A. Lakers championship dreams to rest. (This story certified 40% true).

But I digress! Mark’s retirement is the end of a long era of service and as can be seen by the photo below, as it was well attended by those who sought to honor his long and distinguished service. Cheers to Mark and to all the classmates who showed up to honor him as he moves on to the next phase of life post-retirement.

The Dimaggios: Emma, Grace (or is it Grace then Emma?), Jennifer and Dan Dimaggio.

Daphne Recher – Viking 9 checked in with news that “(we) sold our house, yes the one with all the spindles that I painted. Now comes the job of finding our forever home. Not an easy task given Frank’s and my preferences, but I’m sure we’ll find something.” I’m sure they will too and will look forward to all the Facebook updates on what happens with that new place.

Have a safe and joyous summer. If you get the chance, shoot me an email on your latest adventures to share with the class. My flight to Rome leaves in five days. I’m so stoked!! As always... ’85 Best Alive!! Scott

1986

Classmates!

Let’s start off with the biggest news to report and that is the 1 April retirement for Barnstorming 23 alumni/water polo fancier Mark Crosby from his role as the assistant adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard.

That is pretty close to 37 years commissioned service and over 40 in uniform dating back to his time at the Zoo. Many people have asked – what made him so determined to continue to serve? To never quit? Some would say it was the time he spent in the water polo arena at USAFA where he built amazing bonds of friendships with his teammates Bill Brogan, Mike Brown, Mike Maloney ’85, Matt Gee, Tim Harris and Bob Pickrell ’85. Some might say it was his classmates in Barnstorming 23, Jeff Smith, Tom Willard, Rob Parker, Ed Chavez and Kirk Lear.

But that is only part of the story of Mark’s grit, and it’s a story I’ve been waiting close to 40 years to tell.

Some of this is hazy, but for the whole story you have to go back to the summer of 1984 and a small band of rising second-degrees heading off to Lajes Field, Azores. There, Mark and I found ourselves amid an internecine battle between Mark’s beloved L.A. Lakers and my beloved Boston Celtics. It was a fist fight of a final series that went to a game seven, which was also 25-cent martini night at the O’club. Mark said, “Bobby, every time there is a lead change the down team fan has to down a martini!” I said, “You’re on.”

They were small martinis, but there were 23 lead changes before Boston pulled ahead by 14 in the fourth quarter; but as we sobered up (a bit) the

Class of ’86ers at Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby’s retirement: Mike Brown, Tom Willard, Rob Parker,

Members 57% Sabre Society Donors

, Bill

, Mark Crosby, Matt Gee, Alan Batts, Ed Chavez, Kirk Lear and Tim Harris. Ty Alexander arrived after the pic was taken.

For those of you keeping score at home that leaves just three of our classmates on active duty: Rich Clark — current USAFA superintendent; Dave Allvin — USAF Vice Chief of Staff; and Mike Comstock — Rhode Island Air National Guard. Greg Semmel retired a few days after Mark on 4 April.

The rest of my updates were shorter than most Twitter tweets: I got the following photo from Lucy Medvec of her husband, our classmate, and permanent Shreveport/Barksdale AFB fixture Mark Medvec and my CS32 classmate Robert H. Schrink at the Shreveport CORK wine festival. It was either a wine festival or the finish line of a triathalon….oh wait no, it was a wine festival.

22 Polaris Society Members

3

Next I heard from Lee Hutchins from CS 18. He reports “just another perfect day in paradise aboard our home. Retirement is good. Having said that the USCG registration for our sailboat includes 86 for me and 87 for my wife Brownie (Wise CS-11, ’87). And last I heard from Jeff Haring, another Wolfpack ’86er, who reports “living in Grand Rapids, MI. Married and retired. Flew flight inspection for 22 years. Moving to Colorado in the fall.” Almost too much information to absorb in such a short message.

Lastly, got a request to continue to pray for classmate John Macrina who is doing well after heart surgery in April.

That is all for now – please be safe out there and please feel free to write and use more than 140 characters!

–Bob Colella, 9247 Northedge Dr., Springfield, VA 22153; 571-422-0367; robert.colella.86@gmail. com

1987

Mark Medvec and Rob Schrink.

I heard from Dan DiMaggio Wolfpack alum and USAF Ret., working for UPS in Louisville. He is married to his lovely wife, Jennifer, with twin 14-year-old girls, Emma and Grace. (And yes, that is all I heard).

Howdy Class of ’87! Just heard the tragic news of the Mckenna’s (Pat Mckenna) son passing in an Army Apache helicopter accident near Healy Alaska – our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat and your family.

Got this update from Nevada “Grim Reapers” ’87 Hoffmans.

“On August 26, 2020, our son, Christopher Hoffman (USAFA 2016) evacuated 453 refugees from Kabul, Afghanistan. Among those refugees was a remarkable young man, Mohammad Towhid “Benny” Shirzad. Benny assisted Christopher as Chris’ flight attendant on that chaotic flight

Tish (Dierlam) Norman, Marciann McCarty, Dan Hrovat, Mark Hatfield, Todd Brosz, Del Christman, Bruce Desautels, Steve Southerland, Mike Hake, Dan Maritnez and Doug Burns

Jeff Smith

Brogan

-W. Scott Carney, P.O. Box 5, Pembroke, ME 04666; 207-214-4836; usafaclassof1985@gmail. com

and processing in Qatar. Benny was a flight attendant for Afghan airlines (KAM Air), former U.S. interpreter, IT U.S. government contractor and computer science college valedictorian. After two months of processing, Benny came to Las Vegas and Ellen and I served as his sponsor family. Benny’s past activities with the U.S. included surviving an RPG attack on his home, a shootout while driving home, and a bombing attack at his work. For 17 months in the U.S., Ellen and I assisted Benny’s transition to life in the U.S. as well as fighting to bring his wife, mother and father to the U.S. After hundreds of documents, thousands of emails and a crazy overland escape into Pakistan by the family, Benny’s wife, Shabana, arrived late last year. Benny’s parents, Hamid and Nazanin, arrived in late January of this year. A number of people from USAFA ’87 supported us and helped this family stay alive in Afghanistan and eventually escape. The family has many immigration and cultural challenges ahead of them but is reunited and for the first time in their lives, truly safe. Thank you to those who supported us! To help, please google ‘Afghan Family needs support GoFundMe.’ We wish them the best of luck in their transition.” We have some incredible classmates and glad we can highlight some of their great works in this forum!

‘round for a group photo! But I couldn’t help myself when a few of us were chatting comfortably by Michael and Kate’s magnificent fireplace. Margaret was safe by the outdoor fireplace. Thank you for the inputs Gretchen and I’m sorry I could not include all the photos you sent, especially the one with you and Joe Falcon!

Offer still stands to get together with anyone that gets out to the West Coast and if not, please keep the updates coming!

1988

Gretchen (Krueger) Cook with John and Carolyn (Moore) Benyshek and Brady and Michelle Glick

Anne Benovil-Murphy provided this update. "So, I love trivia and I’ve been on two game shows: Who Wants to be a Millionaire (2018) and Wheel of Fortune (2021) and I decided to see what trivia night was like at the Greene Turtle Bar and Grille in Alexandria, Virginia. As I was walking in, a tall gentleman opened the door for me and we proceeded inside and he told me that he was attending the trivia event as well. I got my trivia sheet, sat down, and the same gentleman invited me to join his team as he noticed that I had attended solo. I agreed and as he waited for the other teammate, he commented that I looked very familiar. Well, we exchanged general info and he happens to work on Fort Belvoir. Well, my family and I are always on Fort Belvoir so I figured that’s where he’s seen me but he thought ‘no, I know you from somewhere else.’

35th reunion update per Tim Coffin. The reunion will be 12–15 October 2023 at The Antlers Hotel. USAFA football will play Wyoming. A big THANK YOU to all who are helping Tim with this event!

Christmas 2022 with Scott Hoffman, his wife, Ellen, Benny and Shabana.

Thankfully received this update from Gretchen (Krueger) Cook: “’87ers. I was in town in February for the NCLS (National Character and Leadership Seminar). It was USAFA’s 30th annual event! I found out about it at year 25. Amazing speakers! And as Trish Heller points out, it’s a great development opportunity (at no cost, I might add) and a terrific occasion to connect with cadets. If you see it come up in your USAFA news feed early in 2024, consider signing up. One of the best things about NCLS is seeing friends with whom you are forever connected. Selfie was with fellow ’87er-Trish Heller, Cristina Pawlica ’10 and Gina Smith ’85. We serve on the board of directors for Zoomies Against Sexual Assault (ZASA); an AOG affinity group. Thanks to those of you who have joined ZASA and are supporting this critical cause! And for those who want to learn more, visit zasa.usafagroups. org.”

During this same trip, Margaret (Duffy) Smith and I popped in on the local ’87 reunion hosted by Michael Russel ’87 and Kate (Jackson) Russel ’88 in their stunning home! I promised Margaret I wouldn’t bellow out for the whole crowd to gather

The game proceeded and a sports question came up and the answer to the question was Mary Lou Retton from the 1984 L.A. Olympics. The gentleman then commented about how as a sophomore at the Air Force Academy he quizzed the freshman on the Olympics, etc. I then asked, you went to the Academy?

He said, ‘yes.’ I said I graduated from the Academy and then asked him when did he graduate to which he answered … 1987. WOW!!! That’s why he remembered me, we’re classmates. We didn’t know each other at the Zoo but since I was one of the very few African-American women at the Academy he remembered my face. So, it’s been great to meet Harrold James McAlduff, III (CS-18). Hal is a great trivia player!"

Jim Cardoso starts off this issue’s update with the following. “January marked seven months since we stood up the Global and National Security Institute, a new think tank at the University of South Florida. I’m working with Gen. (Ret.) Frank McKenzie, who until April 2022 was commander, USCENTCOM and is GNSI executive director. Needless to say, he’s got a pretty expansive rolodex (and I know ’88ers understand what a ‘rolodex’ is) with worldwide reach. We’re leveraging cross-town relationships with USCENTCOM and USSOCOM at MacDill with a strategy of working at the intersection of science and technology, human dynamics and social behavior, and cybersecurity. Always interesting to be at the ground floor of something new—building the team, creating the long-term strategic plan, collaborating with the stakeholders (and the unique culture) on a university campus, working the necessary corporate sponsorships— never a dull moment! Also sharing a picture from last March with Tim Bush and Chris Tschieder at Pass-A-Grille Beach, near St. Pete Beach in Florida. Tim and I live in Tampa. Chris is in Cincinnati but visits his birth state frequently. Yes, I live here but decided to dress extra-touristy for the minireunion.”

Anne Benovil-Murphy with Harrold McAlduff

Jim Cardoso, Tim Bush and Chris Tschieder

–Bill Page, nextpage87@yahoo.com; 562-2091158 and –Anne Benovil-Murphy, benovilmurphy@gmail.com; 703-599-6235

Ralph Galetti thought he’d give a quick update on his relatively recent musical musings. “Hopefully some grads will remember the two-person band B. Max Dubroff (’89) and I put together. We called ourselves OMNI and played a few smokers’ nights, the annual cadet talent show and a couple squadron parties. Some favorites you might remember us playing: Rock Lobster by the B-52’s, Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles, Your Love by the Outfield, Billy Idol’s version of Mony Mony, and Blue Monday by New Order. Around 2015, Max was living in Tulsa, OK, working as a human resources lead for a grocery store chain and playing the part of Paul Stanley in a faux Kiss band. He and his lovely wife, Kathy, moved to Albuquerque to re-join me in getting OMNI back together. I know, it sounds so juvenile, right? Anyway, we struggled for about five years and couldn’t really get OMNI going again, but we put together a few cool demos and videos from live performances and caught the eyes and ears of a fantastic singing drummer I played with here in Albuquerque from 1998-2004. The three of us got together, recruited a bass player, and formed our new band, Disclaimers, in March of 2022.

All four of us agree this is the best band we’ve ever been in and that means a lot from a bunch of old farts playing rock & roll for as long as we all have. Between the four of us, we have over 150 years of experience performing live music! (Probably closer to 170 years, I’m just rounding down). We both sing lead and I still mainly play keyboards, but I pretend to play guitar occasionally, helping back up Max during his guitar leads. You can find out more about this awesome and super fun band at Facebook.com/ DisclaimersRock. While I would love to be a fulltime musician, the expenses of reality (life and hobbies, INCLUDING music!) have kept me in my day job where I am in my 25th year as an engineer with The Boeing Company. Rock on ’88!”

pools and tranquil time admiring Icelandic horses, reindeer and harbor seals. A premature victory was called during a late-night Phase 10 card game due to a dazzling 20-minute Northern Lights showcase. What a great opportunity to catch up and to know our classmates’ lovely daughters! ’88 Ladies are grateful for the brave tour guide David (trapped on this nine-day adventure), and thankful to be out and about in the world again and to experience adventures with long-time friends.”

Over the coming weeks, a survey will be sent out to email addresses on file with AOG as well as posted on our Facebook page. If you are interested in participating in the planning, please let me know (don.simpson89@gmail.com). Thanks!

Members 62% Sabre Society Donors 17 Polaris Society Members 2

’88 Ladies enjoying Iceland.

Finally, Matt Miller provided the following photo from the recent Cadet Wing Open. He writes that Greg and Linda (Rayl) Rosenmerkel as well as Ty Rhame have sons in the Class of ’26, while Kate (Jackson) Russel is on the Commandant’s staff.

Gil Petrina was at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, CO, March 8-10 and connected with several ’89ers. From Gil: "Ed Redman wasn’t there but I gave him a call. His son, Garrett, was just commissioned and looking to find a pilot slot. Chris Kulas and I had the time to catch up for a while.

Mary Anne (Dolan) Staring and Stacy (Sidor) McNutt provided this update. “The Land of Fire and Ice provided its Best to Date (BTD) natural wonders to a flight of ’88 Ladies and their daughters in March on a Golden Circle Tour as they hopped a mini-bus and traversed Iceland’s snow-draped volcanic fields, crystalline glaciers, some of the 10,000 waterfalls and jagged fjords. ‘88ers included Michelle (Papa) Clays, Janet (LaRue) Gooder, Stacy (Sidor) McNutt, Tracey (Beck) Siems, Mary Anne (Dolan) Staring, Gail Thompson, Melissa (Greer) Tucker and Carol Yannarella. Noon meals included famous lamb hotdogs and Einstok White Ale (Iceland’s beer ban lifted in 1989 and the country is now brew-crazy) followed by afternoon swims in silicon-rich, milky-blue geothermal

Matt Miller, Shawn Parsons, Greg Rosenmerkel, Dave Mork, Kate (Jackson) Russel, Ty Rhame and Linda (Rayl) Rosenmerkel. Checkout our class Facebook page to see other updates and learn more about the upcoming reunion.

1989

Greetings classmates! First, an update from our president, Don Simpson: Next year, 2024 will be the 35th anniversary of our graduation. Over the last few years, several members of our class have suggested an alternative reunion to the traditional return to USAFA during a home football game. This could include an offsite location as well as any date that is popular. We reached out to the Class Advisory Senate for all graduated Academy classes to see if they had considered this as an option and, if so, what they could share. Many have looked into a non-standard reunion, but few have gone through with it. The Class of ’91 is deep into planning a 33rd reunion in Honolulu in 2024 and we had the opportunity to get a great deal of insight from them. After some initial exploration, a cruise or all-inclusive resort present viable options.

Gil and Chris catch up at AFA in Colorado! I saw Gen. Jim Hecker and only had the chance to say hi in passing as he was on his way to a session as the USAFE commander. I also said hi to Lt. Gen. Steve Whiting while he was on his way to a talk. Dan Baldessari and I only had a brief hello. He’s still with Boeing. I had the chance to catch up with my old roommate, Myland Pride. He’s with Lockheed Martin Space right down the street in Littleton, CO. Karl Rozelsky and I had dinner and tried to have a gathering of ’89ers for a picture, but the picture got lost. He’s working for Sierra Nevada Corporation down in Tampa, FL. We were able to gather the two of us, Sam Milam, Mark Williams, and Chris Kulas for a group picture but technology got the better of us. I’m sure there were more ’89ers around but that’s who I bumped into. From the Petrina household, our daughter Kelley is due the beginning of April, so Carolyn and I are coming to grips with that. Kelley and JMarcus, her Marine Corps. husband, are out in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA." Thanks, Gil!

Gil was also in Phoenix recently and had the chance to catch up with Hal Cranmer: "I was on a business trip doing some of my consulting work and Hal lives there. We went to our old watering hole, Native New Yorker, from pilot training at Williams AFB. We didn’t eat as many wings and drink as much beer as we used to but had a great time catching up.

–Tom Sadlo, 720-666-8804; thomas.sadlo@ gmail.com

Members 60% Sabre Society Donors 31 Polaris Society Members 7

Hal and Gil enjoy visiting in Phoenix! Sean Jersey says hello from Germany, where he and the family will be through at least next year. Sean volunteers with the radiology crew at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and wife Tracey is working as a speech assessor for DoD schools. Daughter Shelley is deep into her first year of veterinary school at Auburn University. Son Bryce is a junior at the University of Florida where he has discovered a passion for Japanese language and culture. After years of pandemic postponements, he’s looking forward to finally getting the chance for a summer experience in Tokyo this year. The family spent a month down under in New Zealand while Sean was on a postretirement “deployment” for six months in Nelson, New Zealand, at the top of South Island. Thanks for the update!

That’s a wrap for this quarter. Keep those cards and letters coming. Take care and God bless!

the VA caregivers. The podcast is widely available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, and you may also access the excellent Veterans Access Workbook at veteransaccessproject.org. Thanks Grizz!

Greetings most glorious class! This quarter is a little light on the general updates, but we have some spirited updates on our Facebook community if you give that page a view. So with that in mind thought I would focus this quarter’s update on two of our classmates giving back to the military community!

First off is former Navy SEAL Dr. Geoff (Grizzard) Geness who is working with his wife and fellow chiropractic physician MaryAnn by coproducing a podcast titled “The SEAL Advocate: Guiding Veterans to their VA Benefits.” Grizz details what inspired him to commit to this project. “This podcast is the culmination of a lot of work I’ve put in to helping veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan … Things took a big turn when I got back to work at the Veterans Administration during the pandemic where I could see some of the systemic problem areas where veterans were not getting what they deserved from their service in those conflicts. I made it my mission to educate everybody about the system and also to try to help veterans navigate the system. So [the podcast] is my little part to help my brothers and sisters returning home from these conflicts.” I enjoyed listening to the first episode today and I learned quite a bit about a system I personally have not had to interact with but left with a new appreciation for the challenges facing both our veterans and

Geoff Geness hosts a podcast helping veterans. The next big shout out is to our very own Cathy (Beddow) Almand who was recently elected to the Association of Graduate board! Cathy’s candidate statement was quite compelling: “I have actively supported USAFA as an ALO for 22-plus years, even now as a retiree. I am the 1990 CAS senator, serving as a bridge between generations of graduates. We are very involved in the North TX AOG in leadership roles and connecting with fellow grads. I volunteer with Women In Aviation International to encourage women and girls pursuing aviation, including the AF. We host an annual Girls in Aviation Day for 1,500-plus attendees! Additionally, I am the deputy chair of my airline’s sponsor program, which will mentor 2,200 new-hire pilots this year. As many of you can probably relate, I feel I owe so much of who I am today to my experiences as a cadet. These opportunities should be available to all current and future cadets as well. I hope to support USAFA leadership and their efforts to develop war fighters while ensuring all are treated with dignity and respect.”

Cathy plans to really focus on stepping up involvement with the alumni, especially the younger classes. When interviewing Cathy for this article, she wanted to be sure to include the following. “[I’m] proud to represent Mighty ’90 on the AOG board of directors! Please send me your concerns and recommendations: dcalmand@ gmail.com.”

In honor of its 30th reunion, the Class of ’90 is raising money for a Tuskegee Airmen memorial at Davis Airfield. The project will include full-scale models of a P-51 Red Tail and a T-7 Red Hawk at the airfield entrance. It will embody and reflect all that the Department of the Air Force holds dear and expects of all airmen, guardians and cadets — Integrity, Service and Excellence.

Redtags of 1990, please join us in supporting character development, military and academic excellence and true airmanship.

Give at falconfunder.usafa.org/1990.

That’s not to say I’m against updates — in fact I’m constantly searching for the latest news! Scott “Lefty” Summerlin gave me a gentle poke about my constant queries, but it turns out he has been quite busy! “I have a hotel travel club membership plus two more travel memberships that we’re all eligible for: Armed Forces Vacation Club and AARP. I use them as much as possible because I can work from anywhere that has cell service. I already visited Scottsdale this year with Coos Bay, Cabo, and Yellowstone is on the calendar later this year. When I’m in town, I enjoy attending charity events: galas, golf tournaments, luncheons. Here’s a shot of Robert Haines and me living the good life at the Jayden DeLuca Foundation Masquerade Ball.” Those are some terrific masks you two — both look very scary!

As always, thanks for your continued support and just a reminder no event is too small to not capture my attention. Please send me your latest travels, hobbies or kid stories! Next on my mind is

Congratulations to Cathy Almand for election to the AOG board.

Scott Summerlin and Robert Haines at a masquerade?

–Paul W. Tibbets IV, 5422 Cypress Point Ln., Gonzales, LA 70737; 225-289-2000; p2a2tibbets@gmail.com; FB: USAFA Class of 1989

what we might do this year for the football game or some other mini red-tag up! Please drop me a note or send me an IM with your ideas. Mighty 90! — Flash.

Members 58% Sabre Society Donors 21 Polaris Society Members 2

Thanks to all who picked up the phone and responded to my emails! I really appreciate you all taking the time to catch up with our Bold Gold Family!

Mona Wheeler has been living in Washington, D.C., for the last year after retiring from the Air Force in 2011 as a chemist. Mona is currently working as a civilian program manager for the training systems in the F-35 joint strike fighter program. Mona is married to her wife, LaTonya, who is an academic coordinator at the University of Colorado Boulder. In her spare time, Mona loves to bowl and you can see her sporting Academy swag annually at the military and women’s tournament. The Wheeler home is always a hot spot for family and relatives who come to visit the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area - tasty beverages for everyone!

Laura Gray and her family of superstars!

Wow, I had a great conversation with Randy Henggeler! He is married to Dr. Michelle Henggeler. One of his children is studying neuro chemistry in Maryland, another is a Notre Dame mechanical engineer and they have a 16-year-old still at home. Our class always amazes me! I spent a lot of time with Randy on the phone. Bottom line, he is a machine translation, cyber defense, data automation, business guru! He started his own software engineering company called Henggeler Consulting, sold that, built another business, sold that, and now works for fun with DoD. He had an outstanding 10-year career in the AF with cushy assignments at Aviano, Colorado Springs, Alabama and Maryland.

great assignments in the Air Force: launching GPS satellites in C-Springs, flying KC-135s in Wichita, T-34s and T-6s with the Navy in P-Cola, AFIT, test and program management on the airborne laser in Albuquerque. He even got to work at the Prep School for two years before finishing up in Miami. But, all good things must come to an end. Now, he is flying with Southwest out of Orlando. Scott is on Facebook and LinkedIn. Drop him a note if you’re in the area.

Members 63% Sabre Society Donors 21 Polaris Society Members 3

Do you all remember Kurt “Schu” Schuster? He goes down in infamy as the guy that chocked The Bird at the West Point game our senior year! Schu remains busy flying for JetBlue and recently volunteered for a union position within ALPA. His wife Sharon is still actively herding the family across the globe. With a son at Ramstein AB, one based at Selfridge ANGB, MI, one at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, a daughter in nursing school, and one more soon to be studying abroad in Europe, Schu and Sharon are frequent fliers, especially now with grandbaby No. 1 on the way (welcome to the club). Schu and Sharon still reside in Hopkinton, NH (except in summertime, they can be found on Lake Huron near Alpena, MI) and their door is always open for any ’91 Bold-Golder!

Laura (Gray) Foglesong and her David enjoy retired life on their WV farm where there are plenty of critters. As a high school substitute teacher, Laura says working with youth and helping them through the Academy application processes is always fun. She only feels old when thinking about their oldest son, Robert, at USNA and son, David, at USAFA, Class of 26, “all grit and no quit.” Absolutely loving being a “red tagged bastard” (his words). Laura says her youngest daughter, Faith, keeps her busy with AFJROTC and every other high school activity she can possibly volunteer for until I’m exhausted watching her.

Thirty years since 93-04 graduation at Columbus: Upper row: Scott Thatcher, Jim Love and Kurt Schuster. Lower row: Greg Colby, Dave Deames, Chris Bair and Andy Kreis

Scott Thatcher retired in December 2015. His last assignment was at U.S. Southern Command in Miami. From there, his wife Gene and two girls made the move to Orlando. Back then, Team Thatcher wanted to live at Disney World. Now, his oldest, Emma is a third-year senior at George Washington and looking forward to her White House summer internship. His youngest, adopted from China, is a sophomore in high school. Her and Gene enjoy barn hunting with their black lab and German short-haired pointer. Scott had many

1992

The calm continues: It’s great we have a thriving and ongoing WhatsApp group from the reunion, and I love seeing all the photos of mini-reunions you post when you run into fellow classmates either by design or by chance. But I do need to hear from some of you to help me write this column. I hope you are having a good summer and connecting with one another regularly. Send along the interesting and amazing things you are all doing to continue to build the legacy of True Blue ’92.

WhatsApp chatter: The chat group that started before the reunion is alive and strong. I really need to silence my WhatsApp notifications as I end up getting new post notices all the time and not always when I want to hear them. It seems that airports are the most frequent hang out spots. I suppose this is only natural based on the number of pilots we have flying for the airlines. A few times a week a photo is posted with two or three of you in your short sleeves with ties (why do airline pilots wear short sleeves with ties?) taking a selfie from some airport around the country. But alas, it’s not just pilots. I was returning home from a trip to visit my parents and had a long layover in DFW due to an

Maj. (Ret.) Mona Wheeler — American hero!

–Heidi Scheppers, 318-453-2293; 1991usafaboldgold@gmail.com

–Mike Shepherd, 3801 Derby Cir., Quartz Hill, CA 93536; michael.j.shepherd@hotmail.com

aircraft maintenance issue. While walking through the packed Centurion Club, I heard someone yell, “James!” I turned around and saw a guy with a bushy beard and realized it was Thad Allen

presided over by the one and only Maj. Gen. Brook Leonard!

Brook is the director of operations for the Combined Joint Task Force – Space Operations and represents the dwindling True Blue activeduty club. He also has a son who is a young officer on casual status at Sheppard AFB waiting for ENJJPT. As Nicole said, “like father, like son!” Brook continues to be involved with the USAFA wrestling team, mentoring the coaches and coaching his and other kids in wrestling, as well. Love that you’re still rockin’ the flat top Brook!

He wasn’t sure it was me, but figured if I turned around when he yelled my name, he had it right. And, it certainly took me a minute to recognize him under his beard. Thad is still quite involved in coaching and supporting wrestling, especially youth programs, and was on his way to a wrestling event. He retired last summer and is pondering the best way to make an impact on others and the community in his second calling. And if it can involve wrestling, that would be ideal. After about 30 minutes, he realized that he was in danger of missing his flight and he departed quickly. I followed him out and as I was walking to my gate, I heard the last boarding call for his flight over the PA. I’m pretty sure he made it. At least I hope so.

Nicole and Brook.

Since I have room, here’s a photo from the selfie master, Dave “Kumo” Kumashiro. This is from a bar (where else would you expect?) in Clarendon in Northern Virginia where Kumo met up with Trey Meeks, Chuck “Corky” Corcoran, Chris Tobias and Josh Burgess.

TBD time slot with a tailgate pregame. Hopefully, by the time you read this update, we’ll have a solid game time. Our 30th reunion looks to be a great one and we are already experiencing a higher-thannormal attendance rate (not surprised). If you were teetering on the edge of maybe, maybe not … slide over to the “definitely attend” column and register at the AOG website under the class reunions tab if you haven’t received info from our reunion planning staff, reunion chair, Deb Torkelson, or the AOG via email. Sooooo, excited to see everyone! Let us know if you have any questions or are having trouble registering. If you haven’t visited the AOG website in a while, you will have to migrate your account over to the new AOG site. Don’t worry, you are guided through this easy process and will be able to register for our reunion in no time!

You can expect a similar reunion program from the last few reunions. Thursday will be registration, golf tournament and class get together at the Colorado Mountain Brewing Company (south location) in downtown Colorado Springs. Friday will be the on-Academy events such as briefings, tours, Mitchell Hall, class photo topped off by our evening dining event at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. Our class reunion hotel will be the Doubletree Hotel. Rooms are limited so hopefully there are still some available.

Lastly, when registering, consider visiting our 1993 class gift page https://falconfunder.usafa.org/ project/33015. Our class goal is to reach $200,000 for the National Character and Leadership Symposium Outstanding Airman of the Year program. For more information, see the above website.

James and Thad in DFW.

Is there a more AF family? Nicole (Foster) Greenwood was kind enough to respond to my request for Checkpoints inputs. The Greenwoods are truly a USAF and USAFA family! Son, Garrett, graduated with Class of 2023 and is commissioned in the Space Force. He’s headed to Vandenburg AFB for USMT for training just like his dad, Jeff, did many years ago. Daughter, Griffin, has excelled as a four-degree and is headed to the jump program in the summer. A 4.0 in Doolie year! Husband, Jeff, retired in June from a USAFA assignment, and passed the torch to Garrett who retired him. And, I haven’t even listed uncles and others who are AF veterans. They truly are an Air Force family in every way.

Nicole does what she can to support cadets like being a sponsor family and supporting Academy events. She continues to give back to her church and keeps up her singing. As a matter of fact, she and Jeff sang the National Anthem together at a recent retirement ceremony for a friend that was

Kumo, Trey Meeks, Corky Corcoran and Chris Tobias.

Until next time: Class, it’s time to fulfill that promise you always make to yourself when you read this and send me that update, especially those of you who have never graced these pages. I look forward to hearing from you and having so much information that I have a hard time fitting everything in. Be good and take care of one another. TB92, James. Yes, finally we have information that most of you may already have from the ’93 Facebook page, or maybe you were emailed by the Association of Graduates that our reunion is set for 12-15 October. If not, there you have it! Our mighty Falcons will be playing Wyoming in a

On to the news: Chad Collins checked in and wanted to give you an update. Tina (Retta) Collins retired from the Air Force Reserve after a full 30year career! Here is a short list of those members from our class who are still representing our class on active duty, Guard and Reserve. Tina spent eight years active duty and 22 in the Reserve. She was in financial management and became the top FM officer in the AFR. She primarily worked in the Pentagon and took the IG job at Little Rock AFB a couple years back. Chris says her IG position is not the same and she misses FM, but she liked being at home on her drill weekends. She is retiring this July and her party is planned for 2 June 23 — 30 years to the day we swore our oath!

The Collins’ have lived in Little Rock for 20 years and have two boys. Carter is a sophomore at Baylor studying computer science on an AF ROTC scholarship with his sights on serving as a pilot. Caleb is a high school senior looking to play baseball in college. He’s got an offer from a college in Arkansas.

Members

Members

The Collins family: Tina, Chris, Caleb and Carter.

Maria (Thomas) Anthony checked in quickly to provide an update and a picture of her and two of her Mighty Mach One classmates! Recently, Lt. Gen. Leo Kosinski and his wife and Steve Rothstein joined Maria and Chris (Class of ’92) for dinner! Leo is the J4 on the joint staff and Steve works in the National Guard Bureau as the chief of the Plans and Integration Division. Thanks for sharing, Maria!

That’s it for this quarter! Hope to see you at our reunion in October! If you haven’t registered for the reunion,w please do so soon and consider giving to our class gift project! Proud to be ’93!

- Mike

–Michael D. Sundsted, 5805 Bent Creek Trl., Dallas, TX 75252; 703-307-0903; mdsundsted@ gmail.com 1994

Hello Redhots! Hope your summer is off to an awesome start. Jason Harrison checked in recently while he was on a FedEx layover in Annapolis, MD. He said he had a chance to catch up with his old roommate, Tom Rozylowicz. Tom works as a patent lawyer and lives part time between Annapolis and Naples, FL. He and his wife Kim hosted Jason at their house for dinner and Jason said it was great catching up, as they hadn’t seen each other since 1996. Nice to get an update from a couple of Viking 9 grads!

wand I hope to see you flying with MinneapolisSaint Paul’s hometown airline soon.” Congrats on the retirement and airline job, Tim!

Heard from Dan Ely from CS-13 who recently met up with Shawn Cameron flying a three-day trip for United Airlines. It was an all ’93 front end flight deck on United that day and they used “Proud to be your airline of choice” when making the announcement to the passengers! Shawn lives in the Washington, D.C., area with his wife and two sons. Dan lives in southern Maryland with his wife and youngest son, who graduates from high school this year. Pretty cool, thanks for the update Dan!

Jason and Tom in Annapolis.

Tim Cullen sent an update following his retirement, saying: “On 1 December, I retired from the AF as a professor at the Air War College. At my retirement ceremony, two of my great friends and USAFA fencing teammates were able to get together for the first time in 28 years. Ben Maitre ’95, is on the left side of the picture and Alex Gracia is on the right. In 1994, Ben, Alex, and I were USAFA’s epee team, and we finished seventh in the nation at the NCAA Fencing Championships. It was awesome to catch up with them. Coincidentally, Ben, Alex, and I also reminisced about our cars — just in time for the special issue of Checkpoints. Ben’s first car at the Academy was a white ’71 Chevy Camaro with a black top; Alex had a light blue ’86 Nissan 300ZX and I had a black ’93 Acura Integra. Our time in the AF was a great ride with amazing people. My wife, Suzanne, and our seven children already miss our Air Force family dearly. This spring, we are moving to Hastings, Minnesota to be near our parents, and I start 737 training with Sun Country in March. Redhots and visitors are always welcome

Ben, Tim and Alex at Tim’s retirement.

Tony “Fargo” Retka sent me a pic from a miniWolfpack reunion with Charlie Bolton and Stan Lawrie. They were at Fargo’s house in Colorado Springs for the Super Bowl. Charlie is a BG working at Scott AFB in the AMC Ops Center. He was in town for a leadership course and did some speaking at USAFA for what we used to call M-5. Stan is with FedEx on the 777 out of Memphis.

Wolfpack Crew: Tony, Charlie and Stan Jeff Dalrymple texted recently that he had dinner with Dan Bunts and Todd Hudgins in Denver. Jeff teaches there at the United training center. Dan is teaching in the sim at the Buckley ANG unit, and Todd is an instructor with FedEx. I also exchanged texts recently with Mike Morgan He and wife, Tiffany (Reitnauer) Morgan, are living in St Louis, where he said all is well and they are getting used to being empty-nesters. Mike works for Parsons doing contract work and Tiffany remains fully-retired. Sounds great!

That’s what I know for now. Keep me posted and have a great summer! -- Kegger

–Craig Allen, 660-864-5374; craig.d.allen94@ gmail.com

Hello 95, Jon Cory reported that he is undergoing disc replacement surgery for a herniated L5-S1. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jon!

In Eugene, OR, there was a sighting of Kirsten (Palmer) Lang and Cliff Volpe. CS-24 Phantoms and fellow Oregonians keeping in touch as Kirsten visited her family nearby. Hey Cliffy, are you still doing those bare bum fun runs? Insane!

Steve Lygren and Tanya Hurwitz attended a fencing competition in which USAFA beat USNA

Dinner party with Leonard Kosinski, Maria (Thomas) Anthony and Steve Rothstein.

Dan Ely and Shawn Cameron as flight crew on United for a three-day trip.

and West Point easily. The more entertaining match sounds like it was an ‘old guy’ match between Steve and a guy from ’11. Steve said he gave it his best, but youth prevailed!

Tanya Hurwitz and Steve Lygren

Meanwhile, on April 11th our Class of ’95 astronaut, Kjell Lindgren, made an appearance at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with another astronaut. T.O. Owens attended the event. Way to represent, guys! Kjell also visited Janelle Cass’s daughter’s astro class at USAFA. Janelle’s daughter, Amelia Cass, is Class of 2025.

Frank Gaillard and Mike Edwards

In March, our class lost one of our own, Dr. Jeff Watson. Jeff was an orthopedic surgeon in Tampa, FL. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Watson. Jeff taught chemistry at USAFA while on active duty before being selected to attend medical school at Georgetown University. From there, he was selected for training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Maryland/Shock Trauma. He was active in research, published numerous papers and presenting his work nationally and internationally. Jeff’s accomplishments are numerous and he clearly touched many lives in a very positive way. Here’s a toast…

week following her surgery. Shawn Anger spent week four with Bob at the hospital recovery hotel caring for Bob and talking all things aviation. Colleen (Lehne) Kroeker spent week five with Melissa at her home helping with kids and housework. Melissa wants everyone to know that they are so grateful for all of the classmates who helped in any way during this challenging time.

Keel Ross, Kjell Lindgren and T.O. Owens. And a drum roll please as we celebrate the newest major general selects from our class: Brig. Gen. Kenyon Bell, director of logistics and engineering, Headquarters Global Strike Command, Barksdale AFB; Brig. Gen. Paul Moga, commandant of cadets, USAFA; Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, director of air, space and cyberspace operations, AFMC, Wright-Patterson AFB; Brig. Gen. Roy Collins, director of security forces, deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, HQ USAF, Pentagon; and Brig. Gen. Justin Hoffman, director of strategic plans, programs and requirements, HQ AFSOC, Hurlburt Fld. A hearty congratulations to all! Of the 23 brigadier generals selected for a second star, eleven were USAFA grads.

Keel Ross ran into Ric Trimmy at a regional robotics competition in March. Mike Edwards sent a photo with Frank Gaillard when they reconnected in VA recently. Looking happy and fit! In February, Tanya Hurwitz officially retired from the USSF. Congrats, Tanya! Hope you had a wonderful celebration. Mike Phillips shared that he attended the Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium near Denver in March. While there, Mike ran into Chris Recker, Bill Barrington, Luke Cropsey and Kenyon Bell

Members 82% Sabre Society Donors 17 Polaris Society Members 1

I am very sorry to share that we lost a second classmate on 22 Jan 2023. Nate Barnes fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Barnes. On our class Facebook page, many classmates expressed sympathy and fond memories of Nate. If anyone has additional information to share, I will post it in our next article. Here’s a toast to Nate…

That’s all for now. Stay well, take care and please send updates for the next article to Mike and Amanda at usafa.1995@gmail.com.

–Amanda Steffey, usafa1995@gmail.com

–Mark Sotallaro, marksotallaro@gmail.com

1996

Greetings from the San Bernardino Mountains outside of Los Angeles, where Shayna, our dogs, and I spent the second half of February trapped inside our home thanks to a historic blizzard! Y’all really stepped up this edition with lots of great updates, so here goes:

Following up on the news included in the last edition of Checkpoints, Melissa (Wainwright) Bryant reports that she and Bob Bryant are doing very well after their liver transplant procedures. Fellow Bricks traveled to the Virginia Commonwealth University hospital in Richmond to help them recover. Tracy (Healy) Lorenz did an amazing job as Melissa’s caretaker the first

Shawn Anger and Bob Bryant at The Doorways recovery hotel in Richmond, Va., where Shawn supported Bob during his liver transplant recovery Noel “Molerat” Lipana is doing important work to protect communities and support military families and shared the following: “I’m entering my third year as a regional prevention coordinator for The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, Department of Homeland Security. What the heck is that? I do macro-level social work to prevent targeted violence like mass shootings and attacks on houses of worship. We use a health approach to educate, provide technical assistance, and grant money to schools, non-profits, and all levels of government to prevent bad stuff in our communities. Hit me up if you’d like an assist in your community. My side gig is co-facilitating Gary Sinise Foundation’s ‘Brothers At War’ workshops for military and their families. The workshops aim to strengthen family performance, reduce suicide, and increase retention in pre- and postdeployment phases. I recently did two for the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, where Morris ‘Moose’ Fontenot was last assigned, and have an upcoming workshop for the 146th Airlift Wing, where Chris Dougherty is wing commander. They’re free so let me know if you’d like us to come to your base/unit.”

Members 76% Sabre Society Donors 18 Polaris Society Members 0

Speaking of Chris Dougherty, he reported from the annual Phoenix Rally mobility conference in Tampa, Fla., having just taken over as wing commander of the 146th Airlift Wing Hollywood Guard at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif. Chris caught up with Mike Conley, Dan Begin and Jobie Turner, and noted many

other grads there, including Lisa Nemeth ’95, Dr. Jannell MacAulay ’98 and George Buch ’97.

Melissa (Baumann) Phillips sent in an awesome update from the Montgomery, Ala., USAFA AOG Founders Day dinner on March 31. There were 20 Class of 2027 appointees at the event, including two TAB “bricklets.”

Preston Phillips, Melissa (Baumann) Phillips, Lori (Edinger) Rasmussen and Foster Rasmussen. Not pictured, but in attendance was Reid Rasmussen. The boys hope to follow the path of their parents and pursue careers in flying.

Keyan Riley reached out to share some memories of our 1995 summer Russian language immersion trip to St. Petersburg, which included Brent Maier, Sean Bradly, yours truly, and some random West Pointers. What a great experience that was!

Gail (Butler) Mader reports that she recently completed continuing education in Thai massage. She says, “It’s where martial arts meets meditation. I’m in love with this modality and am excited to bring it to my clients. I think I’ve finally found my calling within massage!” You go, Gail!

Dale Riedel and Jennifer Riedel (Kornacker) at Steamboat Springs for a veterinary conference in March. Dale is sporting his retirement beard from active duty and was just awarded the 2022 Outstanding Civilian Attorney of the Year for Edwards AFB.

I’ll close with a note from Alan “Lick” McCraken Honestly, I never quite know if he’s pulling my leg, but his updates are hilarious, so here’s his note 100% unedited: “Finally getting some traction on a few projects out here in Burbank. Phew! Getting back door help from USAFA alum sure helps. Soup Campbell ’95 has done some plumbing work for us. Winski McGarry helpful next door neighbor type. And DeckDogg Decker is always willing to bring a few pizzas to the house! Team effort from a whole gang of fellas! It ain’t easy, but we’re Tough as Brix!” Indeed we are, Lick. Indeed we are.

What is up ’97? This is your new scribe, Noah Oviedo, coming to you from Boerne, TX. I agreed to take over the scribe duties from Melvin Maxwell. I think we can all agree that he has certainly done his fair share over the past 25 years or so. Mel passed the baton to me while we broke bread at La Fogata, in San Antonio. Thank you, Mel, and congrats on a great career.

The Oviedos rooting the Falcons to victory at the 2022 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth.

Alright, let’s get into it. I appreciate those of you who hit me up after the Facebook post. Brad Lucas, originally from the Den of Tiger Ten, dropped me a line. Brad lives in New England with his wife, Maura, and two daughters. In March, Brad was promoted to lead the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) business within General Dynamics Mission Systems. His business contains several Air Force-led programs including supporting the Minuteman III and Sentinel ICBMs. Brad has the pleasure of crossing paths professionally with Col. Cathy Barrington (Blake) and Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey (’95 and Tiger Ten boxing coach). Brad also relayed that his brother, Brett Lucas, leads e-commerce efforts for PepsiCo. Brett is based in the Chicago area and he and his wife have four children.

In honor of its 25th reunion, the Class of 1996 is raising money for a Tuskegee Airmen memorial at Davis Airfield. The project will include full-scale models of a P-51 Red Tail and a T-7 Red Hawk at the airfield entrance. It will embody and reflect all that the Department of the Air Force holds dear and expects of all airmen, guardians and cadets — Integrity, Service and Excellence.

’96 classmates, join us in standing up for USAFA and ensuring a legacy that helps shape tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force leaders.

Give at falconfunder.usafa.org/1996.

Let me catch y’all up. After graduation, I went to Rutgers University to perform the duties of a Gold Bar. I was told in the interview it was a grass roots program and I would go to Randolph AFB or Texas A&M. In true Air Force form, they sent me to New Jersey. I had a great experience once I discovered they do not make left turns in the Garden State. From there I went to UPT at Laughlin AFB followed by Corpus Christi NAS, where I graduated and went to the fly the mighty C-130. I started at Dyess AFB (40 AS) and finished up at Little Rock AFB (48 AS) flying the C-130J as initial cadre. Along the way, I got married to my wife of almost 19 years, JR. We have two children, son Townes (16) and daughter Casey (14). I separated from the Air Force in March 2008 and went into medical sales. I work for Philips

Brad Lucas and Cathy Barrington (Blake) at a 2022 Strategic Deterrent Coalition event.

I received a quick update from James Finlayson. He sent in a picture of himself, Phil Warlick and Jason Arnold. They crossed paths at a developmental team event at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Healthcare as a business development manager in the out of hospital space.

James Finlayson, Phil Warlick and Jason Arnold at Wright-Patterson AFB.

–David (English) Englin, david.englin@gmail.com

In my travels around the country, I have had some brief run-ins with some ’97ers. I ran into Rob Barnett at Love Field. He is a Southwest captain and lives in the Phoenix area. Not too long before that I ran in to Jason Ausdemore at Love Field as well. Jason lives in the DFW area and is also flying for Southwest Airlines. I had the chance to catch up with each of them for a bit. It was great to see them. I had a chance to spend some time with Justin Scott in the Dallas area. Unfortunately, we were headed to a funeral together, but it was still great to catch up. Justin and his wife Jessica live in the DFW area with their two kids. He flies for Southwest Airlines as well.

That is all for now. I am excited and honored to be the scribe for our class. It will work much better if y’all hit me up with pictures and updates whenever you can. If you find yourself in the Texas Hill Country, give me a shout, I’d love to catch up with you. Until next time, Keep it Revvin’.

–Noah Oviedo, noah.oviedo1997@gmail.com

The reunion is coming to life thanks to the great efforts of Felicia (Thompson) Recker and Roy Recker! I know there are many more names to add to this list when all is said and done so I will wait until that time. While no Dominator made the board of directors on the first round of 2023s Association of Graduates election, our class did have the most voters represented and thus our AOG account is now $500 closer to being out of the red, but do we really want to be out of the red? Another round of retirements from Dominators while also another four Dominators have reached for the stars and earned one! We do have the somber message to pass along on the passing of Rich Hemmings, who fought the valiant fight against cancer to be taken from us way too soon. To Rich, here’s a toast…

service to our nation. We are all extremely proud of you Dominators.

foster program with Blake Chaney’s parka, we are happy to do so.

In the retirement or soon-to-be-retirement world that I could find, we have Matthew Reynolds who closed his Air Force career at the end of March. Mark Falsani retired in January leaving many A-10s sad after he spent 4,400-plus hours showing them how it’s done (maybe insinuating that he is the reason so many needed new wings to extend their service life). David Pokrifchak retires at the end of May or I guess I should say retired so you all think this article was written just before July (psst…it’s April). I am sure I may have missed a few of you and I do apologize, but there is one last retiree that I know of who did it big in Colorado Springs retiring with the superintendent as the officiator… Chris Hawn. Thank you all for your 25-plus years of

Dominator Rich Meziere, left, presenting Mark Falsani with his retirement photo.

Speaking of proud, I received a gold star for making my bed for two days straight. That’s totally going on the fridge door of fame. But, maybe on a much more proud level we have four active-duty Dominators receiving promotion to brigadier general (that’s one star for those of you who don’t have your Contrails handy). These distinguished Dominators are Christopher Hammond, Leslie Hauck, M. Scott Rowe and Derek Salmi. In the Air National Guard, we have Amy (Petrina) Kremser taking on her star and growing that list of legends that are our Dominator Ladies!

A Dominated update came in from Sam Lopez that is too good to paraphrase. “I retired in Apr of 2017 as the IG at Fairchild. I got hired by Horizon and flew the E-175 for about 6 months before I started work at Delta, flying the Mad Dog out of Atlanta. I’m now flying the A350 out of Detroit. My family and I settled in the Seattle area (Maple Valley at your service) and have enjoyed living there since 2019. We were briefly neighbors with Scott and Jill Anderson, but they moved to California to pursue other opportunities during the COVID thing in 2020. I married Christina in 2012 and we have 3 kids, Madeline (10), Emily (8) and Noah (8).”

B squad preppie legend Gerry Gonzalez recently co-authored (but with a Dominating move was listed first) an article in the Journal of Military Learning. A simple title for a complex but important topic that I am going to write so I can be closer to my word limit: “A Combined Project Management and Operations Management Course Integrating the Two Disciplines to Better Teach Officers and Officer Candidates.” I think this means I have to add an acknowledgements page to my Contrails submission, but worth it. Great work, Gerry!

Drum roll please…Karl Falk has been named a 2023 Colorado Titan 100! As CEO of Botdoc, he has been selected for this honor. “Titan 100 recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-suite executives in a particular region who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their field.” Congratulations Karl and for all those looking to crash the party (word on the strips is free drinks…) be at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum on June 1st for the ceremony.

Karl Falk, left, Roy Recker and Recker’s Thumb of Dominance getting it done.

That about sums it up for this submission for Checkpoints. I know I missed many acts of Dominance out there as you all are a rather humble bunch. By the time this is printed, we will be three months out from the reunion and much more information will have been posted on the dark web and TikTok about our plans and maybe a little on our FaceSpace page. Either way, it will be another epic gathering of Dominators. We are all proud of how each and every one of you wake up and simply piss excellence! Because, if you’re not first…you’re last!

–Kevin Divers, 615-681-2539; kevindivers@gmail. com

1999

The Lopez Family on vacation in Hawaii last year. Sam’s mom is the young lady on the left!

In this year’s save of the year, we have Tracy Villano recovering a class print from shopgoodwill. com (not a sponsor). We have some takers and although it started with a $19.98 bid it made it to $22.98, which still counts as a Dominating purchase! It is Litho #833, so if we can get it back to the rightful owner or put it into the Dominator

Hey folks –

TJ Kreutzer never thought he’d be back at USAFA, but found his way to the Academy combatives department to represent We Defy Foundation there on a 36-hour whirlwind tour.

Naviere (Hall) Walkewicz is still working hard at the AOG and doing great things to make the organization more relevant to ever graduate. Mark Bauman and I appreciate everyone’s support during the last AOG board election cycle. Thank you!

In addition to her busy schedule in uniform

as the 302nd Operations Group commander, DeAnna (Haylett) Franks is giving back to our alma mater every day mentoring incoming U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates and newly minted United States Air Force officers.

Members 80%

Society Donors 12 Polaris Society Members 1

After graduating, DeAnna went to pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi, where her instructor pilot recommended she pursue a career with the C-130 airframe. Clearly, that was the right choice!

Down here in Tampa, Tom Lessner, Casey Guerrero, Pat Coggin and Matt Ghormley were in town for the mobility course for new wing commanders. Otis Hooper and I were able to join them for a quick visit while in town. Congrats, gents!

Hey gang! Class News closed out just as I was preparing for my retirement ceremony, so in good fashion the AOG Checkpoints staff gave me a mini-extension. If I was on my game, I would have gotten a Class of 2000 picture at my ceremony, when we had a nice sized gathering. Thanks to all those who came out, it was a huge honor. My family hosted a Cinco de Mayo retirement reception at the park near our home, and it was lots of fun. And we did take a picture of the remaining classmates, at that time:

Ameriprise Financial. Richie has retired from the AF, after an assignment at Scott AFB and so far is sticking around the IL area while his kiddos finish high school. The picture is posted on our Facebook page, but was not of high enough resolution for printing.

Members 74% Sabre Society Donors 14 Polaris Society Members 1

In other meet-ups, by happenstance, Matt Medley, Kris Malloy and Doug White were all attending different conferences at the same location - National Harbor, D.C. While Kris and Doug are relatively local to the area, it was a great opportunity to have a mini-reunion on King Street in Old Town Alexandria.

Lauren (Maher) Courchaine (presiding officer), Brent Kruel, Kevin Kuciapinski and Jason W. Simmons (retiree).

Thanks to all the others who also sent congratulations and good wishes, including Congressman August Pfluger, who was out-ofthe-country and unable to attend the ceremony, along with many other classmates in full-press as wing commanders, group commanders, and other outstanding positions continuing to drive our Air Force, as well as industry leaders too.

Matt Medley, Kris Malloy, and Doug White showing Class Spirit!

Tom Lessner, Casey Guerrero, Bobby Wolfe, Pat Coggin, Matt Ghormley and Otis Hooper catching up in Tampa.

Scott Fowler is flying for United Airlines and proudly reported that he was able to fly UAL Flight 99!

Randy Nguyen went all the way to NASA to hang out with a cardboard cut-out of Raja Chari Hilarious! I think Raja was giving his speech at the NCLS at USAFA.

I heard from Tracy (Tinianow) Bozung, who is finishing a current position as the 16th Air Force command surgeon, and moving to Offutt to take command of that Medical Group this summer. Amy Rivera is a Group CC overseeing security forces group at Kirtland AFB. Tom Bozung is a stayat-home dad. Casey (Tinianow) Parini is working civilian OB/GYN and is also in the Indiana Guard, as the chief of medical staff.

That’s it for now. Please send me class news when you read this … don’t wait until the call to go out, just push it to me now, if you would kindly do so. Until next time, BALLS!! - Cueball

Randy Nguyen and cardboard Raja Chari. I’m looking forward to hearing from you and reporting back on all the great things you’re doing. Please send me any updates and photos. People want to know!

Keep Shining! Bobby

Tom Bozung, Tracy (Tinianow) Bozung, Casey (Tinianow) Parini and Amy Rivera catching up. Bessie (Fontenot) Granier held a big 45th birthday bash in St. Louis and a 36 Proud Pink Panther classmate, Richie Seymour, visited from his place across the river near Scott AFB along with Tim Souhrada, who resides just outside of St. Louis. Fun was had by all! Tim Souhrada works for

2001

Hello ’01ers, Matt Welch sent me an awesome update. After working for Anheuser-Busch for several years, going back to school and working in corporate America for a while, he decided to pursue his passion project. He and fellow grads Ryan Garlow and Neil Poppe have partnered together to open a brewery in Amarillo, TX, along Historic Route 66. Even through COVID, they have continued to plan and build this dream together. Old Tascosa Brewing Company, which happens to also be backed by mostly USAFA grads, is under construction and coming soon! If you don’t follow Matt on Facebook, you should as I personally enjoy his blog which gives a raw, honest and emotional insight into he and his wife’s journey through adoption and parenthood. Thank you, Matt, for sharing all that with me and allowing me to share with the class. Greg Ball has also been working on several projects to include the opening of Jack’s

Sabre

–Bobby Wolfe, 984-664-1999; robert.wolfe. usafa@gmail.com

–Jason "JW" Simmons, 5756 Range Rider Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80923; usafa2000@ outlook.com

Chop House in Fredericksburg, TX. If you are visiting Texas, stop in and support our fellow ’01ers and send me pictures.

Italy. I will be coming to visit you.

Jason Harris ran into Mike Masuda and Robert Krueger at Buckley SFB. You can also see Jason in the History Channel special, The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters.

Tony Mariapain ran into Garrett and Carlin Fisher in Hawaii!

Lance Vivion shared that Zach Hall was brought to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery.

Camille Chigi’s husband is also running a business, GFaith, which has partnered with Nine Line! 100% of the profits go to preventing veteran suicide – just amazing!

Eva Sanchez Hoskins got the opportunity to work with Tim Spaulding and Dan Knerl on the B-21 program! Rob Marshall continues to travel the world and run into fellow grads along the way. Most recently, he ran into John Gately and his wife, Nina, in Croatia! Angela Feldman Ochoa ran into Jeff Ulmer who was a guest speaker at the AMC rally. He even read some quotes from one of our most favorite and treasured silver books!

Also, if you want a cool ’01 hat (we have three in the family now!) reach out to Kelli Chock as he ordered more after the reunion and they have come in!

That is all I have this time. If you haven’t joined the Facebook page, please do so. Lots of fun pics and articles are shared as we stay in touch over the years!

Thanks! Faith

–Faith (Hitchcock)

Eric Ballew with his 13-year-old son, Tyler, at the Memphis Pyramid while getting cancer treatment at St. Jude. Tyler flew the C-17 sim with the Tennessee Air National Guard. Thank you, team Memphis!

’01ers at the AMC rally are Jeff Ulmer (with Contrails) and Angela Feldman Ochoa. Other updates I gathered from the Facebook page: Mike Power was able to celebrate Philip Bryant taking command of the 582nd Helicopter Group at FE Warren AFB.

Melanie Bates Presuto is retiring and moving to

2002

Class of 2002! With a heavy heart I report that my son, Tyler, who had just turned 13, passed away in December from melanoma. We are devastated as a family, but I wanted to thank everyone who reached out and helped us get Tyler access to the best treatment possible. While we were getting treatment at St. Jude in Memphis, the Tennessee Air National Guard allowed Tyler to check out their C-17s and fly the full motion sim. He had an incredibly fun day and we very much appreciate our military family going out of their way to give him the opportunity to take his mind off of the multiple surgeries, sessions of radiation and chemo. We also had multiple 2002 classmates that are in the medical field presenting Tyler’s case at a dozen different rare tumor boards across the country while he was getting treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

We were also introduced to a world-class investigational oncologist in Los Angeles after three different 2002 classmates reached out and told him about Tyler.

We miss Tyler so much, and our hearts are broken, but we want to thank everyone who reached out, sent meals to the house and helped us. We appreciate it and will be forever grateful for your love and support.

The Long Blue Line weekend will be taking place July 28-29, 2023. All USAFA alumni are invited back for what they describe as a special weekend filled with celebration, networking and camaraderie. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to march back from Jacks Valley with the incoming Class of 2027. The AOG created a mobile app that you can download to your phone if you want to keep in touch with USAFA happenings.

Classmate Alex Thomas was hospitalized last summer with end stage kidney failure and began dialysis. He is currently on the deceased donor waiting list, but he also wanted to reach out to classmates to see if anyone was willing to get tested to see if they are a potential donor. Alex is married with a 12-year-old daughter and getting a kidney would mean more time with friends and family that care deeply about him.

Job Moves: Kevin Watry relinguished command of the 729th Airlift Squadron to fellow classmate Kennet Kirpatrick. Immediately following the change of command, Kevin retired from the Air Force Reserve. Dear Beloved gave national bestselling author Ryan Holiday a tour of the White House West Wing in April. Dear is wrapping up his third year at the White House and will soon be attending Senior Service School in Jordan.

Mini-Reunions: Tommy Cisar, Dustin Brown and Justin Pendry reunited in early March at Clune Arena to watch the Cadet Wing Open Finals. Troy McLaughlin and Will Doug hiked up Stanley Canyon in March and stopped by the Terrazzo to check out how

Eva Sanchez Hoskins with Tim Spaulding and Dave Knerl at Mitchell Hall.

Rob Marshall with John and Nina Gately in Croatia.

John Boyd, Khomani Shortte, Gary Cooper and Mustafa Danquah in Houston, Texas.

Dunn, faithd03@hotmail.com; FB: FB: USAFA Class of 2001

construction was progressing. David Jones retired from the Air Force on February 23. His ceremony was at the Air Force Museum at WrightPatterson AFB with Eric Currie, Dan Doak, and Joel McKowan all making the trip to celebrate this milestone with David. In April, Matthew Lewis celebrated his retirement with David Vizurraga making the trip to Columbus AFB to attend the event. Sean Smiley and David Romero ran into each other in Las Vegas in January. Sean was attending CES and David was teaching a mental health class.

retirement.

A Toast: We lost classmate Christopher James Reteneller on March 27, 2023. Chris had been battling cancer for more than a year and a half. He is buried in Omaha, Nebraska. Chris and his wife, Jill, have two children, Connor and Avery. You can read more about Christopher on our class Facebook page.

Check in with Checkpoints: As always, please continue to update me with your latest job moves and family updates anytime something cool happens! AOG membership is now free for all graduates, past and future. When you are talking to our classmates who are not members yet, tell them to sign up since it will cost them nothing and we can keep everyone connected. Keep taking photos and posting them to Facebook or email me anytime so I can keep our classmates updated on what’s new! We now have a Facebook page and a class page on LinkedIn, so come join the party! The AOG created a mobile app that you can download to your phone if you want to keep in touch with USAFA happenings.

Kim, we are deeply sorry for your loss and send our love. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging classmates to learn more and register. We also send our congratulations for graduating from law school. Classmates, if you were exposed to toxic burn pits while deployed, you can find more information about the recent PACT Act here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-andyour-va-benefits/. You can also add your name to the Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth. va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp.

In reunion news – our 20th reunion is confirmed for September 28-30. That weekend is a home game vs. San Diego State, and we’ll be joined by reunion classes 1973, 1983 and 1998. Rooms are blocked at the DoubleTree and our class dinner will be at the Flying W Ranch. The latest reunion information is on our reunion website (thank you Robert Rouse for creating it!): https://usafa2003reunion.webflow. io/. There is a survey link on the website to gauge interest for rooms and events. Please fill it out and share the website with classmates to continue to get the word out. Finally, if you’re not getting emails from the AOG, please take the following steps:

(a) call customer service at 719-472-0300 or (b) visit www.usafa.org and click login. Once logged in, contact information (full name, class year, mailing address, and preferred email and telephone number) can be updated. Also, update preferences on what types of email you want to receive. You may find you have turned off all notifications if you were receiving too much. We look forward to seeing you in the fall. Please keep the updates coming and send to our class gmail account.

Take care, Susan

2004

Huzzah, we have some updates this quarter!

Hi Bongers, I hope this update finds you doing well. We heard from Kimberly (Feikens) Stephens: “I am graduating from Drake University Law School on May 12. I also lost my husband, James Stephens, in September 2022. He died of colon cancer caused by burn pit exposure while serving in Iraq. I’d like to let classmates know they should determine if they’ve been exposed to burn pits and get their name on the registry.

"If we had known of our exposure, we may have caught it early enough to treat it.”

We also heard from Esteban Castellanos after his fini-flight in the C-17 and retirement ceremony. Joey is the squadron commander for the 301st Airlift Squadron at Travis AFB. Shane is the chief of OGV for the 349th, and it was Esteban’s fini-flight in the C-17 and retirement ceremony. He shared a pic and noted, “I’m rocking the cadet backpack, lol.” Congratulations, Esteban!

Steve Cooper is the last person to shine a spotlight on himself — despite being totally worthy of it, doing us proud in more ways than we can ever truly know (some career fields be that way sometimes...) — but he took pity on me and our empty column here by sharing some pretty cool news and great pics. Steve received the Sijan Award in 2020. The presentation was delayed until this year at the Pentagon, where he accepted the award from none other than the CSAF Gen. Brown and CMSAF Chief Bass. Below are his photos from the day with our two AF leaders and with Steve’s lovely wife, Amy. Steve is currently a National Security Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. We couldn’t be luckier to call Steve Cooper one of our own.

Eric Currie, Dan Doak, David Jones and Joel McKowan at the Air Force Museum, WrightPatterson AFB, celebrating David's

Kimberly (Feikens) Stephens and her sons remembering James.

Joseph Haynes ’02, Shane Evans and Esteban Castellanos at Esteban’s fini-flight in the C-17 and retirement ceremony.

Steve Cooper, center, 2020 Sijan Award recipient, with Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., left, chief of staff of the Air Force, and JoAnne Bass, chief master sgt. of the Air Force.

–Eric Ballew, 850.543.9936; ericballew86@yahoo. com; FB: USAFA Class of 2002

–Susan (Doyle) Maly, usafa2003@gmail.com; FB: Usafa Zerothree; LinkedIn: USAFA 03;

Steve Cooper, 2020 Sijan Award recipient.

Next scoop of class news: the batch of 50-plus ’04 grads currently in the NCR owe a massive THANK YOU to Lt. Col. John Schwartz for bringing us together on 15 April 2023 for a mini-reunion. John is currently wrapping up his studies at National War College and while in the area he’s been running into so many classmates he thought we should try to make a list and rally for a meet-up. Admittedly, ’04 was never known for being big joiners, but we were always up for a good time! As if simply seeing each other weren’t enough of a draw (some of us after nearly two decades since the last in-person contact!), Alex Granados was kind enough to make a generous donation covering the cost of a reserved restaurant/bar space and heavy appetizers, so we could reconnect without elbowing strangers or getting hangry. Alex is currently CEO of Prescient Edge, which I discovered from a bit of Googling is “a small business founded as a counterintelligence and human intelligence company in 2008, now a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and technology RD&E support solutions to the DoD and other institutions throughout the intelligence community.” Wowzers, way to go Alex!

Drum-roll, please, for the turnout...John counted 37 Ready for Warriors present and just over 50 attendees counting spouses, partners and friends! As many of you know, I don’t post names and such without people’s express permission, so I’ll omit the list here and leave it to your eyeballs to “where’s waldo” our faces.

for two things. First, to raise a toast in gratitude for this incredible community of graduates, to the Academy itself which brought us together, to the classmates we’ve lost along the way, and even to the Doolittle Raiders who made this time of year (o/a 18 April) historic long before we learned what it is to serve. And second, to commemorate our time together with the photo above. It was perhaps the quietest we Ready for Warriors have ever been...photo-CLICK!

2006

Hello 2006. I hope this message finds you well. Another quick update. Anyone else out there really busy? So glad we stay connected on Facebook.

Members 79% Sabre Society Donors 8 Polaris Society Members 1

All in all, rave reviews indicate Episode 1 of “04 Reunion Pre-Game: The NCR Edition” will definitely have us coming back for more. Hope to see even more of your wonderful faces at the next one! Until next quarter, take care of yourselves and each other, and have a wonderful summer.

2005

Class of ’05, We only have one update for this issue and it came in just under the wire.

Congrats to our very own Blake Baldi and the USAFA boxing team for bringing home the 2023 National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) National Championship, backed by four individual champions! The matches concluded on April 15th in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it is the program's first NCBA title since 2012. Congrats goes to Blake and his team for capturing USAFA’s 20th national title in the last 41 tournaments.

Gonna shout out to Joseph “Toga” Bisson right off the bat, because I get to see him here at Team Holloman pretty often and it’s cool to see a familiar face out there. He is getting ready to assume command here at Holloman and I am excited to see where he takes his squadron. He sent me a quick note when he was able to link up with some other classmates while TDY at a conference. I hope it was not a GSA conference Toga! He was able to cross paths with Rob Newton and Kyle Rykaczewski. Looking good gents.

Ready for Warriors reunite in the NCR. And here’s the rest of the picture, in words. Our corner of the room was abuzz nonstop from 6-9 p.m. and beyond, sharing tales from command, overseas, the schoolhouse, the five-sided puzzle palace, civil servant life, the wide world of business, ruling the roost; “small world!” path-crossing coincidences; feats of mid-life athletic prowess; family additions (kiddos, fur babies, fostering, adopting embryos--the whole gamut!); tough personal losses and seasons of growth; hair style changes; what some of us might do when the TAFMS clock strikes 20 next year—you name it, we probably covered it. We paused only long enough

Members 79% Sabre Society Donors 12 Polaris Society Members 1

That’s all we received for this issue. Thanks to everyone who reached out and keep the updates coming. Please send me a direct message on Facebook or email me at jgtamasitis@gmail.com and let me know the unit and when you took command. Also, join the class Facebook page if you have not already done so. Look forward to hearing from everyone in the future and Go Falcons.

Best, John

I also heard from Cat Harris. It sounds like she is on the leading edge of the innovation front. USAF Leads The Way! She let me know, “my innovation project was a Spark Tank finalist. No. 2 of 235 and first in industry.” I’d say way to go Cat. That number looks like the last strat on my OPR…not! Haha. Keep up the great work. Carl Chen is headed out of the financial management lane. I trust he had a great time and learned a lot. Enjoy COS (the Springs) brother and don’t be a stranger. Also, don’t tell everyone how easy the money piece is in our Air Force. Keep the magic alive. Haha.

Members 81% Sabre Society Donors 9 Polaris Society Members 2

I also heard from Andy Gray. I know he’s been out enjoying life and also doing great things. He let me know the following, “I took command of the 71st Fighter Squadron in Jan. Moving the F-22 fighter training unit from Florida to Langley. Met with Elijah ‘Animal’ Supper and flew the new nextgen fixed-wing helmet as part of the AF operational test. Animal is the pilot SME on the helmet with the contractor while he also flies for UPS.” Dang gents, like many of our class, y'all also out there doing amazing work. Awesome.

Rob Newton and Kyle Rykaczewski

–Breezy Long, windyshort82@gmaill.com

–John Tamasitis, 803-360-2970; jgtamasitis@ gmail.com; FB: USAFA Class of 2005

2008

Happy spring/almost summer classmates!

Only a few updates were sent in this quarter, but there are some good ones!

Brian D’Arcy pinned on lieutenant colonel in front of friends and family in March. If that wasn’t cool enough on its own, his ceremony was held in front of the Richter statue at Maxwell AFB...Choose your fate!

Andy Gray with a little one at the Academy.

As for me, and The Schulz Clan, still here at Sunny Holloman, New Mexico. Supposed to move next summer as I extended here a third year, but I can tell you that the AF grind has taken a real toll on this guy. I think the end of the tunnel is near and I will likely exit stage right within the next year. My family and I like it here in Alamogordo (El Paso is home) and we’ve planted roots. Kiddos in high and middle school and my bride likes her job. I will try to remain competitive for a civil service job if it presents itself. We also took the plunge, bought some land here and are working on a commercial endeavor. We are called Truck Yard 575, find us on Facebook if ya want. I’m not up to the pizza time level my pops was, but I’ll keep trying. God bless each of you. Don’t take life too seriously and get out and have fun. Take care of your families and reach out to those loved ones that you ain’t spoke to in a while. Cheers my friends.

That’s all from me this go. Hope to hear from more of y’all next time. Let me know if you are in New Mexico. Maybe we can meet up if you get to passing through! Thanks to those who provided updates this time around and spread the word to others that I will gladly accept more. As for me (ShawnSchuuuuulz), I will continue to support each of you any way I can. Keep those updates alive and flowing!

2007

’007, Unfortunately, I did not receive any updates for this edition of Checkpoints. I hope that means all of you are healthy, happy and busy with life’s finest. Good luck to everyone during PCS-season and best wishes during the summer months.

Members 83% Sabre Society Donors 5 Polaris Society Members 0

Lt. Col. Brian D’Arcy’s promotion ceremony.

Many from our class in the 2008 promotion group are pinning on lieutenant colonel now. Congratulations on these new leadership responsibilities and the pay raise! Others in the 2009 promotion group are anxiously awaiting their board results due hopefully in June (they may well know at time of this publication). Good luck and blue skies!

Back in the fall of 2022, a few Richter classmates had an impromptu reunion in Washington, D.C. Many margaritas and laughs were shared, as well as snuggles from the two babies present and another on the way!

From left to right Ashley (Snyder) Brogan, (Elizabeth “Ellie” Brogan made her debut on December 1st), Alex Watkins, Megan (West) O’Rourke, Ashley (Jensen) Fregly, Mandi Messinger, Rem Barnes, Ashly (Marshman) Barnes, Rex Barnes (in the stroller), Clay Cruickshank, and Julian Cruickshank (baby in car seat).

Members 72% Sabre Society Donors 5 Polaris Society Members 1

Ashley (Jensen) Fregly was recently made our class senator for the AOG Class Advisory Senate (CAS). The CAS meets quarterly and acts as a liaison to and from the AOG to our class. If you’d like to receive emails about the CAS meetings, updates from the AOG, and any other information that may be relevant to our entire class in the future, please use the QR code to subscribe below. She promises to keep the contact spam free! That’s it for our updates this quarter. Wishing you all a great summer and please send any updates for the fall quarterly! Until then, Choose Your Fate Richter grads!

Updates

2009

Hello fellow HUBsters, it’s Angélica Bergoo (Plazas) here. Thanks to everyone who sent info via Facebook and email.

If you would like to share updates for future editions, feel free to send me an email to angelicabergoo84@gmail.com or comment in the USAFA Class of 2009 Facebook group. If you would like to be in an email distro list to receive an email when Checkpoints updates are due, please send me an email. I promise I won’t sell your info to any advertising companies (yet!) ... JK.

A Class of 2008 get together.

Maj. Mark “Scuba” Govea and Lt. Col. Danielle “Loco” Ozment (formally Paya) met up during deployment to an undisclosed location in the Middle East. They shared this photo of their personal mini-reunion.

AF work related: David Puchalla celebrated his birthday by flying his KC135 “fini flight” on 22 Mar. David will leave active duty after exactly 14 years of service on 27 May 2023 with over 4,000 hours of flight time. He will transition to civilian life as a first officer for Delta and begins training in April. David, Shannan, Isabelle and Julia hope to move back to

Maj. Mark Govea and Lt. Col. Danielle Ozment

–Shawn “The Schulz” Schulz, 1106 La Bajada, Alamogordo, NM 88310; 915-309-5612; usafacad@hotmail.com; FB: AFA Checkpoints 2006

–Chris Donohoe, cdonohoe07@gmaill.com

–Erin Loesch, 325-721-7141; checkpoints2008@ yahoo.com; FB: USAFA 2008 Checkpoints

Minnesota to be closer to family. Congratulations Puchalla family!

Dakota Legislature on 3 Jan. It has been a big learning process but she is killing it. Keep up the great work!

David Puchalla and his family: Shannan, Isabelle and Julia.

Congratulations are in order for Erin Issler. She has been selected as the head coach for the U.S. Women’s Armed Forces Soccer team. Erin is making history as the first female head coach of Armed Forces Soccer! We will be cheering for you and the entire team during this year’s Women’s Military World Cup. Go USA! Gordon Boom set up a Maxwell happy hour on 13 Jan; Andrew West (SAASS) was busy reading and Matt Herzberg (SAASS) was coaching kids b-ball and couldn’t make the Hubtastic No Homework Thursday happy hour(s). On that note, Rudy Bowen has read an impressive 70+09 books at SAASS now. Keep up the good work!

Michelle Axtman (Bosch) at her desk on the Senate floor.

Kellen Curry has announced his run for the 3rd Congressional District (currently represented by Rep. George Santos) in New York’s 2024 primary election. He is the first Republican to officially file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to challenge Rep. Santos to represent his district. Make sure you check out the article in The Washington Post on 3 April 2023 along with other national news reporting on his campaign. We wish you the best and good luck! Christopher Vicari is living the life flying for American Airlines and living in San Diego. Kevin McDonald and Rebecca McDonald (Childers) continue their BIG adventure traveling the U.S. with their three kids. If you don’t follow them on Facebook, you are missing out for sure. Forrest Underwood participated in an AMOS conference in Maui where he is learning all about the future of training space warfighters with spy satellites. Jon Sepp continues his amazing work following one of his first passions: bison. Roam Free Bison Bites is now launching a new product in Costco. Don’t forget to try these products and follow Jon’s ranch adventures as a first-generation rancher serving the highest quality bison products.

’09 Our Time Happy Hour: Matt Pineda (ACSC instructor), Aaron Dachroeden (ACSC), Gordon Boom (SAASS), Ryan Sivertsen (SAASS), Jonathan Yates (ACSC) and Rudy Bowen (SAASS).

A bunch of ’09ers are finishing up their AOC stint this year. The group includes Christy Kinsey (Wise), Laura Waters (Martineau), Lauren Kruse (Chaffee), COOP Hagener and Daniel Hendren The Cadet Wing will be in good hands with James Hall and company. Daniel Hendren is transitioning to the VAANG to fly Raptors next summer. He will remain in a holding pattern at USAFA while he runs out the clock on his ADSC. You will find him teaching racquetball and (not) yelling at Firsties taking victory laps on the PFT next year. Brandon Palmer celebrated a mini USAFA reunion with 2005 and 2011 grads from Thailand at the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Mitch Fossum is moving to Seymour Johnson AFB this summer.

Weddings: Clint Walls celebrated a beautiful wedding on February 2nd. Congratulations Clint and Emily!

Civilian/Reserve Life: Michelle Axtman (Bosch) started her job as a senator in the North

Kids: Esther Anderson (Ludvicek) and Nathan Anderson welcomed their daughter and firstborn, Eve Joleen Anderson, in February. Melissa Jamison (Edwards) and Bruce Jamison welcomed to the world Grant Edward Jamison in April. Christopher Vicari and Amber Vicari welcomed their third kid and first son in October. Christine Kemnitz (Abayan) and Ryan Kemnitz welcomed their son Johan in March. Congratulations to all of you and don’t forget to take five extra minutes before changing a diaper.

Hope you are all having a great 2023 so far and keep making it ’09, OUR time!

Members 58% Sabre Society Donors 5 Polaris Society Members 0 –Angélica (Plazas) Bergoo, angelicabergoo84@ gmail.com; FB: USAFA Class of 2009

Hello friends! I am excited to be writing to you all and want to begin by thanking Todd for the amazing work he put in over the last decade-plus. He took on this challenge during the initial (busy!) years of a new Air Force career and I know we all appreciate his work. Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of sharing our updates!

2010

Members 53% Sabre Society Donors 5 Polaris Society Members 0

First off, I’m excited to share that many of our classmates have come full-circle and are returning to the old stomping ground. Steven “Adam” Pollock, Larry Fairchild, Mark “RAGE” Favinger, Myles Morales and Jacque Vasta (Harrier) have completed a masters degree in counseling and leadership as part of the Gen. Mark A. Welsh Leadership Development Program at UCCS (formerly referred to as the USAF AOC program) and have assumed command of squadrons at the Academy and Prep School as AOCs. They’re joined by Caroline Ojerio-Lannigan, who’s teaching in the economics/geosciences department. Her husband, Anthony Lannigan, is working across town at Peterson SFB.

The Lannigan family.

Congratulations are due to Cameron Dilts who was recently presented with the 2020 Jabara Award. He was recognized for a 2020 operation in which he helped evacuate nearly 200 special operations personnel threatened by an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack in the Middle East. Amazing work and way to represent. Read more about it in this issue of Checkpoints

Dan Wabinga is in D.C. at DLI-Washington working on a six-month course to learn Norwegian. After his training, he will PCS to Norway and be an exchange pilot with the Royal Norwegian Air Force out of Orland Air Base for three years. He’s going to work as an F-35 instructor pilot, and since he taught Americans, Norwegians and Italians at the 62d FS at Luke AFB he’s excited to continue building relationships with Norway and other F-35

partner nations, especially as Norway will likely play an important role in training with Finland as they join NATO and purchase F-35s. He’s been enjoying meeting up with RTB friends in D.C. while he’s there.

appealed DAFMAN 11-401, a regulation that ensures families do not fly together in order to prevent the loss of both members in the event of a tragedy. They leveraged an upcoming exercise that enabled them to accomplish their mission together and received approval to fly together taking turns and experiencing each other's flying style. If you want to read about their story, search “Andersen AFB Oliver Brothers” online for the article published by the base public affairs office.

contributions to our nation’s defense and financial well-being. You can find more information at www. masterofleverage.info

Dan had brunch in D.C. with Kevin McGuiness and Krystal McGuinness (Schweitzer) ’11.

I hope everyone is having a great spring. Please send me emails when you have something you’d like to share! We all love to read about big moves, job changes, new babies. We love small updates as well.

Living the dream, Erin

Leif Ericson and fiance, Ellen Geen, completed their restoration of a historic commercial building in downtown Paris, TX, in January. The building is a registered U.S. National Park Service historic preservation project. The project was a labor of love and the glow up is real! If you are ever in Paris, TX, drive by and put a selfie on our group Facebook page!

If you have a life update you'd like to share, please send them my way. — Jocelyn

Hendo headlining on his new release.

Next, we have Alex Wright His wife, Laura, and he escaped a frigid Wyoming winter by heading to the Galapagos Islands for two weeks. An amazing trip bookended by Denver’s coldest 23 February in recorded history. They selflessly serve a new black kitten, Loki, who is “training us well on how to satisfy all her desires properly.”

The original project definitely in need of a refresh.

Hap, Greetings and welcome to another edition of “Hey! Long time…wait, what?! Congratulations!” I am excited to share some impressive career achievements from some of our classmates.

Alex and Laura soaking in the southern hemisphere sun rays.

Now let’s talk about Alexis Laleman. Dating way back to our baby Wolverine days, Alexis and I have had the opportunity to cross paths a few times over the years. I know firsthand how much she is crushing life while leading the tanker community in theaters around the world. Recently conducting (and constantly innovating, of course) operations in the Pacific, she has been gifted another chapter at Al Udeid this summer and said the first round is on her if anyone looks her up.

Finally, we have my roommate, Mark Olme, and his all-star of a partner-in-crime, Lauren (Delaney). They recently finished touring all the socials taking their baby bump supersonic and on the news outlet circuit, including an awesome spread in People Magazine. They welcomed baby Oakley on 12 April. I’m sure he will be at least four inches taller than his dad and smarter than his extremely loving parents combined.

Renewed and refreshed! This historic building is now ready for a new life!

Michael Oliver and his brother Matthew ’19 made what may just be Air Force history! In an effort to make a lasting memory, they

First, let’s start with Ryan Henderson. After graduating from the Academy, Ryan has been a badass communications officer, serving in multiple missions across the world. He also wrote a book in his free time, which hits shelves on 20 June 2023. “Maser of Leverage: The Art of Leveraging Real Estate to Unlock the Momentum of Wealth,” is a tell-all on how to navigate life’s tricky decisions of growing financial stability through sound decisionmaking. Mr. Eagle informed me that Hap would be proud of his commitment to excellence and his

Matthew, left, and Michael Oliver pose for their historic flight together.

All three supersonic Olmes on the Dyess flightline.

(Keane) Killion, 2010checkpoints@gmail. com

The character of our classmates is constantly astounding and I am proud to highlight the awesomeness that is bubbling, brewing and gushing around us all the time. I hope this quick message finds everyone well and channels your innate connection to Hap when the going gets tough. If life still gets you down, reach out, we are connected and proud.

Cheers, LeRoi

–LeRoi Edwards, leroi.edwards@gmail.com; FB: USAFA Class of 2012

Newest Little Zeamers: Andrew and Melanie Dane welcomed baby boy, Duke, in February. Taylor and Amanda Scott welcomed baby boy, Theodore, in February. Stuart and Cindy Eichenberger welcomed baby boy, Brody, in March. Jon and Bethany Reasoner welcomed baby girl, Madeline, in April.

–Erin Grindstaff, erinrost1317@gmail.com

2015

Bros!

2013

Short update this quarter! We just wanted to make sure you are all aware of our 10-year reunion this fall! The dates are September 14-16 and there is a block of rooms being reserved for us at the Great Wolf Lodge! Check in starts at 1500 on the 14th and our reception is tentatively scheduled for 1800 on the 15th. Your reunion committee is hard at work making sure that our reunion is the Best to be Seen. More information will be posted on our reunion page as it becomes available: https://reunions.usafagroups.org/classof-2013.html.

A-10 demo pilot Lindsay Johnson

Peter and Sarah (Collins) Foschi got married on 3 November in Tucson, Arizona. Romantically, Sarah and Peter lived just down the hall from each other in CS-12, but they didn’t start dating until 2019 when they reconnected at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. They were fortunate enough to have many fellow classmates in attendance at their wedding, including Matt Gabreski as Peter’s best man, Emily Thompson as a bridesmaid, and several other 2014 graduates. They currently live in the Washington, D.C. area where Sarah is flying the mighty C-37 for the 99th Airlift Squadron and Peter is assigned to the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency.

I am pumped to bring you an update on one of my good buddies from our days at the Zoo that I recently got to see out in Okinawa. Aleks Akiyama checked in to the 909th ARS at Kadena in 2021 so we had some overlap on the island which meant plenty of opportunities to meet-up for sushi. A lot has changed for him since we used to meet in the Fairchild shoppette for snacks before our management classes Firstie year. Aleks and his wife, Emily, married in 2021. She runs a wildly successful chiropractic office in Okinawa and he is a KC-135 instructor pilot and flight commander. The most exciting news, however, is that they are expecting a little girl, due October 2023! Congrats Aleks and Emily!

Members 58% Sabre Society Donors 0 Polaris Society Members 0

Hope to see you all there! (And if you have anything you’d like us to talk about next quarter, please don’t hesitate to reach out)!

Karen and Dymo

–Karen Johnson, usafa2013news@gmail.com –Dymond James, usafa2013news@gmail.com

2014

Hey there Class of 2014! I have some awesome updates from a few members of our class.

Zeamer Updates: Lindsay Johnson made history after she was officially named the Air Force’s A-10 demo pilot for the 2023 and 2024 show seasons. She is the first female A-10 pilot to be selected for this position and she has already completed multiple demonstrations in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators. Congratulations, Lindsay! Way to represent the Class of 2014!

Seth and Kimberly (Bergo) Jackson are currently at McConnell AFB, but they are planning to continue their Air Force adventure at Pease ANGB in the near future. They will be joining Evan Menchen and Dan Dixon in the active-duty unit at the base where they will continue to fly the KC-46. In addition, Seth and Kimberly welcomed their beautiful daughter, Virginia, into the world in August 2022, and they are looking forward to spending more time together as a family.

Members 67% Sabre Society Donors 2 Polaris Society Members 0

Please feel free to hit me up with updates on yourself or any other Bros you may run into out there. I’d love to hear from you and share the exciting things going on for our class.

–TJ Mullins, mullins.timothy.j@gmail.com

Members 67% Sabre Society Donors 2 Polaris Society Members 0

2016

Hey Kleptos, this is Charli (Kemp) Rosenthal, it’s been a while! Our spectacular scribe for the past couple of years, Clare (Sakovich) O’Reilly, has turned the reigns over to me and I thought I’d use my first edition to introduce myself. I was in CS-37 and then CS-26. Sijan for life! I was a computer science major. A big thank you to my

2014 grads Peter Foschi and Sarah (Collins) Foschi tie the knot.

The Jackson family.

Aleks, Emily and puppies Pono and Ginger

other comp sci majors for pulling me through.

I did a bunch of activities for a semester or two including the tennis team, equestrian club, sailing club, BSU, and of course, blues dancing Doolie year. After graduation, I went to Keesler AFB for training as a 17D/S (Comm/Cyber). After finishing the schoolhouse, I headed off to Maxwell Gunter Annex and worked for AFLCMC, where I also was able to work for the 26 NOS (highlight of my short career). During my time in beautiful Montgomery, Alabama, I got married to the beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk-ox that is Drew Rosenthal in late summer of 2017.

things you’re doing! And if you know of a classmate doing awesome things, send me the story!

Once Drew was finished with pilot training, we finally got stationed together in Las Vegas. I was at Creech AFB working base comm and Drew was at Nellis AFB with the 66th Rescue Squadron. After a while, we decided to try and add a few future Academy grads. Drew somehow managed to be deployed during both of my pregnancies. Our first, Harper, was born in 2020 and our son Henry was born 16 months later. Soon after Henry’s birth we moved to Moody AFB, which took us back to my home state of Georgia.

Mazel Tov class. It is I, Austin Anderson! I’m so happy to be able to take on this new position. Please follow me on social media to send in updates as well, or I’ll go digging. As for me, what have I done since graduating our beloved school? Nothing much except living in rural MS flying the T-38, but soon to be moving to the Viper. Many have asked, why did I take this position? Well rumor has it that we get to revote for class president soon!?

I elected to leave the Air Force after Harper was born and I love being able to spend time with our kids (and using my Academy training to lead the occasional squadron spouse group function). But enough of my life; the reason I volunteered is because I love the Checkpoints class update. I love seeing all of you succeed and feel like we’re still together in a way. Please email or Facebook message me with any and all of your updates. Even if an event happened a while ago, I wanna know! If we are friends on social media, I will be scouring my feeds for updates and writing about you. And if we’re not, add me and share all of the exciting

Speaking of class president, James Hanley after an illustrious AF career still sticking it to upperclassmen and permanent party is transitioning out of the Air Force and he and his wife, Alexis, are setting up shop in the Boston area! He also just got accepted into an MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management. He wants EVERYONE in the entire class to know that his door is always open and would love to catch up! Follow him on LinkedIn for his constant life updates.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know classmate Rhea McFarland is creating history as the first Black female pilot to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for her efforts in aiding the Afghanistan evacuation. She says next on her list is hopefully weapons school. We’re proud of ‘ya girl!

Lastly, it’s baby time for the class. Cynthia Elizondo and her husband just had their second kid. It’s a wiener dog but a kid to them. Cara Curran and her husband are living their best lives in Singapore and are expecting a baby. The bolt brotherhood's best chance of seeing a Heisman winner, Weston Steelhammer and his wife, Katelynn, are expecting a baby soon as is teammate Claude Alexander and his wife, Jordan. Jesse Washington and his wife, Budget, have a little one baking. Next up, Haji Dunn to complete the class of 2045 roster!

As always, send me updates #respectallfearnone

I remember our commitment dinner like it was yesterday. I remember the awkwardness as we mingled with our new squaddies having just switched squadrons. I remember the nerves as the weight of the fact that we were committing the next seven years of our life to the Air Force sunk in, let alone the nerves of making sure we wouldn’t get kicked out in the next two years and have to pay back our tuition. I remember the excitement, too, as we knew we were starting a journey that would take us places we could never imagine. And what a journey it has been! I, for one, cannot believe that was seven whole years ago. But since our commitment is officially over, I applaud you all for making that commitment in the first place and for sticking it out even through the notso-great times. For those who have decided to hang up the uniform, I sincerely say thank you for your service. For those who are sticking it out a few more years (either by choice or through an extended commitment), I hope the next part of your journey is fun and exciting and you find that it is a privilege to serve this fine nation.

Let’s jump into updates from the class: One new journey will begin soon for Josh Gallaher, Sarah Dominichini, Alia (Lemm) Tate, and Kasey (Raia) Stout who all got picked up for pilot training. It is extremely competitive to switch to pilot from another career field, so hats off to you all and best of luck at UPT! Alia will actually be switching to the Guard and already knows she will be flying the F-16 out of New Jersey upon graduation. Other flying news brings that Ryan Beveridge and Chris Patti are moving to the F-35 (from the A-10 and F-16, respectively). Alisha Martin just finished Osprey training and will be moving to England for her first flying assignment.

Charli (Kemp) Rosenthal and Drew Rosenthal’s wedding.

Rosenthal family photo with the mighty HH60W.

Capt. Rhea McFarland receiving her Distinguished Flying Cross.

Alia Tate in front of her future plane.

–Charli (Kemp) Rosenthal, rosenthal.charli@ gmail.com

–Austin Anderson, austin.anderson13@yahoo. com

Another impressive job switch is from Kelsie O’Brian who just graduated from Test Pilot School in CA. Kelsie was in the Space Test Course, which she said was very difficult. She is in the Space Force currently stationed in Denver.

Engagement news includes Evan Loughlin, T-38 FAIP at Vance, who popped the question to Morgan; Josh Wheeler, C-5 pilot at Dover, to Sarah; and Nick Vaccarella and Riley Popovich (not to each other… I just didn’t know each of their fiancé’s names at the time of writing). Congrats also to Justin Blumas who tied the knot with long-time girlfriend, Yuni, and Claire (Hickerson) Eddins who had a small wedding celebration in England where she flies the F-15E Strike Eagle.

Joey Gebhart and his wife, Summer, had their second child born in January. The Gebharts are finishing up their time in Columbus, MS, where Joe flies the T-6. They will be going to McConnell, KS, next to join the KC-46 community. Lastly, Hazel Grace was born to Andrew Scott and his wife, Daisy.

Please let me know what other exciting adventures everyone is up to!

In Service, Liza

Hola ’19ers. I hope all is well, and if your first part of 2023 was as busy and fun as mine, you’re enjoying life! The beginning of this year brought many proposals for ’19ers.

future after the Air Force. Starting us off, Nathan Kuypers is one of the last active-duty members to complete the F-15C B-Course in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He should be finishing up in June of this year. Justin Waligora and his wife Abby ’20 finally got their joint spouse assignment to DavisMonthan AFB and they also kicked off the year with the purchase of their new house together in Tucson, Arizona. Abby is training for the EC-130H Compass Call and Justin is doing 14F Info Ops “Jedi Mind Trick Things.” Lucas Beissner completed his course at ENJJPT and will be flying the F-16. Early this year Meriah Valk, Kathy (Lim) Raess, Sara Cook, Quinshay Perkins, Dave Cooper, RJ Jackson and Aryn Maxwell all completed the first Red Flag of 2023. Tanner Germann, Andy Germann, Hayden Molitor, Beth (Hartman) Mueser, and I were some of the ’19ers present for the Red Flag held this past March.

In the PCS news, Josh Wojciechowski has completed his assignment in Enid, Oklahoma, and is moving to Turkey for a year this upcoming summer. Melissa (Berger) Crotts announced she moved to Beale AFB near Sacramento, California. Devin (Burger) Rousseau and her husband, Ben, announced they will be moving to Alaska this summer. The two are excited for their next adventure in Anchorage.

Claire

Eddins on her wedding day.

On March 14, Jordan (Schumacher) and Collin Grahl welcomed their first baby, Oliver Patrick. They enjoyed some pie in celebration of his birth and because it was pi day (the date was 3.14).

The Grahls are in San Antonio, TX where Collin is currently finishing up the first year of his psychiatry residency at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. It is a four-year program and after he finishes, he will be qualified to test to become a licensed and board certified psychiatrist. Jordan works as the deputy branch chief of Operations Support at AFPC (on Randolph AFB), which supports the Air Force Total Force Service Center. Besides the incessant mosquitoes, they are enjoying San Antonio and are glad to have a few years of stability there, close to family and with a big backyard for their dogs!

Starting off, Derek Greenwald, the teddy bear himself, proposed to his fianceé, Mary Method. Drew McAdams proposed to Hannah Perrien, and she said yes. Paige Harrison said yes to her fiancé, Colin, on a trip to Antarctica — that’s legendary material right there! Nathaniel Graham proposed to the love of his life, Teresa Pivoto. Finally, Michael Lawrence got engaged this past February.

In Cyber, Nick Anapol recently began work as an OIC of data integration at Shaw AFB in South Carolina. Nick also came down to Tampa to visit the Gasparilla Festival this past January and had a blast of a time. Marcus Bennett has taken on a more leadership role down in Montgomery where he is putting his leadership skills to good use and seems to love every minute of it. He’s also one heck of a football coach as he is active in the coaching community there.

Ryan Yoo, Cody Chew, Pete Curtin and Megan McCormick visited Tampa this past January and February. Both Ryan and Cody are doing well as part of the KC-135 fleet out in Kadena. Pete and Megan are staying busy up at McChord flying the C-17.

Finally, in academia, Eugene Kim recently announced that he will attend The Ohio State University’s Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy program this fall.

A couple ’19ers tied the knot this quarter. In January, Anna Wielbacher said I do and became Anna Hartkopp. Leslie Fallert also married Courtney Jean this past January.

In baby alert, we have four ’19ers who announced the birth of their own baby falcons. Shoutout to Janel (Valerio) and Eric Yandura who announced the birth of their baby girl, Liv, this past January. Ryan and Andie McKenna also announced the recent birth of their baby boy, Miles McKenna. Nathan Kuypers (Mr. 1016 himself) announced the birth of his third baby, a beautiful baby boy named Lucas. Congratulations to all of the couples as they embark on the journey of parenthood!

The past few months have been filled with some awesome work updates for ’19ers. As we close in on our fourth year in active duty, PCS season is approaching. Some people are doing upgrade training, and some are getting ready to look to the

Well ladies and gents, that concludes this class update. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a special shout out to Victor Lee. I am told that they have finally added felt pads to the chairs in Fairchild Hall. I’d also like to shout out James “Schween Bean” Schwerner for his excellent performance on multiple back-to-back TDYs to start off the year including some alert sitting and surfing the waves of Hawaii. The dude is an absolute Clydesdale in the tanker and his comms are lights out. That’s all from me folks. I am decreasing my social media presence so feel free to shoot me a text or call at 419-215-3067 if you have any updates, corrections, or shoutouts you’d like me to add. Stay golden

The Grahl family

y’all!

–Liza Matson, Lkmatson18@gmail.com

–Michael Grindle, 419-215-3067; mcgriddle96@ gmail.com

Hello fellow ’20ers!

This may come as a surprise, but I’ve suffered from a bit of writer's block this past quarter. Please keep sending any and all news updates to bobnews2020@gmail.com so I can keep the rest of the class posted on what we’re all up to. Since we’re here, I would like to congratulate my current roommate, Mark Wojick, for having thus far found three diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Living with him is more or less like living with the Dos Equis guy, except Mark is way more interesting.

aircraft up and safely returned to the ground, which is fun. After some social media stalking, I’m going to share some updates from fellow members of the class who have popped up on my timeline lately. I recently ran into Shaina Smidt at the legendary Levitow Fitness Center at Sheppard AFB and noticed that she just completed an Ironman! In Air Force related news, Joseph Woodring won Junior CGO of the Quarter for the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson. Anyone who knows Joey never would’ve thought this day would come, perhaps the apocalypse is closer than we think. Gabriel Otley recently returned from a deployment to Africa supporting the AFSOC mission, a true warrior and a good man to boot. At Tinker AFB, Landon Moore and Hunter Myszka are doing great things as ABMs on the AWACS.

Members 61% Sabre Society Donors 0 Polaris Society Members 0

Other than that, I would like to mention that my favorite color is blue and that we should all congratulate ourselves for reaching our threeyear pay raise back in April. Great work! Keep sending info my way, or I’m going to have to use the next column to tell the infamous story of Bobby Sood’s 21st birthday upstairs at O’Malley’s.

Stay Suave – Curtis

-Curtis G. Smith, bobnews2020@gmail.com

runs the USAFA admissions Instagram page (@ usafaadmissions) and has taken the account to new heights. In their free time, some of the 22ers working in admissions also found the time to get scuba certified!

Members 83% Sabre Society Donors 0 Polaris Society Members 0

There is a group of ambitious casuals who have been filling 13 of the 18 total officer billets in the 94th FTS at USAFA. This includes two flight commander positions and running most of the shops associated with the cadet soaring programs. While they are soaring through their duties, they’ve also managed to make some awesome memories along the way.

2021

Hello classmates! It is me, Pat. I am your new scribe for the Class of 2021. I did not receive word from anyone since the last edition of Checkpoints was published, which makes me sad. I always enjoy flipping through the back pages and seeing what’s going on with the classes of 2018-2022 and I think we can make this something great if enough people reach out! So please, send me an email at the address below with updates regarding weddings, engagements, babies, birthdays, marathons, dogs, drop nights (for you flying types), assignment orders, random classmate run-ins at airports, and anything else you want to share with the class.

Landon bought a lovely home just outside of Oklahoma City and Hunter totaled his puke green 2009 Toyota Camry, which some of you may remember as a Sijan Firstie parking lot favorite due to its prominent hood scoop and lack of hubcaps (he wasn’t hurt, which makes this okay to laugh at). For me, I had the time of my life during tech school at Sheppard AFB with a slew of c/o 2021 legends to include Joseph Woodring, Benjamin Hoffner, Gabriel Otley, Corbin Blanchard, Luke Zuluaga, Mollie Bushleman, Tynisha Spencer, Tom Durocher, Omena Mushale and Dustin Wagner. That’s all of the things I could think of on my own, please help me out next time or I’ll keep telling you about my own mundane life in increasingly boring detail. Congratulations to all on the promotion to 1st lieutenant, I know I’m happy to get rid of the butter bar and to get a substantially larger paycheck. I hope everyone is doing well!

Members 55% Sabre Society Donors 1 Polaris Society Members 0

Since nobody else wanted to share, you’ll have to hear about me. I’m stationed at Shaw AFB as an aircraft maintenance officer and I’m living with a new roommate, Keegan Kerkman. Along with Christian Bruce, the three of us are rocking and rolling in the 20th Maintenance Group, getting

Great news guys, no poetry in this edition. Isabella Horning and Christian Sardelli both reached out to share with all of us some updates from the Lt’s who have yet to move away from the glorious hill.

First of all, a huge congratulations to Jared Jenkins and Ymani Nesmith who got married! Catie Grebe got engaged to Jake Cushatt at Disney World after running a half marathon. Andrew Ka and his wife had a healthy baby boy! Jack Wofford now

While their days do consist of a lot of hard work, they’ve found time to have a Ned Flanders mustache competition, sing a lot of karaoke, Blake Harrison nearly had a run-in with a civilian glide, and a few have had the chance to travel to Spokane and make new friends and spend some time outdoors! Despite their thrilling tales, these Lt’s still have a little bit of time to go before they make it to pilot training. None are looking forward to it more than Jake Cushatt who is barreling down on that 20-year mark, though all of his experience is likely to lend him a great leg up at UPT.

Good luck to everyone starting their follow-on training and congratulations to those who already have it done!

-Jacob Ellison, jacob.ellison623@gmail.com

A gaggle of young USAFA alum maintainers soak up the Texas sun and enjoy some cocktails with friends.

Nikita Webb, from left, Blake Harrison, Christian Sardelli, Luke Gorham, Garhett Shaw, Jared Bachman, Trevor Ervin, Daniel Huntsman and Jake Cushatt.

-Patrick Fenton, 845-499-0791; pjaf22@gmail. com

Col. (Ret.) Randy Helms ‘79, Colorado Springs City Council president; Lt. Col. Colin LaFavor ‘07, commander of the 16th Special Operations Squadron; Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ‘86, superintendent of U.S. Air Force Academy; Michael Van Hoomissen ‘79, Class of 1979 president; Karen Roberts and Jennifer Lavery, Maj. Paul Weaver’s sisters; and Mark Hille ‘97, president of the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation, cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the Spirit 03 Memorial on the Academy’s Honor Court.

LASTING LEGACY

In honor of its 40th reunion, the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1979 supported the creation and placement of the Spirit 03 Memorial at the Air Force Academy’s Honor Court. Dedicated on May 5, the memorial honors 1979 classmate Maj. Paul J. “Dream Weaver” Weaver and his AC-130H crew, who made the ultimate sacrifice Jan. 31, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm.

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ‘86, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, addresses a crowd of nearly 200 people during the May 5 dedication of the Spirit 03 Memorial. “We’ll remember the courage, we’ll remember the commitment, we’ll remember the dedication not only of Spirit 03, but all of our AFSOC warriors. And this monument ensures that our history and that the sacrifices of Spirit 03 will never be forgotten,” he said. (Photos by Ryan Hall)

The Class of 1979 reunion gift, coordinated through the Air Force Academy Foundation, includes nearly $500,000 to fund the memorial and another $1.3 million in support of the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, currently under construction.

“To the cadets in the audience: May this memorial serve as a reminder of the sacred sacrifice we may all be called upon to give one day. … You share a legacy with some of the most incredible humans who ever walked on this earth,” said Lt. Col. Colin LaFavor ’07, commander of the 16th Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The squadron, based at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico, was home to Spirit 03 and its crew.

The Spirit 03 sculpture was created by Jim Nance ’71

THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE IS HERE!

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Whether you’re buying, selling or investing in Real Estate, the Fighting Falcon Home Team is your strongest wingman.

Seriously above and beyond any realtor in Colorado Springs! My house was listed and sold within 48 hours! I was able to move my family in a safe and secure manner, without feeling rushed, which is extremely important and they made it happen without hiccups. Do not look anywhere else!! They make you family, period! I’m so sad to leave this group of people, but if we’re ever back or ever need anything anywhere, they’re just a call away! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! *tears*

SIOBHAN CELUSTA ’02

— Samantha

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

SPACE EXPLORATION

CADETS ENJOY CHANCE TO LEARN FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS

By David Bitton

Air Force Academy cadets interacted with space leaders while viewing more than 200 space-related exhibits during the 38th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.

Dozens of cadets — some of whom plan to join the Space Force — attended the symposium which has grown into the premier U.S. space policy event, attracting more than 10,000 space professionals from around the world.

Cadets also manned a booth during the four-day symposium where they shared information about designing, building, testing and flying cadet-built satellites.

Lt. Col. Heather Greatting-Dufaud ’05, an instructor in USAFA’s astronautical engineering department, is grateful that the Colorado Springs-based Space Foundation — which hosts the Space Symposium — gives USAFA a free booth where cadets can talk about the FalconSAT Program.

“This event is an amazing opportunity to get our cadets out to talk with industry and learn what’s out there in the space industry and get them motivated to be officers and to lead,” Greatting-Dufaud says.

Astronautical engineering major C2C Abigail McCue, who attended the Space Symposium last year and again this year, says the gathering helps cadets understand how their studies apply to realworld challenges.

“To see all of this cool technology really puts into perspective why we’re doing hours of homework,” she says. “It’s

Air Force Academy cadets experience the Sierra Space exhibit at Space Symposium.

Academy cadets C2C Ashley Nies, from left, C2C Abigail McCue and C2C Sonja Nelson pick up rocket stress relievers from an exhibitor at Space Symposium. (Photos by David Bitton)

to produce and get to work with all these amazing people that come here. For anyone with my major, it’s kind of like going to Disneyland.”

Fellow astro major C2C Sonja Nelson says she enjoyed talking with people and picking up some of the free promotional material many of the exhibitors were giving away.

“We haven’t had exposure to so many space industries at the Academy, but we have learned a lot about them,” Nelson says. “It’s super cool because you actually

get to talk to them firsthand and learn what they’re all about.”

As cadets visited exhibits, they inevitability bumped into USAFA grads working in the space industry including Col. (Ret.) Kenny Robinson ’82 and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Catton Jr. ’76.

Col. Robinson is the chief diversity officer at Northrop Grumman, where he oversees development and culture while also running the ethics and wellness programs.

“Nothing's more exciting than to

CHECKPOINTS BONUS CONTENT

see the next generation of leaders ready to inspire and make a difference in the future,” he says of his interaction with cadets.

Gen. Catton, a consultant for Jacobs, says having cadets attend the Space Symposium is a win-win.

“The cadets without a doubt represent the future of our country,” Gen. Catton says. “It's good to see them bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and excited to be here. It’s also good for industry to see them because they will understand the future is in good hands and that America is going to be okay.”

Maj. Gen. John Olson ’92, mobilization assistant to the Chief of Space Operations and Space Force, describes the Space Symposium as “profession speed dating for us in the space community. A lot of good work gets done here.”

He says it’s also great for cadets. Gen. Olson has two sons currently at the Academy — C2C John Olson and C3C Joseph Olson.

“This is an opportunity for cadets to not only hear from our senior most leaders, like the secretary of the Air Force and the chief of Space Operations, as well as our international partners and allies, but equally important, they get to see where the cutting edge of industry and academia and our interagency partners are.”

LEFT: C2C Ashley Nies tries her hand at solving a rubik's cube at the Space Symposium.

BOTTOM LEFT: Col. (Ret.) Kenny Robinson ’82, left, talks with Air Force Academy cadets on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 during the 38th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.

23

USAFA CLASS OF CELEBRATES COMMISSING AND COMMENCEMENT

Mostly overcast skies and an occasional drizzle couldn’t dampen the excitement at Falcon Stadium Thursday as 921 freshly-minted second lieutenants celebrated commissioning into the U.S. military during the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony.

President Joe Biden sported a blue and white Air Force hat while offering a smile, salute and handshake to every young officer as they made their way across a stage after receiving their diplomas.

“I’ve never been more optimistic about the future for this country, in no small part, because of you,” Biden said.

Family members and loved ones waved and cheered from the stands as each second lieutenant’s name was read. The 97 distinguished graduates were honored followed by grads from each squadron. All wore parade uniforms with white pants, blue tops, ovalshaped white-topped caps and either a gold or silver sash.

This year’s graduating class was 71% male, 29% female, of which 31% were minorities.

ABOVE: Newly minted 2nd Lt. James Landy and his classmates react to the iconic hat toss and Thunderbirds flyover.

BELOW: The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, thrill the Falcon Stadium crowd at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023.

(Photos by Ryan Hall)

President Biden proudly noted the percentage of minorities while delivering the graduation address.

“We have the finest military in the history of the world,” Biden said. “That’s the God’s honest truth. Today is a day to celebrate.”

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, USAFA superintendent, delivered opening remarks, telling graduates, “We are here for one reason only, to honor the commitment, sacrifice and dedication of the Class of 2023.”

The new officers arrived at the Academy in June 2019, eight months before a global pandemic began to take hold. They were sent home early their fourth-class year to learn virtually but were brought back on schedule for their third-class year because “your country needed you,” Gen. Clark said.

Gen. Clark says he can sum up the Class of 2023’s experiences the past four years in one word: “resilient.”

The class touts one Rhodes Scholar, one Marshall Scholar, two Truman Scholars and two Fulbright recipients.

One quarter of the class, 230 individuals, are headed immediately to earn advanced degrees. Nearly 400 are headed to pilot training.

“I’m so honored to be your superintendent because when the odds were against you, you did not falter, you did not fail, you survived and you thrived,” Gen. Clark said.

The Honorable Frank Kendall, 26th secretary of the Air Force, also attended and spoke to the new officers.

“Our country needs strong leaders,” Kendall said.

He encouraged the graduates to be leaders of character, to take care of those they oversee and to be the people the country can count on.

2nd Lt.’s Ashford Hollis and McKayla Mickel both said the road to becoming commissioned officers was long and difficult but agreed that celebrating on the the Falcon Stadium field as the Thunderbirds performed an air demonstration made all the hard work worth it.

Hollis is headed to Colorado School of Mines to get a master’s in chemistry, while Mickel is going to Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Hawaii, where she will be a force support officer.

2nd Lt. Chris Sylvester, who is headed to pilot training, said he’s made a lot of good friends at the Academy and that they have leaned on one another to get through tough times.

2nd Lt. Jesus Diaz, of Peru, said the past four years have been amazing.

“It was a dream to be here,” Diaz said. “Now I’ll take those wonderful memories with me for the rest of my life.”

LEFT: Members of the Class of 2023 cheer as the Thunderbirds fly past.

(Photo by Ryan Hall)

CHECKPOINTS BONUS CONTENT

ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE FIGHT

By David Bitton

More than a dozen USAFA graduates shared their expertise and opinions about preparing for a future fight during the Air & Space Forces Association’s annual Warfare Symposium March 6-8.

The three-day event attracted thousands of military personnel and industry leaders to Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado, to hear from more than 100 speakers and learn about the newest technology while visiting more than 100 exhibitors. This year’s theme was “Dominant Air & Space Forces to Deter, Fight & Win.”

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Doug Raaberg ’78, executive vice president of AFA — a professional military and aerospace education association — led a panel discussion titled “Joint Warfighting Requirements: The Forces Needed to Win and Fight.”

Gen. Raaberg spoke with fellow USAFA grads Gen. David Thompson ’85, vice chief of Space Operations for the Space Force, and Gen. David Allvin ’86, vice chief of staff of the Air Force.

Gen. Thompson and Gen. Allvin both sit on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) and are direct representatives to the joint force on all current and future capabilities the Air and Space Forces provide combatant commanders.

“They lead an important role to articulate strategic and operational imperatives that drive force structure and force presentation to warfighting commands,” Gen. Raaberg said.

Gen. Thompson talked about the Joint Warfighting Construct — which then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper advocated for in 2019. Since then, the Department of Defense has been working to develop the construct of how the

joint force will approach a future war and what it could look like.

“We are talking about thousands of targets over billions of cubic miles on land, at sea, in the air, in space and in cyberspace that we will have to identify, track, target and defeat at a size, scope, speed and scale that is never heretofore been experienced,” Gen. Thompson said. “And in order to do so, we will have to very, very tightly integrate air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations forces together in a way that we have never done before.”

Gen. Allvin said getting the U.S. military service branches to work as one has been a challenge.

“Getting the entire JROC to be as it was envisioned has been a long slog, and we can really credit some of the most recent acceleration of that to Gen. (Ret.) John Hyten (former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff),” Gen. Allvin said. “I’m optimistic that once we have a common set of as -

sumptions that we can compare capabilities against, we are going to be able to go faster to achieving better joint efficiency.”

Gen. Allvin also spoke of the importance of one team, one fight.

“This is going to be challenging for the joint force to do because it is a significant shift,” Gen. Allvin said. “Here’s why I’m confident that we can do this. I believe that from the top down, from the president’s National Security Strategy, through the National Defense Strategy, through the supporting National Military Strategy, through the Joint Warfighting Concept, through the supporting concepts, through the Air Force Future Operating Concept, and the secretary’s Operational Imperatives, there is alignment like I have never seen in my over three and a half decades. There is an alignment about the threats that the facing challenge offers us.”

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91 (second from left), commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks during a panel at the Air & Space Forces Association’s annual Warfare Symposium. (Photos by David Bitton)

Whiting

Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting ’89, commander of Space Operations Command, participated on a panel titled “Every Threat a Target” where he spoke about how cyber is the soft underbelly of space and how important it is to embrace the intelligence being collected.

Gen. Whiting also mentioned how assets in space gathering information and sending it immediately back to friendly forces works as a deterrent against potential adversaries.

Grads

Another panel with heavy USAFA grad presence titled “Agile Combat Employment: Are We Ready?” featured Maj. Gen. Derek France ’92, Third Air Force commander; Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command; Lt. Gen. Alexis Grynkewich ’93, commander of Air Forces Central Command; and Lt. Gen. Michael Loh ’84, director of the Air National Guard. That panel discussion was led by Col. David Pappalardo, French Air and Space

Attaché.

Gen. Bauernfeind spoke about the importance and impact an agile team can make, highlighting how Air Force special operations has created mission support teams in the past two years. Airmen from a variety of career fields spend more than one year learning and training with special operations forces. They are part of a team and train for a specific mission.

“We have seen great success,” Gen. Bauernfeind says. “Our airmen are so much more than one AFSC.”

—Gen. David Allvin ’86

“I’m optimistic that once we have a common set of assumptions that we can compare capabilities against, we are going to be able to go faster to achieving better joint efficiency.”

Information about the B-21 Raider was available during the Air & Space Forces Association's annual Warfare Symposium March 6-8 in Aurora.

Maj. Gen. Derek France ’92, Third Air Force commander, is projected on a screen while speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association’s annual Warfare Symposium.

From left: Gen. David Thompson ’85, vice chief of Space Operations for the Space Force, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Doug Raaberg ’78, executive vice president of AFA, and Gen. David Allvin ’86, vice chief of staff of the Air Force, talk during a panel discussion.