Weekend of June 14th and 15th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the Weekend of June 14th and 15th – 

On this day, back in 1973 — First Lieutenant Gilbert Rovito, Class of ‘70, is killed when his H-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant” helicopter is struck by hostile fire and crashes over water off the coast of Cambodia during a rescue mission.  He was posthumously promoted to Captain and his name appears on the Graduate War Memorial on the Academy Terrazzo. 

…Also this weekend back in 2020 — The restoration of the ‘Air Gardens’ on the Academy Terrazo begins, under the direction of contractor G. E. Johnson.  The project would restore the Air Gardens to its original design, with reflecting pools the length of the park in between two fountains.   

…all content for the Academy History Update is provided by Retired Lt Col Steve Simon, USAFA Class of ’77. For more heritage information, visit the Association of Graduates website at USAFA.Org