Monday, February 23rd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, February 23rd --  On this day, back in 1968 -- Colonel Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. is the guest speaker at the Class of ‘68’s 100th Night Dining-In at the Officers’ Open Mess.  In 1975, he would become the U.S. armed forces’ first African American four-star general.  …Also on this day, back in 2017 -- The twenty-fourth National Character and Leadership Symposium begins at the Academy.  The theme was “Warrior Ethos and the American Airman.”  …for the business-focused social media side of the Academy, follow us on Linkedin @ US-Air-Force-Academy 

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Weekend of February 21st and 22nd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the Weekend of February 21st and 22nd --  On this day, back in 1991 – Pentagon officials announce that the National Defense Service Medal may be worn by all members of the Armed Forces who were on active duty after August 2, 1990.  Cadets were included in this designation.  …Also this weekend, back in 2023 -- The 30th Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium begins at the Academy.  The theme was “Reimagine Leadership.  Inspire Teamwork.”  …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  

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Friday, February 20th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, February 20th --   On this day, back in 1987 -- Colonel David Roeder, who had spent 444 days as a hostage in Iran, speaks at the Academy National Prayer Luncheon.  …Also on this day, back in 2005 -- (Ret.) Col. Fredrick Gregory, Class of ’64, begins serving as Acting NASA Administrator.  He served as NASA Deputy Administrator from August 12, 2002 until November 4, 2005.  … For more information about what’s coming up and what’s going down at the Academy, listen to our cadet radio station by picking up the free KAFA mobile app, available for Apple and Android.

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Thursday, February 19th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, February 19th --   On this day, back in 1999 -- For the first time, the Academy hosts the Native American Science Bowl.  The sixth annual competition lasted two days, and drew more than 200 high school students representing 40 tribes.    …Also on this day, back in 2017 -- The Space-X Corporation’s CRS-10 vehicle is launched, transporting an Academy experiment to the International Space Station.  Dr. Geoff McHarg, director of the Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center at the Academy, Cadet Nick McDaniel, Class of ’19, and Cadet Sequoia Chun, Class of ’20, attended the launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida.  …for a behind-the-scenes look at cadet life, follow us on Instagram at AF_Academy! 

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Wednesday, February 18th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, February 18th --  On this day, back in 1973 -- Operation Homecoming, the release of Prisoners of War from Southeast Asia, continues with the release of three Air Force Academy Class of ’64 graduates, Captains James Shively, Kevin McManus, and Edward Mechenbier.  In all, thirty Academy graduates were released during Operation Homecoming.  …Also on this day, back in 2024 -- WQCS 88.9FM, a National Public Radio station, reports that Benjamin Thomas, Class of ’10, has been appointed to serve as Judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Florida.  …for recent photos of cadet activities, follow us on FLICKR @ AF_Academy! 

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Tuesday, February 17th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, February 17th --  On this day, back in 1973 -- A new dormitory is named Alexander Hall during a dedication ceremony at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in memory of Captain James Alexander, Class of ’68.  The instructor pilot died on June 16,1972 of injuries sustained in an aircraft accident at the training base earlier that March.  His parents, Colonel and Mrs. Glenn Alexander, unveiled a large bronze plaque at the main entrance of the facility.  At the time, Colonel Alexander was the Commander of the Academy’s Preparatory School.  …Also on this day, back in 2010 -- The seventeenth National Character and Leadership Symposium begins at the...

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Monday, February 16th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, February 16th --  On this day, back in 1995 -- Cadet Grant Vineyard, Class of ’97, becomes the 500th cadet in the Academy airmanship program to solo in a Schweizer 2-33 sailplane.  …Also on this day, back in 2023 – Retired Colonel Dale Condit is awarded status as an Honorary Member of the Association of Graduates during ceremonies at Doolittle Hall.  Beginning in 1974, Condit mentored cadets and officers; conducted leadership development classes; and advised multiple Academy academic departments.  In 1977, while an associate professor in the Department of Engineering, he was the recipient of the first William P. Clements Award for Excellence in Education to...

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Weekend of February 14th and 15th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the Weekend of February 14th and 15th --  On this day, back in 1990 – Retired Navy Vice Admiral William Lawrence speaks to the Class of ’91 in Fairchild Hall. The appearance was part of the Commandant’s Visiting Air Power Professionals Program.  The former Naval Academy Superintendent’s topic was “Honor and Integrity in Our Profession.”  …Also this weekend, back in 2000 -- The indoor swimming pool in the newly remodeled Base Fitness and Sports Center in the Community Center opens for use.  …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  

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Friday, February 13th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, February 13th --   On this day, back in 1980 -- First Lieutenant Steven Simon, Class of ’77, a member of the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay Team, participates in the Lake Placid Olympics Opening Ceremonies.  He represented Wyoming (where he was stationed) as one of only 52 runners selected to carry the torch on the 1,000-mile relay and take part in all ceremonies during the Games.  …Also on this day, back in 1987 -- The front page of the Falcon Flyer features photos of the F-4 “Phantom II” static display being positioned on the Terrazzo.  The aircraft, which had six MiG kills to its credit, would be dedicated in May.  … For...

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Thursday, February 12th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, February 12th --   On this day, back in 1964 -- The men’s basketball program secures its 100th victory with a 95-56 win over St. Michaels, from New Mexico.    …Also on this day, back in 1991 -- W. Hays Parks, Chief of the International Law Branch for the Judge Advocate General of the Army, speaks in the Arnold Hall Theater.  The topic of his Department of Law-sponsored address was “The Bombing of North Vietnam.”  …for recent photos of cadet activities, follow us on FLICKR @ AF_Academy! 

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