Weekend of September 20th and 21st

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the weekend of September 20th & 21st — 

On this weekend, back in 1985 — More than 500 World War II glider pilots visit the Academy during their 15th annual reunion.  They visited the 94th Airmanship Training Squadron and dedicated a plaque at the Academy Cemetery’s memorial wall. 

…Also on this weekend, last year in 2024 — At a Polaris Hall ceremony, Cadet Squadron 20 rebrands as the “Red Tails,” in honor of the Tuskegee Airman, the groundbreaking War II-era African American aviators.  The squadron’s motto became “Rise above.”  Prior to the change, the squadron was known as the “Tough Twenty Trolls.”  Retired General Robin Rand, Class of ’79, was the keynote speaker and one of the few remaining original Tuskegee Airmen, 101-year-old Retired Colonel James Harvey III, also attended. 

…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