Tuesday, September 30th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, September 30th --  On this day, back in 1990 -- Major Peter Hook, Class of ’76, is killed when his F-15E “Strike Eagle” aircraft bursts into flames and crashes in Oman during a low-level training mission.  He was the first Air Force Academy graduate and first Air Force pilot to die supporting Operation Desert Shield.  His name appears on the Graduate War Memorial on the Academy Terrazzo.  …Also on this day, back in 2006 -- The Academy football team defeats New Mexico 24-7 at Falcon Stadium in the first...

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Monday, September 29th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, September 29th --  On this day, back in 1956 — The first varsity football game takes place, a 46-0 Falcon road win over the University of San Diego.  This game was unique in that both teams were playing their first varsity game.  …Also on this day, back in 1988 -- The Space Shuttle Discovery launches from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, piloted by Colonel Richard Covey, Class of ’68. It was the first space shuttle flight after the January 28, 1986 Challenger accident.  The five-man crew of STS-26 returned to...

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Weekend of September 27th and 28th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the weekend of September 27th & 28th --  On this weekend, back in 1993 -- General Jimmy Doolittle, leader of the 1942 Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, namesake of the Association of Graduates’ headquarters building, and exemplar for the Class of ’00 (the first class with an exemplar), passes away in Pebble Beach, California.  He would be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.  …Also on this weekend, last year in 2024 -- Colonel Nick Hague, Class of ’98, and now a U.S. Space Force Brigadier General, commands the NASA SpaceX...

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Friday, September 26th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, September 26th --  On this day, back in 1947 -- General Carl Spaatz, exemplar for the Academy Class of ’06, is sworn in as the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force.  General Spaatz was the 1968 recipient of the Academy’s T. D. White Award, given annually from 1962 until 2013 to a U.S. citizen who had contributed significantly to the national defense of the United States.  …Also on this day, back in 2014 -- The Class of 2017 honors its chosen exemplar, Colonel George Everett “Bud” Day,...

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Thursday, September 25th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, September 25th --   On this day, back in 1918 -- First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker, exemplar of the Class of ’04, attacks seven enemy aircraft, shooting down two of them near Billy, France, and earns the first Medal of Honor given for air activity.  Captain Rickenbacker would go on to be the leading American ace of World War I.  Also on this day, in 1997 -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Michael Bloomfield, Class of ‘81, was the pilot for mission...

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Wednesday, September 24th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, September 24th --  On this day, back in 1966 -- The Air Force football program earns its 50th victory when the Falcons defeat the University of Washington 10-0 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.  …Also on this day, back in 2019 -- The USAFA Endowment and the Anschutz Foundation co-host Colorado Partners Day at the Academy.  The event was designed as “a showcase of Colorado’s service academy, which serves as economic engine, tourist destination and, most important, training ground for America’s next generation of warfighters and leaders of character.” ...

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Tuesday, September 23rd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, September 23rd --  On this day, back in 1985 -- U.S. Space Command is activated at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.  Many Academy graduates served in the Department of Defense unified combatant command, which was responsible for military operations in space.  …Also on this day, back in 2021 -- The Institute for Future Conflict hosts an online forum to address the importance of cyber operations.  Retired Lieutenant General Bradford Schwedo, Class of ’87 and the IFC’s director, hosted the forum featuring Lieutenant General Charles Moore, Class of ‘89 and U.S. Cyber Command...

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Monday, September 22nd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, September 22nd --  On this day, back in 1961 — The Air Force Academy Foundation’s $3,000,000 fundraising campaign for the Academy stadium had amassed $3,422,277.29.  The facility’s first event, a football game against Colorado State University, would take place exactly one year later.  …Also on this day, back in 2013 -- The Academy holds a ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Cadet Chapel.  The Cadet Chorale and Catholic Cadet Choir performed.  …for the business-focused social media side of the Academy, follow us on Linkedin @ US-Air-Force-Academy

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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...

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Friday, September 19th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, September 19th-  On this day, back in 1987 -- The Jabara Award Dinner is held in Mitchell Hall.  Captain James Trinka, Class of ’78, received the 1987 Colonel James Jabara Airmanship Award for his heroic actions saving his F-16 aircraft after it flamed out due to a bird strike.  …Also on this day, back in 2022 -- The HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter, to be placed adjacent to the Air Warrior Combat Memorial and B-52 near the North Gate, arrives at the Academy.  The static display would be dedicated on...

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