Weekend of September 6th and 7th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the weekend of September 6th & 7th --  On this weekend, back in 1969 — The world premiere of the comedy program “Here’s Lucy - Lucy Goes to the Air Force Academy” takes place in Arnold Hall.  Lucille Ball and other actors in the program attended the event.  The two-part show would air later in September on CBS.  …Also on this weekend, back in 1993 — A large portion of Edwards Air Force Base, California, is named in honor of Retired Colonel Frank Birk, Class of ‘68, who had died on...

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Friday, September 5th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, September 5th-  On this day, back in 1964 — The Academy hosts families of the new fourth classmen for the first time, an event that would grow into Parents’ Weekend.  …Also on this day, back in 2014 — Eddie Weichers (wi-shurs), Academy boxing coach for 38 years, retires from the Academy.  During his tenure, which began in 1976, he guided the Academy to 19 National Collegiate Boxing Association national team titles and produced 113 individual champions and 325 NCBA All-Americans.  …for a behind-the-scenes look at cadet life, follow us...

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Thursday, September 4th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, September 4th –   On this day, back in 1922 — Lieutenant James Doolittle, namesake of the Academy Association of Graduates’ headquarters building and exemplar for the Class of ‘00, completes the first transcontinental crossing in an aircraft in a single day – 2,275 miles in 21 hours, 19 minutes.  He flew a rebuilt DH-4B with Liberty 400 HP engines from Pablo Beach, Florida, to Rockwell Field, California, with a rest and refueling stop at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas.  …Also on this day, back in 2022 — Kyle...

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Wednesday, September 3rd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, September 3rd --  On this day, back in 1973 — The Academy hosts its first annual International Day Festival, sponsored by the Academy’s Human Relations Council, in the Arnold Hall Ballroom.  More than a dozen nations were represented at the event, which featured information booths, art, artifacts, and live entertainment.  …Also on this day, back in 2011 — R A hot air balloon is forced to land on the Academy airfield.  The winged pink balloon, named “When Pigs Fly,” was participating in the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic.  The incident...

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Tuesday, September 2nd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, September 2nd --  On this day, back in 1958 — The Cadet Wing begins academic classes for the first time in the new facility near Colorado Springs.  The Academy had recently completed its move from the temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver.  …Also on this day, back in 1997 — General Ralph “Ed” Eberhart, Class of ‘68, begins a term as Acting Chief of Staff of the Air Force.  He would serve in that capacity until 5 October 1997.  …for the latest video for cadets, by...

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Monday, September 1st

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, September 1st --  On this day, back in 1954 — Brigadier General Robert Stillman is appointed as the first Commandant of Cadets.  In 1994, the cadet parade field would be named Stillman Field in his honor.  …Also on this day, back in 2023 — The Academy baseball field is officially renamed Erdle Field in honor of retired Brigadier General Philip Erdle during a ceremony at the stadium.  His son, Retired Colonel Mick Erdle, Class of ’76, spoke at the dedication.  General Erdle served the Academy for a half-century, including...

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Weekend of August 30th and 31st

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the weekend of August 30th & 31st   On this weekend, back in 1997 — At the Air Force – Idaho football game on Parents’ Weekend, Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall and the Superintendent, Lieutenant General Tad Oelstrom, Class of ’65, “crowd surf,” as they are passed up to the top of the bleacher section by cadets.  …Also on this weekend, back in 2012 — Mr. Ted Legasey, Class of ’67, receives the 2012 Distinguished Service Award at the Parents’ Weekend Parade.  Mr. Legasey was a founding member of the...

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Friday, August 29th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, August 29th-  On this day, back in 1997 — The Academy plays host to the retirement ceremony for General Ronald Fogleman, Class of ’63, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.  …Also on this day, back in 2016 — Scott Kirby, Class of ’89, is named president of United Airlines, effective immediately.  In the position, he was responsible for United’s operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and revenue management.  Kirby had been the President of American Airlines since the 2013 merger of American and US Airways.  He had...

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Thursday, August 28th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, August 28th –   On this day, back in 1972 — Captain Steve Ritchie, Class of ’64, flies the mission for which he would receive the Air Force Cross.  Leading a strike force of F-4D “Phanton IIs”  to targets deep into North Vietnam, he recorded his fifth MiG-21 kill, making him the first Air Force Academy graduate pilot ace.  He was the Air Force’s only pilot ace of the Vietnam War.  In addition to the Air Force Cross, he received the 1972 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship for his...

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Wednesday, August 27th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, August, 27th –  On this day, back in 1996 — Brigadier General Stephen Lorenz, Class of ’73, becomes the Commandant of Cadets.  General Lorenz would go on to lead the Air Education and Training Command and, after retirement from active duty, the USAFA Endowment and the Falcon Foundation.  …Also on this day, back in 2021 — Republic of Korea Air Force General Inho Park, ROKAF Chief of Staff, visits the Academy.  He toured laboratories and met with the three international students from South Korea.  …for recent photos of cadet...

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