Weekend of August 9th and 10th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the Weekend of August 9th and 10th - This weekend, back in 2012 — General Mark Welsh III, Class of ’76, becomes the 20th Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He is the fourth Air Force Academy graduate to hold the position. …Also this weekend, back in 1992 — The Academy Concerts’ Theater Variety Series welcomes legendary entertainer Wayne Newton for a live performance in Arnold Hall Theater.  …all content for the Academy History Update is provided by Retired Lt Col Steve Simon, USAFA Class of ’77. For more...

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Thursday, August 7th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, August 7th – On this day, back in 1997 — The “USAF Academy 2 For 7 Dinner” is held in Mitchell Hall to commemorate members of the Class of ’99 incurring their service commitment—two more years at the Academy and five years on active duty. The event was initiated by the Commandant of Cadets, Brigadier General Steve Lorenz, Class of ’73. The tradition continued, and the following year, it was renamed the “Commitment Dinner.”  …Also on this day, back in 2021 — The U.S. men’s basketball team, coached by...

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Wednesday, August 6th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, August, 6th –  On this day, back in 1956 — Superintendent Major General James Briggs convenes a meeting of the Academy Board to review a faculty reorganization plan developed by Colonel Robert McDermott, Dean of the Faculty. The plan, which was quickly approved, proposed dividing the Academy’s academic program into four divisions: Basic Sciences, Applied Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.  …Also on this day, back in 2021 — The groundbreaking ceremony for the Madera Cyber Innovation Center takes place. The 33,000-square-foot facility was named in honor of primary donors...

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Tuesday, August 5th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, August 5th--  On this day, back in 1988 — The Academy hosts “Academy Day”. More than 1,300 Academy personnel formed over 275 teams to compete in 15 athletic events.  …Also on this day, back in 2024 — Second Lieutenant Trey Taylor, Class of ’24, is named Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year. The All-American football player became just the fourth Falcon athlete to earn the conference’s top athletic honor. With the season fast approaching, the Falcon football team looks to make more history this fall.  …for the latest...

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Monday, August 4th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Monday, August 4th--  On this day, back in 2005 — Retired Major General Ronald Sega, Class of ’74, begins his term as Under Secretary of the Air Force. He would go on to serve in the position until August 2007.  …Also on this day, back in 2021 — The fourth annual Forged in Blue ring melt ceremony is held in Doolittle Hall. During the ceremony, 14 Academy rings were melted to produce future class rings. Approximately 50 members of the Class of ’23 attended the event.  …for the business-focused social...

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Weekend of August 2nd and 3rd

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the weekend of August 2nd & August 3rd  On this weekend, back in 1991 — Space shuttle mission STS-43 begins, with John Blaha, Class of ’65, serving as commander of the orbiter Atlantis.  …Also on this weekend, back in 2012 — The Association of Graduates’ Board of Directors names Janet Edwards an Honorary Member.  Ms. Edwards had been the Academy’s Mortuary Affairs Officer since 1992.  Honorary membership is awarded to persons who have rendered outstanding service to the Air Force and/or the Academy.  Membership is limited to 25 living persons.  …all...

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Friday, August 1st

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Friday, August 1st --  On this day, back in 1876 — President Ulysses Grant signs Proclamation 230, making the Academy’s future home state of Colorado the 38th state in the union.  Statehood came exactly 100 years and 27 days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which led to Colorado adopting “The Centennial State” as its official nickname.  August 1st is celebrated as “Colorado Day.”  …Also on this day, back in 2000 — Major General John Dallager, Class of ’69, pins on his third star.  He had become the Academy’s...

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Thursday, July 31st

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Thursday, July 31st  On this day, back in 1965 -- First Lieutenant Donald Watson, Class of ’62, is killed when his F-100D "Super Sabre" aircraft crashes while attacking a Viet Cong headquarters north of Saigon.  His name appears on the Graduate War Memorial on the Academy Terrazzo.  ...also on this day, back in 2019 -- Approximately 200 Academy graduates accompany members of the Class of ’23 and their cadre on their march back to the Cadet Area from Jacks Valley.  It was the first march back in which graduates participated. ...

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Wednesday, July 30th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Wednesday, July, 30th  On this day, back in 1969 -- Captain Keith Nylander, Class of ’87, dies when his F-16 “Fighting Falcon” crashes during a night training mission near the Utah Test and Training Range.  …Also on this day, back in 2023 -- The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents unanimously approves Retired General Mark Welsh III, Class of ’76, as the interim president of Texas A&M University.  Chancellor John Sharp had named Welsh as the acting president of the university on July 21st.  …for recent photos of cadet...

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Tuesday, July 29th

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for Tuesday, July 29th--  On this day, back in 1958 --  President Dwight Eisenhower signs the National Aeronautics and Space Act into law, establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  The organization would formally open for business on October 1, 1958.  Air Force Academy graduates would play key roles in NASA activities, including service as astronauts.  …Also on this day, back in 2004 -- The Academy and the Association of Graduates begin co-hosting a three-day Graduate Leadership Conference.  Nearly 200 graduates, military and civilian, returned to the Academy to interact with...

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