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Ed Mechenbier '64
Ed Mechenbier, USAFA Class of 1964, regularly expresses the mantra "Unity
through selfless motivation."
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Curt Emery '70
When Curt Emery graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1970 with a degree
in Asian studies, he presumed the subject matter would be of great value to
the Air Force following his flying assignments.
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Bill Clifford '76
Always driven to serve, Bill Clifford graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976 and served as an F-15 Eagle pilot in Germany.
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David Schutt '71
While David Schutt '71 has had a very successful career as a doctor, it was not possible without overcoming challenges, staying positive and focusing on the new door that opened after one closed.
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Chris Taravella '73
In 2006 Chris Taravella '73 returned to Colorado, which allowed him to serve the Air Force Academy in numerous ways.
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Julian Gluck '12
For Capt. Julian Gluck, a B-52 pilot and flight commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, service means more than just his Air Force career; it means continually finding opportunities to make a positive impact.
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Supporting USAFA now and later
As long time Sabre Society donors Dana '70 and Linda Ewan Arbaugh have also qualified as members of the Polaris Society...
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Don Avery '78
When Don Avery graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978 and became a
T-33 instructorpilot, he thought he would fly forever.
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Looking to the Heavens — Polaris Society
When Manuel Bettencourt '68 served on the AOG Board in the 1990s, he helped form the Polaris Society to recognize persons...
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Glenn's Twin Loves
When Glenn Coleman '64 was a high school student in the then rural town of McKinney, Texas (now a growing part of...
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Meet a new Polaris Society member...
Gary '69 and Penny Hoe recently confirmed that the Air Force Academy is a beneficiary in their estate plans.
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Many new experiences
When Hank Hoffman arrived at the Air Force Academy in 1959 he was assigned a brand new room, used for the first time in...
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The Law According to Bill
Not long after graduating from the Academy in 1968, Bill Maywhort began his journey into the legal profession, receiving...
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One of the First...
When Ed Montgomery arrived at Lowry Air Force Base in the summer of 1955, the Arizona native helped to usher in the first...
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Giving Back — Sharing his Shares
For Fred Olmsted, a retired pilot and lifelong car enthusiast, the phrase "Planes, trains and automobiles" neatly describes some...
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Absence makes the heart grow fonder...
Jerry Roberts is quick to acknowledge that the Air Force Academy was a shaping force in his life, from the moment he...
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Help us serve future cadets. . .Remember the Academy in your will or trust.
Says Lyn on her decision to make a future gift to support the Academy: "I'm pleased and proud to arrange for this bequest...
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Help us serve future cadets... Remember the Academy in your will or trust.
A charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to leave a lasting legacy at the Air Force Academy. In addition to helping...
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Serving our military personnel and helping the Academy
"The Air Force Academy experience forges outstanding leaders for our Air Force, who make significant contributions...
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Ivan Perry '05
"The Air Force Academy was one of the best things to happen to me," says Ivan. "It prepared me well for the rigors of serving in the heavy-combat zones, and now in my civilian career I am constantly drawing on the leadership and academic attributes I learned during my four Academy years."
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Still Climbing
For Dave and Sue Ross, both 1983 Academy graduates, climbing has been a
hallmark of their military, professional...
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Pitching the Pitch
Harry Laws was a member of the very first USAFA rugby team in 1968, and,
after graduation in 1969, he inserted the...
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A lifetime of USAFA connections
When Ginny (Caine) Tonneson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with the first class of women in...
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Jim's three R's: Research, Riding and Returning the Blessings
When James "Jim" Hansen was an Air Force Academy cadet in the 1960s, he
found that setting ambitious objectives was a motivator, requiring...
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Fred Zeitz '78
Fred Zeitz always had a dream of flying. But after finishing top of his engineering class at the Air Force Academy in 1978, a career in electrical engineering seemed imminent.
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Supporting Leadership
John Wigington, a graduate of the Class of 1973, majored in international relations and
began his 27-year Air Force career earning a master's degree from the University of
Pittsburgh.
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From an empty warehouse to Falcon Stadium
For Jack Kucera '78, a business challenge became a terrific opportunity for the Air Force Academy Foundation.
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From Black Sheep to Air Force Blue
When Chuck Winter decided in 1968 to attend the Air Force Academy, it was counter to his family's allegiance to West Point, where two of his brothers graduated.
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She Worked the Plan
When Robin Wright arrived at USAFA in 1980, she knew motivation and
planning would lead to success.
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Bequests
Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.
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Small School, Big Impact
Mike Thiessen '69 grew up in a household focused on education. He excelled in his early schooling in Kansas City and stood out as a talented basketball player.
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A unique way to serve our nation
As Terry Drabant graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1965, he realized the occasion was both happy and sad. “It was a relief to...
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Honoring their friend and classmate
Col. (Ret.) Leonard "Lucky" Ekman '63 and his spouse, Kaye, grew up in Army families. The Army connection, however, did not stop Col. Ekman from...
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His individual retirement account benefits others
During his civilian career, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Art Johnson '63 diligently contributed to an individual retirement account. His financial prudence and...
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