Col. (Ret.) Bob Munson's record of volunteer service to the Air Force Academy is lengthy, as it is for humanitarian work around the world. Armed with a medical degree from Loyola University and 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Munson '73 frequently helps at the Academy clinic, and many classes of basic cadets have benefited from his service in the Jacks Valley medical tent. Through his dedication to the 10th Medical Group, he gathered volunteers to aid the Academy's COVID vaccination program. He has served on the Association of Graduates board of directors, as president of the Class of 1973 and as a senior officer mentor for the Academy's honor probation program. Dr. Munson also received USAFA's 2021 Distinguished Service Award.

A passion of Dr. Munson's since the 40th reunion of the "Illustrious Class of '73" has been garnering his classmates' support for the National Character and Leadership Symposium. "I am so proud of how our class has responded, and the resultant generosity has enabled us to create a significant endowed fund for NCLS," Dr. Munson reflects. "The success of our class's effort has inspired other classes to raise funds for NCLS, which is wonderful."

Nearing their 50th reunion, class leaders endorsed Dr. Munson's plan to encourage class members to review their estate planning. "We want our classmates to ensure they have comprehensive plans in place to protect their family and heirs," Dr. Munson says. "And while they are doing so, it presents an opportunity to consider arranging a future legacy gift to support the Long Blue Line."

Leading by example, when Dr. Munson and his wife, Pam, updated their wills, they included a generous bequest to bolster a newly created endowed fund, the Class of 1973 Long Blue Line Legacy Fund. "This fund's disbursements are used solely for support of cadet and graduate programs," Dr. Munson points out. "Since every grant from this fund is attributed to the Class of 1973, we hope our class will step forward and include a legacy bequest for its future support. The Academy helped to shape our entire lives, and giving back is vital."

As with Bob and Pam Munson, anyone who informs the Foundation of their future gift commitment is recognized as a member of the Polaris Society.

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Published Spring 2023