USAFA - Spirit of 76 - Legacy Project - REPORT! Interviews with the Long Blue Line.

Here is George “Bud” Studor who grew up in upstate NY and went to the zoo as a wrestler. He wrestled all four years and graduated with a degree in Astro. In the USAF he flew C-130s pretty much everywhere most notably Europe, Greenland, and Korea. A chance meeting with a family friend who was also an astronaut got him a slot at AFIT where he earned his MS in Astro. He then took jobs at NASA in TX while on active duty. He also taught at USAFA, earned his PHd at Montana State and upon leaving the USAF went full time to NASA for 30 years. He ended his NASA career for a proper family reason and consults now.

Jim Glass and I attended Prattville Jr HS in the late 60's and share some overlapping impressions of those times. Jim went from HS to Marion Military Academy prior to USAFA, was thinking of leaving USAFA 3rd class year and got detoured for a solid reason, became a cadet Falconer, graduated and served his commitment in the USAF. He then felt the calling to serve in a higher way and went off to earn his Master's and PHD in divinity which led to his becoming a pastor. After being away from the Air Force for 16 years he applied and returned as a chaplain which he constituted to do till full retirement 40 years after graduation! A key assignment was at USAFA in the Center for Character Development.

Greg Whaley grew up an AF brat and came to USAFA from Eielsen AFB, Fairbanks, AK. Greg got a summer stint in the NCO program at Wright Pat and 3rd Lt in Germany. Many semesters on the Dean's List earned him UPT at Williams. His USAF career took him into SAC and bomber pilot at Loring (Maine), Fairchild ( Spokane), a Master's in OPs Research at AFIT, HQ SAC (Offut), aircraft commander at McConnell (Kansas) & Lajes in the Azores (middle of the Atlantic Ocean), His next and final assignment was to the DC area where he retired, achieved his Wharton MBA and entered the world of government consulting. Stops at SAIC & General Dynamics planted the seed of his own business which became Academy Solutions Group. 20 years later, after landing on the Inc 500 list three times (2011, 12, 13) he successfully sold the company and retired again. He discusses his current position that many of us are also doing.

Here is the story of Scott Gough. AF brat who maintained a waiver throughout his cadet and flying days to successfully fly in the USAF & UAL. There are two stories he wanted me to edit out that I thought were ok to leave in so enjoy. Scott was on the Dean and Sup list often but also enjoyed a CDB with tours, another humbling cadet story. His initial flying was in T-33's where he overcame an interesting challenge. He also flew F-106 ‘s out of Castle AFB and OV-10's in Korea. He returned from Korea and eventually became a National Defense Fellow and Pacific Planner in the Pentagon, finishing up his USAF career as an advisor with the ANG. Upon retiring from active duty he embarked on a long and successful career with UAL. Most recently he was a key participant in the rebirth of the Air Gardens.

This episode you meet Larry Weaver. AF brat from Ft Walton Beach who turned down ROTC scholarship to got to the AFA prep school. Figured out how to beat the Dean and Commandant enough to land on the Sup's list but also got a CDB Firstie year. Upon graduation became a B-52 pilot, USAFA prof of history, and Assoc Dean at Maxwell. His PHD in history from Indiana U led him away from the cockpit eventually as did several assignments and papers at the Pentagon. He also graduated with distinction from the Naval War College where he teaches today. Larry has a great sense of humor and is proud of his CS - 21 classmates who also excelled academically winning top academic squadron all three of his upper class years at the zoo. Quite a contrast to the Pinks!

This episode you meet Steve Heinz. Steve was a top cadet in our class in civil engineering. He actually turned down pilot training to become a civil engineer. He spent eight years on active duty started his company from his home and turned it into a major player in energy software headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania.

Dave grew up in Kentucky and did his best to keep his head down while at the zoo, mostly successfully as you will hear. Was a pilot for 21 years on active duty with interesting stops in the Philippines and Panama. After active duty career became a Delta pilot till retirement.

Dave grew up in Kentucky and did his best to keep his head down while at the zoo, mostly successfully as you will hear. Was a pilot for 21 years on active duty with interesting stops in the Philippines and Panama. After active duty career became a Delta pilot till retirement.

The Anchor app I use to record and edit these chats is going away. So I am working with the AOG on new tools and how to keep the show going. Yep, old dog needs to learn new tricks. Anyone else expect a train wreck? This episode I want to provide the series' backstory and update on what our new grad (Class of 24) is off to do. I shared the backstory with a Rwandan Grad, Class of 14. We had to do all our comms via recording since pre-calls weren't available. We had his episode up for a year but he got some promotions and was asked to take it down since he overshared some stories. It is all good now..and why I let every grad edit their episode as much as necessary.

This episode you meet Randy McPeak. He shares his interesting story of how he grew up in S. Illinois, survived USAFA, became a USAF T-38 and B-52 pilot, and transitioned to US Air and commercial flying while in the USAFR. After "flunking" retirement from American Airlines he now repositions aircraft all over the world leading to very interesting photos in his FB feed.

This episode you meet "Wild Bill" Stealey, Class of 1970, AFA lacrosse defender, IP & C-5 pilot, Wharton MBA, Management Consultant, President & CEO of successful video game companies... and grandpa. You will figure out on your own why John Wilbur Stealey got the call sign "Wild Bill." Also he shares his USAFA days which shows how the zoo experience was in the early days as the New Dorm was being constructed. One of the key people "Wild Bill" mentions is the video game creator Sid Meyer of Civilization fame (at least famous to me, this old peddler of parts to the X-Box teams at Microsoft)

Kevin Chilton grew up in So Cal near LAX and loved watching the planes come and go in his neighborhood. Some interesting events and people got him to USAFA where he excelled in academics but also got to know the tour pad. Upon graduation Kevin headed off to Columbia for his Master's in Mech Eng followed by UPT, RF-4 flying in Kadena which evolved to F-15's which led to Test Pilot school at Edwards, Eglin and eventually Houston and the NASA astronaut program. Three Shuttle rides in the 90's were followed by a return to the USAF where he had numerous interesting assignments including Commander of the Space Command at Offut. Kevin has some great stories and wisdom to share. You will enjoy this one. Oh, and he never accomplished his original goal of becoming an airline pilot but it appears things worked out anyway.

Rich Luhrs grew up in Kinderhook, NY and was told from day one he would not be flight rated upon graduation so he focused on academics and double majored in EE and Math. After AFA he attended Princeton on a Guggenheim Scholarship followed by engineering roles at Wright Pat and Edwards. Oh, and a very short time as a EE instructor at AFA from where he entered civilian life as a SR EE for several companies and agencies till his retirement. As a cadet Rich pulled off many spirit stunts and recalls them here. Enjoy!

Kirk Bell grew up in Gary, IN and attended three high schools, two of them military ones in OK and MO. His older brother was a Preppie in the class of 74 which led to some interesting overlap for Kirk. As an upper class cadet Kirk was in CS-28 and they won Honor Squadron our Firstie year. (Cuff-links? Really?) Upon graduation Kirk became a pilot and followed UPT at Vance with an IP tour. He also had a short Air Ops stint at Keflavik, Iceland followed by another IP tour at Randolph in San Antonio. From there he left active duty and became a financial advisor at Shearson- Lehman - Smith Barney rising to branch manager till 2003. He now is a managing partner (and still Financial Advisor) for his own firm, Bell & Valente, a company affiliated with Raymond James. Kirk is a past President of the North Dallas AOG, pilot for Angel Flight, and Rotary Volunteer. And he is still active playing tennis and golf. Kirk is a very proud member of the Spirit of 76 and represents us well in his community.

Major General Larry New and his twin brother are both grads and classmates of the Spirit of 76. They both hail from Texas and flew fighters, Larry primarily in the F-15. Larry accumulated over 3500 hours in fighters even flying into his 50's! As he climbed the general officer ranks he worked on USAF procurement and resources for force structure at NATO and Pentagon assignments. Upon retirement from the USAF he became a VP at Boeing as well as an AOG Board of Directors member. Larry has numerous awards and honors and is an outstanding member of the Spirit of 76.

Mark grew up in Denton Tx, was also a history major, roomed with Rich King for a stint, spent his active duty as a maintenance officer at Reese where the challenge was to keep the training flight schedule on track while repairing and logistically supporting T-37 and T-38 aircraft. After finishing his commitment he went off to law school and worked as a trial lawyer in Dallas followed by 15 years as a Federal Prosecutor followed by a role with the Texas Attorney General's office. I got to know Mark best when we returned from Europe, me finishing up my 30 day leave, Mark and his wife their honeymoon.

Stef grew up on a farm in CT the son of a Luftwaffe pilot and learned to fly in HS. At USAFA he excelled academically (DG top 40 MOM's) as did his cadet squadron who was the top academic squadron while we were at the zoo. Upon graduation he became a pilot and stayed in the IP/training role throughout most of his career. With a Masters and PhD he eventually rose to Commander of AF Basic Command in TX and the AWC in AL. Since retirement from active duty he has been the director of USAF Negotiation's Center of Excellence and a professor of research.

Gary is originally from Texas and was an upper classman in CS-29, the Black Panthers (at that time). Upon graduation was assigned to Vance for UPT and kept there as a IP till he got an assignment to Eglin and F-15's. Luke, Osan, Langley, and Tyndall followed his flying career. once the desks loomed he transitioned to United Airlines. While at ACSC he hosted Hub Zemke at a Gathering of Eagles weekend. Gunter Rall, Gabby Gabrreski, and Jerry Johnson also were there. Look them up!

Randy is from Hawaii originally which helped greatly in his USAFA experience. Upon graduation he was initially a MAC pilot flying C-130's in Little Rock and Yokota. After his first assignments he got a very interesting job flying as a test pilot at Hickam recovering falling satellite packages with an unusual method he describes. His success with the GAMBIT project led him to Andrews where he flew VIPs in the C-20. Here he also has a hair-raising close call which earned him an Air Medal personally from Sec Def. Air Attache in Thailand followed by return to Andrews ended his active duty time. Upon retirement he became a corp pilot for JC Penny and others. Some of the later recording gets choppy, (thanks cell sites!), but I believe you will enjoy the full story of Randy Chang.

Bill grew up in Lynchburg, VA and became fascinated with aviation when his mom, a single parent, purchased a ride for him at a local airshow. This started him on the trajectory of Jr AFROTC in High School, USAFA, USAF B-52 and B-1 pilot career to United Air Lines 727, 757, 767, 777, and A320 pilot career, to aviation instructor and professor at Hampton Univ, and now United Fleet Technical Instructor. Not bad for a CS-33 Cellar Rat!

Marc Felman grew up an AF brat and shares his wisdom about how such a childhood carries into adulthood. At USAFA Marc was on Ac Pro 7/8 semesters, survived 4 academic boards, was on the Comm's list 8/8 times, and that combo meant he graduated far from the bottom of the barrel. After R flight he got to become an honorary non-com as well as SERE instructor. On active duty received both the MacKay and Jabara awards as a tanker pilot with an incredible story concerning weather and quick thinking in the Azores. Also spent a tour at USAFA as commander of 34th flight ops. USAF base assignments included: Columbus, Kadena, Seymour-Johnson, Maxwell, Pentagon, USAFA, and Naples, IT. Three post grad degrees included one as a Harvard Fellow. Became a squadron and wing commander and finished out his AF career at the Pentagon in ops and plans. Booz-Allen and MITRE followed active duty and he still contributes on national strategy and policy for MITRE. Marc only tried to seriously quit once and the USAF and nation are grateful he didn't.

Emma is the daughter of a classmate from the Pink Panthers and is full of enthusiasm and experience. From AF brat to the zoo, after 4 high schools, to eventual CS-19 Squadron Commander to foreign travels during cadet summers she shares her pre-active duty life. Upon graduation the path continued -- USAF intel in Honduras (counter crime) to Eglin & Hurlburt in FL (AFSOC) to joint ops in Iraq (counter ISIS) = Receipient of the Bronze Star from Seal team 7. She is currently the co-founder of Strike Solutions after leaving active duty and figuring out her best path. Finally, she is nearing the end of her 8 year term on the USAFA Board of Directors.

Rachelle grew up a hotel managers "brat" and lived in the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and Bahamas before graduating HS in Boise. At USAFA she landed on both Honor and Academic probations doolie year and wanted to quit, but only daily, so her dad made her gut it out. He gave her a great gift upon graduation. She became an Air Battle Manager in AWACS while on active duty, overcome airsickness, and eventually managed over 300 people during major system upgrades while undermanned. Tindall, Tinker, and Mountain Home were her primary location assignments and she deployed several times to other places. She transitioned to civilian life and after moving to the Springs during COVID and helping with the USAFA web and video content is now the typical grad juggling multiple roles: mom of two, wife, management consultant, canine foster parent, and cross fit level 1 instructor.

Chris grew up an AF brat mostly in the No Va area and was recruited for AFA lacrosse (among other schools). He lettered all four years at AFA but also found himself with an interesting story of 80-80-6 (that's tours, demerits, and months restriction) with an additional 20 tours earned during his 3 degree year. Whew! After his 2 degree year started he lost his pilot qual, which has happened to many of us... He started at AFA upon graduation working for the lacrosse program and fighting to get his pilot slot back- and ended up entering the world of USAF maintenance. That turned out ok since his wife, Jannell - also a 98 grad and on another episode in the series- got her pilot wings and they were able to get stationed close enough to each other over the years to stay together and raise kids through thick and thin. Chris had assignments in Germany and NC as he climbed the maintenance career ladder reaching commander status in 2009. Then it was off to the Pentagon where he excelled in strategy roles on the Israel/Palestine, then Levant, then Iran desks leading to a stint at the Brookings Institute. From there it was Group Commander in New Mexico followed by V-Com of Logistics in Utah. As of this interview Chris is an undefeated HS lacrosse coach, father of two, and outstanding and supportive husband.

Bob Gold grew up in So Cal and got the flying bug at a young age. So he went off to USAFA to become a pilot not knowing what was awaiting him (I had a similar initiation so totally know whereof he speaks!). Bob shares a doolie year story about another cadet my Pink Panther classmates will recognize. From Ac Pro to Dean's list and upon graduation from UPT to F-4's to A-10's to staff assignments Bob traveled the world and now, after a long post-USAF career as a pilot for UPS, has retired to Alaska.

"Paveway" shares the origin of his call sign, how he grew up in Amish country in PA, his time as a VERY successful cadet (8/8 Dean's and Commandant's Lists and 2/8 Sup's, Top grad in Biology, Class of 11 President, Marshall Scholar Finalist, etc.), grad school at Univ of Maryland, UPT top stick, Seymour Johnson F-15's with deployment to the Middle East with combat time, and now his activities flying F-15E out of Mountain Home. Joe is on the AOG Board and is a father of 3 to boot!

This episode you meet Jannell MacAulay, Class of 98, and hear about her upbringing, academy life (2 year as a Pink Panther!), academic and flying career on active duty with additional roles as special operations consultant and international diplomat. Upon retirement from the USAF she successfully transitioned into her successful career as speaker and professional instructor in "Ancient Warrior" mindfulness. On a personal note, since I am a long time season ticket holder and original 12, we discuss her role with the Seattle Seahawks and how she helps them prepare mentally for each day. She is quite an impressive graduate and also a mom of two. I now you will enjoy hearing her story.

Dave grew up in Sacramento and was HS class President, debate, and band member who was the 1st ever Calif State HS intern. At USAFA Dave got on conduct and aptitude probation AND was on the Commandant' s List, Yell Leader of the cheer squad, and member of the AFA Color Guard. Upon graduation he stayed at AFA as a minority affairs advisor/recruiter. After a short stint in pilot training Dave became an Air Weapons Officer eventually rising to Flight Commander in AWACS. While on active duty he joined Toastmasters and won the world championship with a motivational speech in 1991. Upon retirement from the USAF Dave became a life coach and field trainer for Training Solutions out of Leesburg, VA. Dave recently ended a role as an Internet radio station manager in OK. I've known Dave since our cadet days and know you will enjoy this episode.

(Ret) MAJ Tom Lange grew up in Arizona in an active family of four boys. After achieving his college goal of playing D-1 football (as the USAFA punter for all four years, three as the primary) Tom

This episode you meet Chad Hennings, 88 grad who never lost to Navy. Chad grew up in Iowa and shares his interesting story of being "recruited" by AFA for football. He discusses it all from Doolie summer and pugel sticks in Jack's Valley to Wing staff and SAMI's to graduation.  Chad offers several wise life lessons along the way.  While he was an active duty A-10 pilot overseas during Provide Comfort out of Turkey the USAF rules changed and enabled him to try out at 27 for the Dallas Cowboys who owned his draft rights.  Three Super Bowl wins later he retired and now runs a successful real estate business.  You will also hear about his trips to the White House with his winning teams. 

This episode you get to meet Jack Catton, USAF Major General, Cadet Wing Commander, fighter pilot, and son of a 4-star.  We discuss it all, including Jack's departure form active duty, in depth.  I hope everyone who listens to this can gain a better understanding of how our USAFA Class used spirit and positive attitudes to change the world for the better in no small part through leaders like Jack.

Mike Eyolfson grew up an AF brat and came to USAFA from Wiesbaden. Initially headed to missiles at FE Warren upon graduation Mike got accepted into U Colorado Med school soon after USAFA graduation. From there he spent 20 years on active duty as a Flight Surgeon and Chief of Urology at Kirtland and Travis AFB's with time the desert too. Mike is now referring soccer on the weekends and a "dog treat" golf Marshall.

Roger is a humble guy with a solid attitude about teamwork and his flying experiences. He overcame much in his career, from initially not being pilot or nav qualified as a cadet to piloting F-4's in Iceland and Germany during the Cold War where he intercepted Soviet Bears and other aircraft. From those assignments he served as a Liaison with the US Army which led to his being transitioned to F-16's where he fought in Desert Storm (with a bad back!). Roger eventually retired from the USAF and spent the remainder of his flying carrier as a pilot for United Airlines.

Craig grew up an Army brat and spent most of his childhood in Albuquerque, NM. As a Doolie Craig has one great spirit prank story as well as an infamous meeting with an upperclass football player of note.  As a 3 degree Craig landed on Ac Pro but survived. He also saw both sides of SERE as student and member of the cadre in later summers.  While a cadet Craig was on the debate team till Firstie year when he was on Wing Staff. Upon graduation Craig landed at Ellsworth as a Missileer which eventually turned into law school in No Cal which led to a series of Air Force JAG assignments from AZ to the UK to USAFA where he created the Air Space and Law program. From that achievement it was off to Sacramento as an attorney.  His legal career found him moving into roles with the state Government, Department of the Interior of the US as Assistant Secretary to professor at his law school alma mater to general counsel for wetlands and water in Calif.  

Steve Simon is what I am calling the in-house AFA historian at the AOG. He writes many of the historical articles in Checkpoints as well as stars in the Heritage Minute videos produced by the AOG.  He grew up an AF brat on the enlisted side, was a football team manager all four years as a cadet, and chose missiles upon graduation.  While stationed at FE Warren Steve ran several marathons and was selected as a torch bearer for the 1980 Winter Olympics where he got to attend the "Miracle on Ice."  

Andy Kaufman, Robin Williams, and Lt Col (RET) Steve Hall. Three of the funnies people ever. This episode will cover all kinds of events and stories with humor and accents. Please do not be offended, it's just what comes out when Steve and I start talking. You will learn about science (Coke Can Cannon), history (marching tours in goose-step), language (nursery rhymes with a "clean" twist), leadership and people. Enjoy!

"Cliff" leads off this season 3 with his stories of getting up in the rafters of Mitches to hang spirit banners to flying F-15's in Germany to MedSchool in So Cal to Ophthalmology in Utah (Intern) and Oklahoma (Fellow) to practice in Saudi Arabia to eventually President of Fryeye in Garden City, KS. And of course now he is an acting representative for his district in the State of Kansas and actually running for election as we speak.

Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast.

Fred Gregory - 1964 - Astronaut Hall of Fame - 3 Shuttle Missions - 550 Combat SAR missions in Vietnam - Fixed wing and rotary test pilot: AF & USN - AFA Distinguished Grad 04 - and has a Fairchild Hall annex named for him!  DC native with incredible tales of childhood and how he got to AFA.  Car enthusiast who still drives a Vette. I thououghly enjoyed our chat and  hope to have many more down the road.

This episode you meet Charlie Williams, an F-4 and F-16 pilot on active duty, a Delta pilot for over 18 years, a high school forensics (debate) and drama coach/teacher, and currently published author. Charlie was in 5 squadrons, 5 groups, has 5 Polaris yearbooks, and is working in his 4th career. He is quite the character and has a bunch of wisdom to share.

Andre' lives in Prague on this episode. He gives a very interesting update on current events (spring 2022) and flying activities he is tracking on public sites. his background is as a pilot prior to attending USAFA, and getting deeply involved in several high adrenaline activities as a cadet -- Scuba, Mountaineering, Parachute, and Flying. Was a Pink Panther all four years and double majored in EE and Math. By his own admission was not the greatest military cadet but made it through with grit and determination. On active duty he was a measurement and test plan engineer which he converted into his civilian career of consulting and engineering for semiconductor and other high tech manufacturing OEM's.

Lt Col Don Hall grew up an AF brat and served a full career as an Instructor pilot and Safety and Training officer. But his true calling has been writing the Waldo F. Dumbsquat series in Checkpoints for over 40 years. He is still conducting flight safety instruction in Texas for various university and private organizations.

Naviere has a ton of energy and a wonderful attitude. She grew up an Air Force brat in a family where the dad is a '79 grad and her younger siblings are also grads. While a cadet she created her own PE program (aerobics) to get credits and help keep the AFA football team in shape in the off-season. On active duty she was logistics Transporter of the Year. She also successfully led Howard University to win recruiting branch of the year. She also carried those skills to her Offut, Nebraska recruiting offices where they won several similar awards. This episode covers some neat stories of her cadet days and current activities.

Drew shares his story of academic challenges and academy struggles with his indomitable spirit that let him become CAPTAIN AIR FORCE at home football games as an upper class cadet. He shares his active duty lessons learned and current activities as well. This dry description doesn't do justice to the energy and fun he expressed during the episode. If you need a "pick-me-up" check out Drew's story.

Pete grew up in Connecticut and thought about either Yale or Cornell till he got the yearning to fly. Was CT state champ gymnast and liked the price of USAFA so headed off to the Base of the Ramp in 72. Great cadet with accolades as Distinguished Grad, Honor Committee Chairman, and Situational Leadership trainer. On active Duty flew F-4's and F-16's at Columbus, Clark, Torrejón, & MacDill. Left USAF after 13 years to pursue missionary work in Cameroon, Chad, and Congo. Spent 15 years away from the US and only returned when his kids were approaching HS ages. Still active in a Management role at Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Bryce is the son of a 79 Grad and as a cadet was noteworthy as a KAFA DJ, Recondo instructor, and Poly Sci major. IN USAF he became a C-130 and RPV pilot spending much time in the desert, Nevada and SW Asia. At the time of this interview Bryce is living with his family in Omaha an still in the USAF Reserves. He has quite the update on doolie year for us older coots.

This is the Bernie Goldbach episode - Spirit of 76 classmate and quite the character. I hope we make it through the censors with this one. Bernie received long distance running fame (sort of) as cadet, possesses a creative he mind he applied to special USAF missions while on active duty, and is a leading edge media professional today in Ireland. Bernie wrote an autobiography I will share once I determine how to find it and where it is sold.

Expanding from Spirit of 76 Pink Panthers to other squadrons and other classes of graduates (for the most part) from the US Air Force Academy.

This episode you meet Major General (RET) Dave Clary.  Raised as an Army brat, cadet Chorale singer, Boy's State supporter, UPT IP Pilot, A-10 pilot in UK, A-7 Pilot aboard USS Carl Vinson, AFSC faculty Maxwell, more A-10's in UK leading to several command assignments from AZ to HI to NM to Osan to Offut.  Later career took him to Pentagon and commands with impressive leaders in our overseas combat operations.  Now working for Booz Allen and still supporting the mission.

COL (ret) Rich King was one of the guys who excelled as a cadet, F-4 WSO, and career AF officer. After active duty he spent 20 years working for WBB in the DC area supporting efforts to improve the Air Force. Rich and I met one summer as upperclassmen and ran into each other once in Korea in 1981. He has a great attitude and solid message for all.

This episode you meet Major General Mike Worden, one of the most illustrious members of the Class of 76. Mike was NEVER a Pink Panther but has experiences with our wild group from his cadet days, while on active duty, and now as a retired MG. Mike had quite the cadet football career followed by an outstanding military career where he served in four conflicts. He has quite interesting stories and we start with one from our cadet days and his intro to the Pink Panther mindset.