USAFA Class of 1959 Checkpoints

Colonel Dick Mason Hall of Fame, USAFA Class of 1959

From a One-Room Schoolhouse to the Supersonic Skies: USAFA '59er Col. Dick Mason Inducted into the Mountaineer Hall of Fame

From a one-room country schoolhouse with no running water to setting a global aviation record in the supersonic cockpits of the U.S. Air Force, USAFA '59er Col. Dick Mason’s journey is a profound testament to grit and humility. Read about his historic induction into the Mount Vernon Mountaineer Hall of Fame.

The USAFA Class of 1959 celebrates the official opening of the General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitors Center—honoring legacy, leadership, and the Academy’s new front door.

The Front Door is Officially Open USAFA Hosmer Visitors Center

With its sweeping “Wings in Flight” design and panoramic atrium, the new Hosmer Visitors Center opens as USAFA’s public gateway—celebrating the vision and legacy of Brad and Zita Hosmer and the Forever First Class of 1959.

Gifted by the Class of 1959, the Challenge Bridge invites every cadet to step into a lineage of service. Over the years, ’59ers have walked this path with new cadets, turning the bridge into a moment of connection between generations and a symbol of the long blue line.

USAFA Challenge Bridge Class of 1959 Gift, Tradition, and Promise

Gifted by the Class of 1959, the Challenge Bridge invites every cadet to step into a lineage of service. Over the years, ’59ers have walked this path with new cadets, turning the bridge into a moment of connection between generations and a symbol of the long blue line.

A heartfelt poem by Jeff Rhodes ’87 honoring Colonel Don Brooks, USAFA ’59—celebrating his character, service, and enduring impact on generations of graduates.

First Falcon

Written by Jeff Rhodes ’87, son of Brig. Gen. Jim Rhodes ’59, this poem honors Colonel Don Brooks with a sweeping tribute to his courage, faith, and the life he lived in service to others. It reflects the spirit of the First Falcons and the legacy they built together.

Explore the incredible story of Paul S. Lasen (USAFA '59), the oldest living graduate, who returned to the cockpit for a flight with the Thunderbirds at age 83.

Return to the Wild Blue Yonder

From flying 128 combat missions in Vietnam to reclaiming his place in the sky at age 83, Paul S. Lasen (Class of 1959) exemplifies the spirit of the Academy’s pioneers. Read about his historic flight with the Thunderbirds and his journey as the oldest living graduate of the Long Blue Line.

A tribute poem by USAFA ’59 graduate Don L. Brooks celebrating the first Air Force Academy cadets, their trials, honor, service, and lifelong brotherhood.

The Fifty-Niners: A Tribute Poem for USAFA Class of 1959

“The Fifty‑Niners” honors the first cadets of the United States Air Force Academy — young men who arrived with determination, endured rigorous trials, and forged a legacy of courage and integrity. Don L. Brooks captures their journey from hopeful newcomers to seasoned warriors who carried the Honor Code into battle and into life. Their story becomes a tribute to service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond of a class that answered every call.

Happy 78th Birthday, United States Air Force

Happy 78th Birthday US Air Force

In his unmistakable voice, Lorin “Crash” Krueger ’59 reflects on 78 years of Air Force history, honoring the courage, innovation, and quiet devotion that define America’s Airmen.

CheckPoints Winter 2006 by Pete Todd

This quarter’s column opens with a welcome reminder from a classmate that you’re never too old to be of service to your community. Jack ...