C. G. (Mike) Bender

CAPTAIN CHARLES GRANVILLE "MIKE" BENDER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 | Cadet Squadron 02
"The First Class"

A LEGACY OF FLIGHT AND FORTITUDE
Mike Bender was a pioneer from the moment he stepped onto the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base. As a member of the USAFA Class of 1959, he helped lay the foundation for the Academy’s traditions and excellence. Upon graduation, he embarked on a distinguished flying career that spanned nearly five decades, moving from the cockpit of America’s most powerful bombers to the rugged terrain of Southeast Asia.

MILITARY SERVICE: STRATEGIC DETERRENCE AND SECRET SKIES
After earning his wings at Bainbridge and Laredo AFBs (1959–1960), Mike entered the world of Strategic Air Command (SAC). He piloted the B-47 Stratojet at March AFB and the B-52 Stratofortress at Wurtsmith AFB. During the height of the Cold War, Mike stood watch as a guardian of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
In 1964, driven by a desire to serve in combat during the Vietnam War, Mike sought reassignment. When the Air Force was unable to grant the request, his unwavering commitment to the mission led him to a different path. He joined Continental Air Services (CAS), flying C-130s out of Vientiane, Laos. There, he performed high-stakes aerial resupply missions for the Hmong Hill Tribesmen, providing a lifeline to those fighting the Pathet Lao in one of the most challenging aviation environments in the world.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION & RETIREMENT
Transitioning to civilian aviation, Mike flew for Continental Airlines before joining UPS Airlines as a Captain in 1988. Known among his peers as a "pilot's pilot," he was respected for his technical expertise and his mentorship of younger aviators. He retired in 2007, having logged thousands of hours across the globe in aircraft ranging from the Boeing 727 to the 747.

Professional Recognition & Awards Captain Bender’s military service was marked by the disciplined execution of the Strategic Air Command mission, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. In his later career, he was a member of the Silver Falcons (the USAFA 25-year alumni group) and was highly regarded in the civilian sector, receiving multiple safety and service commendations during his tenures with Continental Airlines and UPS, where he achieved the rank of Captain on the Boeing 747.

THE GREAT ADVENTURE: FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
For Mike, "retirement" was simply a change in terrain. Alongside his beloved wife, Arohanui, he conquered some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Mt. Taranaki. He was a man who lived with his "boots on," often hiking the mountains of Hong Kong or Seoul during flight layovers.
His tenacity was perhaps best displayed at age 77, when he completed a 3,700-mile solo bicycle trek from the Pacific to the Atlantic. For over a decade, he channeled this athleticism into a cause, raising significant funds for the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes, including the grueling 105-mile ride through Death Valley.

SURVIVING FAMILY
Mike’s legacy lives on through his wife, Arohanui; his sons, Mark and Dr. Matthew Bender; his sister, Cynthia; and his four granddaughters, who remember him as their hero.
"Fair winds and smooth air on your final flight west, Captain. You have fought the good fight."