Curtis Gerald Cook

LIEUTENANT COLONEL CURTIS GERALD COOK
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 | Cadet Squadron 10

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMY YEARS
Hailing from New York, Curtis “Curt” Gerald Cook was among the few hundred young men who took a leap of faith in 1955 to join the first-ever class of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His journey from a New York appointee to a key policy hand in the Pentagon and eventually a pillar of the Colorado Springs academic community is a testament to the versatile leadership the Academy sought to instill in its 'First Falcons.
Curt’s early connection to the local community in Colorado Springs was even punctuated by sport; as a cadet, he attended one of the first Air Force football games, played against Colorado College—an institution that would later become a cornerstone of his second career.

MILITARY SERVICE AND ACADEMIC PURSUIT
Upon graduation in 1959, Curt embarked on a series of administrative assignments that took him from Long Beach Municipal Airport to Kindley AFB in Bermuda. Recognizing his aptitude for international affairs, the Air Force transitioned him into the academic and policy spheres. He earned his Master’s and eventually a Ph.D. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in International Relations.

His military career was a blend of high-level policy work and instructional leadership:
• Vietnam Service: In 1968, Curt served with the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), operating out of Phan Rang and various outlying locations to support technological and strategic advancements in the theater of war.
• Global Policy: He served in the J-5 (Plans and Policy) directorate for the European Command at Patch Barracks, Germany, and later acted as the Desk Officer for Laos within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) for International Security Affairs.
• The Academy Legacy: Curt spent the final decade of his service at his alma mater. He served as a Professor and eventually the Acting Head of the Political Science Department at USAFA, shaping the minds of future leaders until his retirement from active duty in 1982.

DISTINGUISHED POST-MILITARY CAREER
In 1983, Curt began what he called his "second career" at Colorado College. Originally joining as a visiting professor, he became an indispensable fixture of the Political Science department for over 20 years. He was instrumental in managing the Lopat Lecture series, advising the Student Honor Council, and directing the North American Studies program.

Beyond the classroom, Curt became a prominent voice in civic affairs. He was a founding member of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council (1980) and directed the city’s bicentennial celebration of the Bill of Rights in 1991. Even in "retirement," he was granted Professor Emeritus status and continued to serve on the boards of the Denver Committee on Foreign Relations and the CIVA Charter High School Foundation.

SERVICE TO THE CLASS OF '59
Curt has remained a dedicated "First Falcon," serving as a Class Senator for the AOG Class Advisory Senate (2013–2019) and contributing to the committee that built the Harmon Memorial. In 2023, he was photographed on the Challenge Bridge at Doolittle Hall, still sharing his wisdom with the Class of 2027—continuing the long blue line he helped start over sixty years ago.

CAREER TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS
Years Assignment / Role Location
1959–1963 Administrative Assignments Long Beach, CA / Bermuda
1965–1969 Instructor, Political Science USAFA, CO
1968 ARPA Duty (Vietnam) Phan Rang, RVN
1969–1972 Desk Officer for Laos OSD / Pentagon
1974 Sabbatical, Senate Committee US Capitol
1982 Retired from USAF (O-5) USAFA, CO
1984–2005 Professor of Political Science Colorado College
2013–2019 Class Senator AOG Senate

AWARDS & MEDALS
• Bronze Star Medal
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal (with bronze service stars)
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

ACADEMIC AND CIVIC RECOGNITION
• Professor Emeritus, Colorado College: Granted upon his retirement in 2005 for his 20+ years of distinguished teaching.
• Leadership in Civic Education: He was recognized by the city of Colorado Springs for his role as Director of the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights celebration (1991), a major civic undertaking.