Paul Samuel Lasen

Major Paul Samuel Lasen

"A Lifetime in the Skies"
THE PATH TO THE FIRST CLASS

Major Paul Lasen, a distinguished member of the inaugural graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1959, embodies a lifelong dedication to aviation and service. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Paul Lasen’s journey into the wild blue yonder began earlier than most of his peers. In 1954, he joined the Air Force at Lackland AFB, where he trained in flight navigation. By June 1955, he had already earned his commission as a second lieutenant. However, when the opportunity arose to join the inaugural class of the newly established United States Air Force Academy, Paul made a bold and pivotal choice.

On July 11, 1955, he resigned his hard-earned commission to become a cadet. Paul recognized that the Academy offered not just a degree, but the most direct path to his true dream: the pilot’s seat. As a member of the "First Class," he helped establish the traditions and standards that would define the Academy for generations to come.

The year 1959 marked the culmination of one journey and the beginning of another. Upon his historic graduation in June Week 1959, Paul married Barbara Jean, beginning a lifelong partnership alongside his military career.

MILITARY CAREER AND COMBAT SERVICE

Upon graduating from the Academy in 1959, Lasen's dream of flight became a reality. He trained as a pilot and quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot. He spent much of the early 1960s molding the next generation of aviators as an Instructor Pilot (IP) at Vance AFB and Randolph AFB.

In 1969, Paul transitioned to the cockpit of the F-105 Thunderchief and deployed to Southeast Asia during a critical period during the Vietnam War. Based at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, he flew 128 combat missions over Vietnam. This period was marked by both professional excellence and personal sacrifice; Paul often reflected on the 44 friends and fellow pilots he lost during the conflict, many of whom he had personally taught to fly during his years as an instructor.

Following his combat tour, Paul served in various leadership and operational roles, including assignments at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa and Nellis AFB in Nevada. By the time of his military retirement, he had served 23 years and accumulated an incredible 5,500 flying hours in Air Force aircraft.

A LEGACY OF AVIATION

For Paul, aviation was not a job; it was his life's blood. Retirement from the Air Force was merely a change of pace for Paul, not a conclusion to his flying. He continued his career as a flight instructor for private companies and served as Chief Pilot for Sparks Companies Inc. in Memphis.

His mastery of the cockpit earned him the FAA’s Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award, a prestigious honor recognizing pilots who have conducted safe flight operations for 50 consecutive years.

A VIBRANT FINISH

Paul’s enduring skill was famously demonstrated in 2017 when, at age 83, he was invited to fly in the backseat of a Thunderbirds F-16D Fighting Falcon. During the flight, Paul took the controls, proving that the instincts of a fighter pilot never truly fade.

In 2024, Paul celebrated his 90th birthday exactly where he belonged: in the air. As the oldest living graduate of the Air Force Academy’s first class, his life stands as a testament to the Academy’s mission of producing leaders of character and his own unwavering devotion to the sky.

Paul remained strong and vibrant until the very end. On August 23, 2025, at the age of 91, he celebrated his final flight in his beloved Bonanza, N1553A.

His zest for life extended well beyond the runway. An avid and passionate golfer, Paul spent his final full day on earth doing what he loved—enjoying nine holes of golf with his son, Michael. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes just one day later. Paul Lasen leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment, a profound love for his family, and a spirit that truly never left the skies.

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ASSIGNMENTS AND CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Years Assignment/Role Location
1954–1955 Navigator Training / Commissioned 2nd Lt Lackland AFB, TX
1955–1959 Cadet, Inaugural Class U.S. Air Force Academy
1959–1960 Pilot Training Various
1960–1968 Instructor Pilot (3576 & 3511 Training Sq) Vance AFB / Randolph AFB
1968 F-105 Tactical Fighter Training McConnell AFB, KS
1969–1970 F-105 Pilot (355th TFW) - 128 Combat Missions Takhli RTAFB, Thailand
1970–1972 FT Wing O / EAO (18th TFW) Kadena AB, Okinawa
1972–1973 OIC Maintenance Control (57th Ftr Wpns Wing) Nellis AFB, NV
1973–1978 Ops Staff Officer / ABCCC 406th TFTW / Keesler AFB
Post-Military: Chief Pilot Sparks Companies Inc., Flight Instructor, and FAA Master Pilot

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

* (2) Distinguished Flying Cross
* (8) Air Medal
* (2) Air Force Commendation Medal
* FAA Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award
* Oldest Living Graduate (OLG) Active Pilot