Brock Tourville Strom

Brock W. Strom, a native of Ironwood, Michigan, etched his name into Air Force Academy history as a pivotal figure in the Class of 1959. While he began his collegiate journey at Indiana University, it was at the Academy that Strom became synonymous with football success and a trailblazer for future Falcons.

In 1958, the formidable 6-foot, 217-pound tackle achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the Academy's first consensus All-America football player. His impact on the undefeated 1958 Falcons, whose season was only "tainted" by a 13-13 tie with Rose Bowl-bound Iowa, was vividly captured by the Associated Press, which described him as "the bulwark of the team that almost literally came from outer space to go through the season undefeated and land in the Cotton Bowl opposite Texas Christian on New Year's Day."

As captain of this storied team, Strom was renowned for his exceptional leadership and "hard-nose football." He demonstrated authority in his blocking and tackling, earning the deep respect of Falcon coach Ben Martin, who lauded him as a "captain in every sense of the word." Strom often recounted the Iowa game as one of his most memorable; despite being projected to lose 50-0, the Falcons battled back to a 13-13 tie in the final quarter. His stellar performance on the field was further recognized with his selection as an Academic All-America in 1958.

Strom's commitment to service extended far beyond the football field. He distinguished himself in Southeast Asia, flying 90 missions as a navigator in Vietnam. 
After his impactful service in Vietnam, Strom continued to shape the future of the Air Force. He served as the Deputy of Space Defense Systems in Los Angeles, a critical role where he was directly responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force for the entirety of the U.S. Space Defense Program. His academic pursuits further enhanced his contributions, as he earned an M.S. from MIT and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

Upon retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel, Strom transitioned to a distinguished career in the private sector. He joined Burlington Northern Railroad, where he served as the director of the Advanced Railroad Electronics System (ARES), an innovative initiative that utilized GPS for positive train control. By April 1988, his leadership qualities led to his promotion to Vice President, Information Systems Services, at Burlington Northern Railroad.

Later in his life, Brock Strom returned to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he became a respected professor. He resided there until his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy of academic, athletic, and military excellence for generations of cadets.