Eugene Larry Vosika

COLONEL EUGENE LARRY "VOS" VOSIKA

USAFA Class of 1959 | "The Originals" Cadet Squadron: 05 (Wolfpack)
PATH TO THE ACADEMY AND THE "ORIGINALS" FOOTBALL LEGACY

Born in Bellevue, Nebraska, into a military family, Eugene Larry "Vos" Vosika brought a rugged Midwestern work ethic to the first-ever class of the United States Air Force Academy. His leadership was evident early; by his Firstie year, he was twice selected for Group Commander duty. At the Academy, he was known for balancing a steadfast dedication to duty with a quick wit and a genuine sense of fun.

Beyond his military duties, Gene was a premier athlete, playing as both a fullback and linebacker in an era where players "went both ways." He was a key contributor to what sportswriters dubbed the "Department of Defense"—a defensive unit so punishing it remains one of the greatest "Cinderella stories" in college football history. As "road warriors," Gene and his teammates played home games in borrowed stadiums, cementing the program’s foundation through sheer physical toughness and establishing the "Originals" as a force to be reckoned with.

PROFESSIONAL MILITARY HISTORY

Colonel Vosika’s 33-year career was defined by his transition from heavy strategic bombers to high-performance tactical fighters.

• 1959–1960: Pilot Training – Completed primary and basic pilot training at Moore Air Base and Laredo Air Force Base.
• 1961–1965: Strategic Air Command (SAC) – Served as a B-47 Stratojet pilot with the 486th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB and the 100th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB.
• 1966–1967: Vietnam (The "Buzzards") – Flew the F-100 Super Sabre with the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 3rd TFW, at Bien Hoa Air Base. He flew high-intensity combat missions providing close air support, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 12 Air Medals.
• 1968–1970: Headquarters USAF – Served as an Operations Staff Officer at the Pentagon.
• 1971–1976: The "Gunfighters" (Mountain Home AFB) – Served with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. During this period, he notably held Command of the 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron (1974–1975), leading operations in the F-111 Aardvark.
• 1977–1978: Commander, 8th Combat Support Group – Led base operations at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
• 1978–1979: TAC Director of Standardization & Evaluation – Assigned to Langley AFB, overseeing flight standards for Tactical Air Command.
• 1979–1981: 56th Tactical Fighter Wing – Served at MacDill AFB during the wing’s operation of the F-4 Phantom II and transition to the F-16.
• 1981–1983: Wing Commander, 347th TFW – Served as the Commander of the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia.
• 1983–1988: Vice Commander, AFISC – Concluded his career as Vice Commander of the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center at Norton AFB.

MEDALS AND AWARDS

• Legion of Merit (2)
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (4)
• Air Medal (12)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2)
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A LIFE OF SERVICE AND DEVOTION

The most defining moment of Gene’s life occurred on June 3, 1959. Just hours after graduation, he married his sweetheart, Jane. Their 65-year partnership was the bedrock of his career. Gene and Jane shared a beautiful life together. They were inseparable: often seen taking daily walks hand-in-hand, calling each other “Darlin’”. Family was central to Gene’s and Jane’s life. They were unwavering in support of family milestones and activities. Jane was an active leader in the Officers’ Wives Club and shared the family’s spirited nature; she famously ran a marathon at age 60 just so her daughter wouldn’t have to run it alone.

Following his retirement in 1988, Gene began a successful second career in California. From 1998 to 2013, he served as a Broker Associate and Manager for Lois Lauer Real Estate, where he was respected for his mentorship and for bringing enthusiasm, military precision, and integrity to the local community.

Gene was deeply connected and committed to serving his community. He was actively involved in the Highlands Senior Center, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and the Elks. Throughout the years, Gene remained a standout athlete, enjoying both watching and participating in a wide range of sports. His greatest passion was snow skiing, and he organized and led an annual ski group for 30 years. He brought exceptional leadership to many aspects of the community and possessed a wonderful ability to rally others.

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FAMILY AND LEGACY

Gene was a devoted family man who took immense pride in his daughters and grandchildren. He passed away on December 22, 2025, shortly after his beloved Jane. He leaves behind a legacy of "Original" Falcon spirit—a life characterized by physical toughness, tactical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his country.