Short Takes

"That, my friends, is the Catch-22—you cannot complete everything within ninety days!" Explore two stories of red tape, resilience, and the bureaucratic marathons required to bring family along on the next assignment.

"A Quiet Flight Turned Deadly" On May 23, 1968, a routine ferry flight for Art Elser (’59) quickly escalated into a life-or-death rescue mission over Quang Ngai. Read his raw account of the Vietnam air war—from the cockpit of an O-1 Bird Dog—and the haunting poem born from its aftermath.

A Military Story reflects on the unexpected challenges, quiet heroism, and everyday realities of life on a growing Air Force base. Through a humorous yet heartfelt Christmas‑season anecdote, it reveals how service members and their families adapt, persevere, and find connection even when the system around them is stretched thin. It’s a reminder that behind every mission are people doing their best with what they have.

“The Fifty‑Niners” honors the first cadets of the United States Air Force Academy — young men who arrived with determination, endured rigorous trials, and forged a legacy of courage and integrity. Don L. Brooks captures their journey from hopeful newcomers to seasoned warriors who carried the Honor Code into battle and into life. Their story becomes a tribute to service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond of a class that answered every call.

From cancelled orders mid-road trip to the great HHG warehouse disasters, every military family has a story. The USAFA Class of 1959 shares short, unforgettable takes on the chaos of PCS moves, highlighting the humor, creative solutions, and deep resilience required to build a life in uniform.

On May 31, 1967, Capt. Richard “Dusty” Trail and his KC‑135 crew performed history’s first tri‑level aerial refueling over the Gulf of Tonkin. Their daring mission saved Navy and Air Force aircraft from fuel starvation and earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year. Today, Dusty’s legacy is honored at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and within the Class of 1959 family.

When Sheila Reed met Admiral William Crowe, her introduction was anything but standard protocol. What followed was a moment of charm, candor, and a line that would be remembered long after the reception ended.