Lieutenant Colonel Don Lewis Brooks, USAF (Ret.)

Lieutenant Colonel Don Lewis Brooks, USAF (Ret.) passed away on January 11, 2026, in Monument, Colorado. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Yong Cha “Jeannie” Brooks, and was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gordon Brooks, and his siblings of Jefferson, Texas.

Don leaves a legacy of honor, faith, and devoted service to his country. A proud member of the inaugural United States Air Force Academy Class of 1959—known as the “First Falcons”—he helped establish the traditions that continue to define the Academy. Born Christmas Day 1937 in northeast Texas, he dreamed of flying from boyhood and received a congressional appointment to USAFA in 1955.

Following graduation, Don served twenty-eight years in the Air Force, flying the B-47 and B-52 in Strategic Air Command. From 1969–1970 he served in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller in the OV-10 Bronco, completing 357 combat missions. After his aircraft was struck by enemy fire, he ejected and was rescued by a medevac crew. For his heroism he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and thirteen Air Medals.

While stationed in Korea, Don met Yong, the love of his life. After military retirement he flew for Eastern and Northwest Airlines, logging more than 7,000 hours.

After retirement to the foothills of the Rockies, Don volunteered over twenty years at the USAFA 10th Medical Group and remained active with his Academy classmates, his Forward Air Controller friends and the Association of Graduates. A captivating storyteller and author of three books, he will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and unwavering Catholic faith.

Services

Monday, February 9, 2026

11:00 a.m. – Funeral Mass and Reception 

St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson Street, Monument

2:00 p.m. – Inurnment with Military Honors

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation or other organizations close to his heart.

“YOU’VE NEVER LIVED UNTIL YOU’VE ALMOST DIED. FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT, LIFE HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW."  Unknown U.S. soldier, Vietnam ‘68

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