The Unbroken Line of Character and Service

Family Perspectives & Generational Legacies

The Unbroken Line of Character and Service

 

Legacy is rarely built in a single lifetime; it is a living torch passed from one generation to the next. The founding members of the United States Air Force Academy Class of 1959 did not just establish traditions and build a campus—they forged a standard of character, integrity, and selfless service that would ripple through their families for decades to come.

In this inaugural post of our Family Legacy Series, we are honored to share a reflection from Jeffrey M. Rhodes (USAFA Class of 1987). As the son of ’59er Brigadier General James M. Rhodes, Jr., Jeff offers a deeply personal look into growing up in the shadow of the Academy’s first class. His story beautifully illustrates how the values nurtured at Lowry Air Force Base and on the Terrazzo didn't just stay in the cockpit—they became the bedrock of family life, inspiring excellence, resilience, and an enduring devotion to the Long Blue Line.

Being a Second-Generation USAFA Graduate

By Jeffrey M. Rhodes, USAFA Class of 1987

Thank you for the opportunity to share some thoughts for the Class of 1959 legacy site. My dad, James M. Rhodes, Jr., was a member of the first USAFA class, which ended up playing a massive role in our entire family’s life.

Doolie James M. Rhodes, Jr., USAFA Class of 1959

The photo above is one of my personal favorites. It was taken when he was a Doolie (freshman). That inaugural class spent three years at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver before transitioning to the permanent USAFA campus in the fall of 1958. While in Denver, my dad met my mom, Catherine Harrington, who was a student at Loretto Heights College at that time. They were married right after his graduation. Sadly, she suffered from mental illness, which contributed to their divorce in 1970.

Another cherished part of our family lore is that my uncle, Harold Westcott Rhodes, was also selected for the Academy and graduated with the Class of 1962. They were among the very first sets of brothers to serve as cadets.

Uncle Hal '62 "pulling chins," featured in a newspaper clipping from late 1958 or early 1959

Fast-forward to my graduation in 1987—Uncle Hal on the left, myself in the center, and Dad on the right.

A Distinguished Career and Core Values

I won’t spend too much time recounting all of Dad’s military accomplishments, but a few key highlights stand out:

• Flying the F-105 in Vietnam in 1965 (the year I was born) and sinking an enemy vessel.

• Earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.

• Becoming a test pilot and setting an altitude record in the NF-104.

• Winning the prestigious David C. Schilling Award for outstanding contributions to flight.

• Serving a second combat tour in Vietnam.

• Fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a Wing Commander and ultimately retiring as a Brigadier General.

Following my parents' divorce in 1970—a time when full paternal custody was extraordinarily rare—my brother, sister, and I accompanied our mom to Denver while Dad returned to Vietnam. While I was vaguely aware of the Academy during elementary and middle school, it wasn't a dominant force in my life yet.

1979 SHAPE

That changed in 1979 when my sister and I went to live with my dad and stepmother, Sylvia. At the time, he was the Assistant Deputy for Operations at Shaw AFB. The following year, we moved to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), where I began my freshman year of high school.

As I started thinking about college, I wasn't initially on an Academy bandwagon. However, I began recognizing USAFA values in dad's parenting style. One of his main mantras was: "Whatever you did wrong, lying about it makes it so much worse." I also grew to understand how fundamental being a graduate—and specifically a member of the original First Class—was to his identity. I witnessed that profound bond in every USAFA Class of 1959 member I had the honor to meet. One of the most moving traditions I ever witnessed was how they rose to stand in solemn respect at every single classmate’s funeral, including my dad’s service in 2014.

1981 AT RAF ALCONBURY - APPLYING TO USAFA

By 1981, we moved to RAF Alconbury, where Dad served as Vice Wing Commander and later Wing Commander. He strongly hoped I would attend the Academy, but he was wise enough not to pressure me. We agreed I would apply, and if accepted, the choice would be mine.

In a funny twist during admissions, one senator didn't realize I only wanted USAFA and gave me a principal nomination to Annapolis! I received a massive packet requiring only a signature to seal my appointment to the Naval Academy. Instead, I promptly mailed back the "not interested" postcard.

Shortly after, my USAFA appointment arrived. I was also offered an ROTC scholarship to CalTech and an acceptance to San Diego State. After careful thought over Spring Break, I realized that becoming a second-generation USAFA graduate was my true calling.

Because Dad was a Wing Commander, he was able to hand out diplomas at my high school graduation, leading to one of my favorite photos.

A special family moment: Brig Gen Rhodes - A Father Presenting High School Diploma to His Son

Walking the Marble Strips

You would think having a general officer for a father and living on Air Force bases surrounded by recent alumni would make Basic Cadet Training a breeze. Physical fitness wasn't an issue, but adjusting to military discipline proved tricky.

I ended up on the "training table" during basic training and made the classic mistake of telling the cadre I thought I was being treated unfairly—which promptly earned me an extra two weeks on the training table! My Air Officer Commanding (AOC) later admitted I was ranked dead last in my squadron when he took over halfway through basic. Fortunately, I turned things around and climbed to the middle of the pack by the end of BCT.

I clearly took the lessons to heart over the next four years, as I ultimately graduated first militarily, second academically, and first overall in the Class of 1987.

Celebrating at USAFA graduation in 1987. The local newspaper, The Gazette, ran this photo the next day with Dad quoting that his "buttons were popping" with pride.

While those accolades were gratifying, what meant the absolute most to me was seeing how proud my dad was.

Sue Stallman ('88) and Jeff Rhodes ('87)] during cadet days at the Academy

Our family’s USAFA connection grew even stronger when I married my wife, Sue, a proud member of the Long Blue Line from the Class of 1988. While neither of our two sons attended the Academy, USAFA values shaped their upbringing, and they have grown into extraordinary men.

There are many multi-generational families and even third-generation graduates today, but I feel immensely fortunate to be tied directly to the Class of 1959. They were the trailblazers who forged a magnificent path for all of us who followed.

Carrying the Torch: Building Legacy, Character, and Service

Jeff Rhodes' story reminds us that legacy is not built overnight; it is forged through daily choices, uncompromising honesty, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Class of 1959 did more than establish a military academy—they created a standard of character and brotherhood that inspires children, grandchildren, and future leaders to excel in service to our nation.

Share Your Family's Story!

Every '59er family has a unique chapter in this extraordinary history. Whether you are a spouse, child, sibling, or grandchild of a Class of 1959 graduate, we want to hear from you!

• How did your '59er shape your life values?

• Do you have special memories, photos, or anecdotes from cadet days or Air Force service?

• Are there second- or third-generation service stories in your family?

Please send your written reflections, historic photos, and personal memories to the site administrator to be featured in our upcoming family legacy spotlights. Help us keep the stories and spirit of the original USAFA class alive for generations to come!