Zita Hosmer — The Heart Behind the Mission

In anticipation of the dedication of the Hosmer Welcome Center at the Air Force Academy in May 2026, we are looking back at the stories that define the legacy of its namesakes. While Lieutenant General Brad Hosmer’s ('59) career is a matter of historic record, those who know the family best understand that the "Hosmer team" was always a duo.

In these two "Short Takes," Colonel Jim Reed (Class of 1959) shares a personal look at Zita Hosmer. Through the eyes of Jim and his wife, Sheila, we see Zita not just as the wife of a senior leader, but as a proactive problem-solver, a protector of the "Air Force family," and a woman who understood—long before it was common practice—that every member of the community brings their own unique value to the mission.

Zita Hosmer — The Heart Behind the Mission

By Colonel Jim Reed (Class of 1959)

Brad Hosmer has had a special career, beginning with his first assignment after graduation as a Rhodes Scholar. But importantly, he has had a special backup in his wife, Zita. As the wife of a senior military officer, Zita has often stepped into problem-solving and made life better for the people around her.

Here are two examples:

That Phone Call

Sheila Reed was new to the military when she married ’59er Jim Reed. Their first assignment together was in Hawaii, where they lived in quarters on Hickam AFB. Jim was a colonel and staff officer at Camp Smith for the Pacific Command, with responsibility for foreign military sales in the Pacific region—a job which required frequent travel. At the time, Brad Hosmer was already a Flag Officer, serving as the DCS Plans at Pacific Air Force (PACAF) at Hickam AFB.

After a lengthy delay, Sheila and Jim had just moved into their quarters, but Jim had to leave for a long trip to Australia and New Zealand. Sheila’s first night in the new house was spent alone. She was fixing herself dinner when the phone rang. It was an anonymous and obscene phone call. Frightened and shaken, she quickly hung up, but was deeply unnerved.

The next day, Sheila was in the Exchange when she ran into Zita. Zita asked how things were going, and Sheila told her about being alone and the frightening call. Zita, knowing her way around the Air Force, immediately called the Air Force Police. She explained the incident and asked them to keep watch around that part of the housing area. They responded by initiating a foot patrol with a K-9 unit.

The same day, Sheila had business in town. As was her habit, she rode her bicycle to the bus stop. By the time she finished, it had gotten dark. Her bicycle didn’t have a light, so she carried a small flashlight in her purse, steering with one hand and holding the light with the other.

However, this particular night was incredibly misty. The humidity fogged up her glasses, and she couldn't hold the light, steer, and wipe her glasses all at once. She resorted to holding the flashlight in her teeth to free up a hand.

As she approached the house, a policeman and his guard dog were at the corner. Through the mist, the officer could only see a shadow and a single light, about six feet in the air, wobbling down the street. Alarmed, he shouted, “Who is that?!”

Sheila could only see a dark form and the dog’s glowing eyes. She heard the shout but couldn’t answer because the flashlight was still in her mouth. It took a few minutes for both sides to recover, but eventually, Sheila and the officer were able to talk and calm down. The officer explained that after the Japanese bombed the area on December 7, 1941, stories of ghosts had persisted in the area—and he had been just as startled as she was!

The Officers’ Wives Club Welcome

As the wife of a senior Air Force Officer, Zita Hosmer served as the President of the Hickam AFB Officers’ Wives Club. One of the club’s functions was a yearly welcoming brunch for wives arriving in Hawaii. Zita made sure Sheila Reed was invited. During the formalities, each woman introduced herself:

First lady: “I’m Ann Jones, and my husband is Captain Jones. He’s the Safety Officer in the fighter squadron, responsible for the safety of all assigned pilots!”

Second lady: “I’m Sarah Smith, and my husband is Major Smith. He works in planning at PACAF, so all military operations in the Pacific are part of his responsibilities. It’s a very important job.”

Third lady: “I’m Donna Brown, and my husband is Lt. Col. Brown, the Commissary Officer. All the food and supplies are his job, so he has a big impact on your lives!”

Each lady described herself solely in terms of her husband’s rank and assignment. Sheila wasn’t having any of that. When it was her turn, she stood up and said:

“I’m Sheila Reed, and I feel like I’ve just joined a big new family. I don’t know what my husband is! I’ll have to ask him when he comes home tonight!”

After the laughter died down, Zita took the lead to explain Sheila’s impressive background in Hong Kong and aviation to the group, ensuring she was seen for her own merits.