USAFA Class of 1959
FLYING With THE THUNDERBIRDS

From flying 128 combat missions in Vietnam to reclaiming his place in the sky at age 83, Paul S. Lasen (Class of 1959) exemplifies the spirit of the Academy’s pioneers. Read about his historic flight with the Thunderbirds and his journey as the oldest living graduate of the Long Blue Line.

Lt. Gen. Robert D. “Bob” Beckel embodied the warrior spirit of the Class of ’59—from soloing with the Thunderbirds to flying 313 combat missions in Vietnam. In 1981, he returned to the Academy as the first graduate to serve as Commandant of Cadets, a full-circle moment that affirmed the Academy’s promise. His legacy lives on in courage, integrity, and devotion to the Long Blue Line.

Major General Hank Canterbury shares his Air Force Aviation career and how he qualified as the overall top aviator graduate of the USAFA.

Major General Henry Canterbury soared from USAFA graduate to Thunderbird pilot, flying over 230 airshows and 286 combat missions—shaping Air Force legacy with precision and daring.