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Steve Krikorian
April 2026
My fellow patriots of the Class of ’76,
I am humbled, having been invited to share a few thoughts on our fast approaching reunion. Permit me to first acknowledge our spouses and families for all they have dealt with, juggled and sacrificed as our careers, of varied flavors and directions, consumed the majority of our 50 years since graduation. Support from the home front has always been critical to an effective military structure. To all whom we love and adore, let us raise a glass and attempt to express our timeless gratitude!
I don’t think I fully appreciated the impact and significance of our 50 year reunion when planning began and the first emails arrived. I confess my reaction was, “Another reunion, already?” Yet, rarely does a morning turn to evening that I don’t reflect upon how this farm boy’s life changed when we all first assembled at the base of the BRING ME MEN ramp. I remember the large display featuring a map of the USA with small, colored pins indicating the hometowns from where we all hailed. My town, so small it was featureless and nameless on the map, nonetheless displayed a pin! Closer scrutiny revealed I was not alone, so when Doolie harassment and hellfire rained down upon us as a group, I was emboldened and quite aware a brotherhood had just been born. It was an emotional experience for me. To this day, I still use the phrase, “cooperate and graduate.”
I’m very fortunate to have been a “Troll” of the CS-20 “Tough Twenty Trolls” (now the “Red Tails”) as we have somehow managed to remain a close group all these years, communicating somewhat regularly and ensuring our collective voices are heard when a USAFA issue stirs up a fracas. We also have a rather good track record of gathering together for dinner after the reunion football games. Not bad for a band of now septuagenarian squadron mates spread from Arizona to Norway! We have long toasted our brothers with a bottle of Chivas. My understanding is each squadron was given a bottle at graduation for future reunion toasts. Our bottle served up tributes spanning 40 years, if memory serves. Duncan Shields assumed command for resupply; acquiring another bottle from which we Trolls continue to solemnly “toss one back” for the blessings of liberty, the joy of camaraderie, and especially for the privilege to perpetuate the sacred honor of classmates now memorialized by a distant drum roll and the reverent call, “Absent Sir!”
Half a century just seems more significant than the other reunions. Most of us will show up with photos of the grandkids and stories of adventure in the RV. All of us possess that favorite story beginning with “Remember when ol’ what’s his name…” Another perennial favorite is callsign origins…such as…
“What was the name of the guy who dropped a bomb into the middle of a lake?”
“Oh, yeah, that was Steve Krikorian, not long out of F-4 school, 1978…he was promptly dubbed “Fish Killer” and it followed him his entire 20 year career!”
(I just thought we’d get that out of the way right now!)
Ignoring the reality of aging may be a choice, but time waits for no man as the significance of this reunion began to sink in, like a “whomp up the side of the head.” Fortunately, the remainder of the familiar cheer is not necessary, thank you. I get it! We’re now in a phase of life where physical constraints and medical demands are factors of growing importance. We all understand the circumstances that make the ordeal of travel to the reunion a bridge too far for some. For those who attend, we look forward to playing “Guess the Face” and catching up on the many interesting goings and comings of your lives.
So, whether you’re the CEO of a multi-national corporation, an elected official, a substitute teacher, a pilot giving back to aviation, a farmer anticipating a final harvest, a shop owner struggling to make ends meet, one who walks the road less traveled like translating the Bible into tribal languages, or perhaps you bear the weight of sorrow or are simply among those just grateful to God for another day…Kathy and I, the planning committee, class leadership, and lots of wonderful people hope you will make the journey again as we celebrate together, this significant milestone.
About 2 decades ago, I devoted several years to creating a video about my family’s heritage, for as far back as I had evidence, photos and stories. I consider it the most meaningful thing I’ve done for our posterity. The academy years are featured prominently. From the resultant 3 hour video, I extracted a snippet of 12 minutes relevant to our academy days. The video clip is on the official reunion website. Check out the website; you’ll find some fun stuff. You, also, can submit memories for consideration by the website master. Here’s the link, or just search “76 reunion.”
https://usafaspiritof7650threunion.usafagroups.org/
then…”Remember When”…”Videos”
May the fullness of the Lord be upon you and yours,
“Fish Killer”
April 2026
My fellow patriots of the Class of ’76,
I am humbled, having been invited to share a few thoughts on our fast approaching reunion. Permit me to first acknowledge our spouses and families for all they have dealt with, juggled and sacrificed as our careers, of varied flavors and directions, consumed the majority of our 50 years since graduation. Support from the home front has always been critical to an effective military structure. To all whom we love and adore, let us raise a glass and attempt to express our timeless gratitude!
I don’t think I fully appreciated the impact and significance of our 50 year reunion when planning began and the first emails arrived. I confess my reaction was, “Another reunion, already?” Yet, rarely does a morning turn to evening that I don’t reflect upon how this farm boy’s life changed when we all first assembled at the base of the BRING ME MEN ramp. I remember the large display featuring a map of the USA with small, colored pins indicating the hometowns from where we all hailed. My town, so small it was featureless and nameless on the map, nonetheless displayed a pin! Closer scrutiny revealed I was not alone, so when Doolie harassment and hellfire rained down upon us as a group, I was emboldened and quite aware a brotherhood had just been born. It was an emotional experience for me. To this day, I still use the phrase, “cooperate and graduate.”
I’m very fortunate to have been a “Troll” of the CS-20 “Tough Twenty Trolls” (now the “Red Tails”) as we have somehow managed to remain a close group all these years, communicating somewhat regularly and ensuring our collective voices are heard when a USAFA issue stirs up a fracas. We also have a rather good track record of gathering together for dinner after the reunion football games. Not bad for a band of now septuagenarian squadron mates spread from Arizona to Norway! We have long toasted our brothers with a bottle of Chivas. My understanding is each squadron was given a bottle at graduation for future reunion toasts. Our bottle served up tributes spanning 40 years, if memory serves. Duncan Shields assumed command for resupply; acquiring another bottle from which we Trolls continue to solemnly “toss one back” for the blessings of liberty, the joy of camaraderie, and especially for the privilege to perpetuate the sacred honor of classmates now memorialized by a distant drum roll and the reverent call, “Absent Sir!”
Half a century just seems more significant than the other reunions. Most of us will show up with photos of the grandkids and stories of adventure in the RV. All of us possess that favorite story beginning with “Remember when ol’ what’s his name…” Another perennial favorite is callsign origins…such as…
“What was the name of the guy who dropped a bomb into the middle of a lake?”
“Oh, yeah, that was Steve Krikorian, not long out of F-4 school, 1978…he was promptly dubbed “Fish Killer” and it followed him his entire 20 year career!”
(I just thought we’d get that out of the way right now!)
Ignoring the reality of aging may be a choice, but time waits for no man as the significance of this reunion began to sink in, like a “whomp up the side of the head.” Fortunately, the remainder of the familiar cheer is not necessary, thank you. I get it! We’re now in a phase of life where physical constraints and medical demands are factors of growing importance. We all understand the circumstances that make the ordeal of travel to the reunion a bridge too far for some. For those who attend, we look forward to playing “Guess the Face” and catching up on the many interesting goings and comings of your lives.
So, whether you’re the CEO of a multi-national corporation, an elected official, a substitute teacher, a pilot giving back to aviation, a farmer anticipating a final harvest, a shop owner struggling to make ends meet, one who walks the road less traveled like translating the Bible into tribal languages, or perhaps you bear the weight of sorrow or are simply among those just grateful to God for another day…Kathy and I, the planning committee, class leadership, and lots of wonderful people hope you will make the journey again as we celebrate together, this significant milestone.
About 2 decades ago, I devoted several years to creating a video about my family’s heritage, for as far back as I had evidence, photos and stories. I consider it the most meaningful thing I’ve done for our posterity. The academy years are featured prominently. From the resultant 3 hour video, I extracted a snippet of 12 minutes relevant to our academy days. The video clip is on the official reunion website. Check out the website; you’ll find some fun stuff. You, also, can submit memories for consideration by the website master. Here’s the link, or just search “76 reunion.”
https://usafaspiritof7650threunion.usafagroups.org/
then…”Remember When”…”Videos”
May the fullness of the Lord be upon you and yours,
“Fish Killer”
To the Spirit of 76’,
I’m sure it’s hard for all of us to believe that the 50th anniversary of our graduation from the United States Air Force Academy is just a few short months away, and our reunion to celebrate that milestone will follow in October. 50 years…Doesn’t it go by at the speed of heat?!
Regardless of the paths we took, I have no doubt that looking back over the last 50 years, it has been a remarkable flight for each of us. While I didn’t give much thought to it at the Academy (other than to memorize it), our flight though life was indeed, in many ways, sustained by the power of our knowledge. My faith in God provided the lift, and the knowledge I gained at the Academy, and beyond, the thrust that carried and propelled me through these last 50 years. I know that’s true for many of you, as well.
But, like all flights, as much as I might like to stay airborne a little longer, this one will also come to an end when I too, someday, take up a heading of West. We are all painfully reminded of that, almost monthly, by Dan Beatty’s “Gone but not Forgotten” emails. That’s why, for me, this 50th Reunion is so vitally important. This is the pinnacle of all reunions! I’m sure the 60th and 70th will be fine, but we have to acknowledge that far fewer of us will be there. This is the one that matters most! The opportunity to bring “The Spirit of 76” together, one more time.
Jack and his planning committee have worked to make our 50th Reunion the best one ever! Our class gift, “The Spirit of ‘76 Echelon…A Tribute to the Long Blue Line”, will be completed this spring and dedicated at our Reunion. Our gift will also include an endowment to assist the families of our fallen classmates and other graduates in their time of need. It’s a wonderful way for each of us to give back. I love this component of our gift!
I know for many of you the Reunion and the class gift still seem a long way off. To date, less than half of our classmates have made a contribution. I get it. It’s simply not on your radar. Many classes don’t even begin contributing to their class gift until at their reunion, and only complete their gift months, or even years, AFTER the reunion. The Class of 76 is doing something VERY different. As I said above, we want construction of this incredible project completed by late spring so finishing touches can occur over the summer and our gift fully dedicated at our Reunion. That’s why I’m encouraging all of us to put both the class gift and the Reunion on our radar NOW. It’s time! One more reminder, gifts or pledges of $76 or more made NLT 31 May 2026 will ensure your name is included on the contributor’s plaque in the kiosk.
You can read more about the Reunion, view the class gift, and make your pledge on our Spirit of ‘76 Reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this very special and meaningful reunion.
The Spirit Lives!
Mike Byron
Pink Panther
I’m sure it’s hard for all of us to believe that the 50th anniversary of our graduation from the United States Air Force Academy is just a few short months away, and our reunion to celebrate that milestone will follow in October. 50 years…Doesn’t it go by at the speed of heat?!
Regardless of the paths we took, I have no doubt that looking back over the last 50 years, it has been a remarkable flight for each of us. While I didn’t give much thought to it at the Academy (other than to memorize it), our flight though life was indeed, in many ways, sustained by the power of our knowledge. My faith in God provided the lift, and the knowledge I gained at the Academy, and beyond, the thrust that carried and propelled me through these last 50 years. I know that’s true for many of you, as well.
But, like all flights, as much as I might like to stay airborne a little longer, this one will also come to an end when I too, someday, take up a heading of West. We are all painfully reminded of that, almost monthly, by Dan Beatty’s “Gone but not Forgotten” emails. That’s why, for me, this 50th Reunion is so vitally important. This is the pinnacle of all reunions! I’m sure the 60th and 70th will be fine, but we have to acknowledge that far fewer of us will be there. This is the one that matters most! The opportunity to bring “The Spirit of 76” together, one more time.
Jack and his planning committee have worked to make our 50th Reunion the best one ever! Our class gift, “The Spirit of ‘76 Echelon…A Tribute to the Long Blue Line”, will be completed this spring and dedicated at our Reunion. Our gift will also include an endowment to assist the families of our fallen classmates and other graduates in their time of need. It’s a wonderful way for each of us to give back. I love this component of our gift!
I know for many of you the Reunion and the class gift still seem a long way off. To date, less than half of our classmates have made a contribution. I get it. It’s simply not on your radar. Many classes don’t even begin contributing to their class gift until at their reunion, and only complete their gift months, or even years, AFTER the reunion. The Class of 76 is doing something VERY different. As I said above, we want construction of this incredible project completed by late spring so finishing touches can occur over the summer and our gift fully dedicated at our Reunion. That’s why I’m encouraging all of us to put both the class gift and the Reunion on our radar NOW. It’s time! One more reminder, gifts or pledges of $76 or more made NLT 31 May 2026 will ensure your name is included on the contributor’s plaque in the kiosk.
You can read more about the Reunion, view the class gift, and make your pledge on our Spirit of ‘76 Reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this very special and meaningful reunion.
The Spirit Lives!
Mike Byron
Pink Panther
Spirit of ’76 - 50th Reunion Class Gift
We have raised over $3.4 million of our $5 million goal, and we want to thank all our classmates who have already made their pledge or gift to our class project. Without your early and generous support, we would not have been able to begin construction of the Echelon project last spring. For those who have not yet made a pledge or gift, please consider making a pledge or gift in the weeks ahead, for we still have 30% to go to reach our $5 million goal. We also have $203,622 in remaining in match funds to pair with the next $203,622 received in pledges and gifts, which will double the value of these pledges/gifts to $407,244.
Typically, most classes announce their class gifts sometime during the year of the reunion, with fundraising and project completion years later. Our 50th reunion class gift will be much different, for we raised sufficient funds to begin construction last spring, with estimated completion in early summer. We will cut the ribbon for this magnificent project and present it to the Academy at our reunion! “The Spirit of ’76 Echelon…..A Tribute To The Long Blue Line” is one of the most significant and iconic gifts any class has ever given to the Academy, and we have already raised pledges and gifts from 404 classmates of over $3.4 million of the $4 million budgeted for this project.
All dollars raised above the amount required for the Echelon project will fund the “Gone but not Forgotten Endowment,” supporting the families of deceased graduates as they navigate the endless details leading up to the final celebration of life for a member of the Long Blue Line. We plan to raise an additional $1 million or more for the Endowment, for a total of $5 million.
For a detailed description of the Echelon project, including progress photos, click onto our class reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion, and then click on the “Class Gift” tab. The website contains a wealth of information about our class gift and how to pledge, along with many nostalgic photos of our cadet years, and posts from several of our very esteemed classmates. Please give this website a thorough checkout!
• The Spirit of ’76 Echelon kiosk will include a plaque listing the names of every classmate who donates to the project ($76 minimum), and we hope everyone will be on this list.
• Names will be displayed with no differentiation, regardless of amount pledged or donated, and listed in the order we receive pledges and donations.
o 31 May 2026 is the cutoff to be on this plaque at the ribbon cutting ceremony, although we will be able to continue adding names for another year after the dedication, as new pledges and gifts come in.
• You can make your pledge for up to five years (example: a $7,600 pledge of $1,520 per year for five years)
o We will keep all pledge and donation amounts confidential.
• Our reunion website has detailed instructions on how to pledge or donate through the Air Force Academy Foundation (usafa.org/76-reunion). There are many ways to give:
o You can pledge and donate by credit card or check.
o The Air Force Academy Foundation staff are readily available by phone or email to assist in transferring appreciated stock assets and required minimum distributions (RMD) from your 401K or IRA.
Most of us will have IRS-required RMD payments beginning at age 73.
Your decision to pledge or donate to our class gift is a personal decision, and we want to make clear that the amount you decide to give will remain strictly confidential and under the administration of the Air Force Academy Foundation. For those who have already participated, thank you for your generous support. For those who have not yet made a pledge or donation, we hope we can count on you to participate and help us reach our $5 million goal!
Most important, please plan to attend our 50th Reunion!
The Spirit of ’76 lives!
Wes Stowers
Fundraising Committee Chairman
We have raised over $3.4 million of our $5 million goal, and we want to thank all our classmates who have already made their pledge or gift to our class project. Without your early and generous support, we would not have been able to begin construction of the Echelon project last spring. For those who have not yet made a pledge or gift, please consider making a pledge or gift in the weeks ahead, for we still have 30% to go to reach our $5 million goal. We also have $203,622 in remaining in match funds to pair with the next $203,622 received in pledges and gifts, which will double the value of these pledges/gifts to $407,244.
Typically, most classes announce their class gifts sometime during the year of the reunion, with fundraising and project completion years later. Our 50th reunion class gift will be much different, for we raised sufficient funds to begin construction last spring, with estimated completion in early summer. We will cut the ribbon for this magnificent project and present it to the Academy at our reunion! “The Spirit of ’76 Echelon…..A Tribute To The Long Blue Line” is one of the most significant and iconic gifts any class has ever given to the Academy, and we have already raised pledges and gifts from 404 classmates of over $3.4 million of the $4 million budgeted for this project.
All dollars raised above the amount required for the Echelon project will fund the “Gone but not Forgotten Endowment,” supporting the families of deceased graduates as they navigate the endless details leading up to the final celebration of life for a member of the Long Blue Line. We plan to raise an additional $1 million or more for the Endowment, for a total of $5 million.
For a detailed description of the Echelon project, including progress photos, click onto our class reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion, and then click on the “Class Gift” tab. The website contains a wealth of information about our class gift and how to pledge, along with many nostalgic photos of our cadet years, and posts from several of our very esteemed classmates. Please give this website a thorough checkout!
• The Spirit of ’76 Echelon kiosk will include a plaque listing the names of every classmate who donates to the project ($76 minimum), and we hope everyone will be on this list.
• Names will be displayed with no differentiation, regardless of amount pledged or donated, and listed in the order we receive pledges and donations.
o 31 May 2026 is the cutoff to be on this plaque at the ribbon cutting ceremony, although we will be able to continue adding names for another year after the dedication, as new pledges and gifts come in.
• You can make your pledge for up to five years (example: a $7,600 pledge of $1,520 per year for five years)
o We will keep all pledge and donation amounts confidential.
• Our reunion website has detailed instructions on how to pledge or donate through the Air Force Academy Foundation (usafa.org/76-reunion). There are many ways to give:
o You can pledge and donate by credit card or check.
o The Air Force Academy Foundation staff are readily available by phone or email to assist in transferring appreciated stock assets and required minimum distributions (RMD) from your 401K or IRA.
Most of us will have IRS-required RMD payments beginning at age 73.
Your decision to pledge or donate to our class gift is a personal decision, and we want to make clear that the amount you decide to give will remain strictly confidential and under the administration of the Air Force Academy Foundation. For those who have already participated, thank you for your generous support. For those who have not yet made a pledge or donation, we hope we can count on you to participate and help us reach our $5 million goal!
Most important, please plan to attend our 50th Reunion!
The Spirit of ’76 lives!
Wes Stowers
Fundraising Committee Chairman
Dear fellow Spirit of ‘76 classmates,
I will be the first to admit that years ago I kind of fell off the face of the earth for a decade or so. It was not that I wanted to lose contact with any of my fellow classmates, business associates, or fellow believers in Christ, life just marched on. I have been exceptionally blessed in my life, for reasons I don’t completely understand. One such blessing began on July 3,1972 at the base of the ramp or perhaps near CS-24 at the northwest quadrant of the Old Dorm. Wow, I’m surprised I remember any of that sh**, but thanks to the efforts of many, but especially classmates like our current Class President and Scribe, Dan Beatty and the likes of General Jack and General “CSAF” Mark, who was my Willie BOQ ‘kitchen mate’ back in the fall of 1976, and many others, that memory remains crystal clear. Isn’t it a distinct blessing to have a collective history with these classmates and others, those who have developed faith, character, principle, and ferocious tenacity, chiseled into terrazzo white and grey marble that grew in our veins for four years at USAFA? Yes. An unequivocal, YES. I am extremely proud to be a member of our very esteemed Class of ’76!
Bottom line of this brief note is to encourage all of our Class of ‘76 classmates to be near the Rampart Range the first weekend in October 2026. I strongly suggest that, unlike me, having only attended our 10th Reunion in the past 50 years, everybody commits to attending, even if our spouse or significant other says he or she doesn’t want to go to the reunion because it will be extremely boring. To that I say, leave her or him at home and come alone. You would likely have a lot more fun without her or him attending!
Signed respectfully,
Jon “Oak” Tree, CS-10
P.S. I was first in the Viper at Hill and first in the 422 TES at Nellis, working for Major Joe Bob Phillips, the best flying job I ever had – three times a day (one day, four sorties, oops), mostly air to air, 15 Red Flags, 14 as a ‘Red Bandit,’ Constant Peg numerous times against MiG-21s and MiG-23s, live missiles, live bombs, and live IIR Maverick launches at Russian tanks over high terrain at night at Hill; Southwest Airlines for 24 years, 10 in the office with Rodney Leroy Jones , USAFA ‘71; Boeing as Director of International Relations and primary Flight Operations advisor to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) Chief Engineer for the 787, and the face and voice of BCA after the first MCAS 737 MAX debacle. There is so much more to that story, most of which nobody except a few will ever know. My point is, don’t miss our 50th Reunion and the chance to hear about what has transpired in the lives of your classmates. Thanks be to Him for USAFA and The Spirit of ’76!
I will be the first to admit that years ago I kind of fell off the face of the earth for a decade or so. It was not that I wanted to lose contact with any of my fellow classmates, business associates, or fellow believers in Christ, life just marched on. I have been exceptionally blessed in my life, for reasons I don’t completely understand. One such blessing began on July 3,1972 at the base of the ramp or perhaps near CS-24 at the northwest quadrant of the Old Dorm. Wow, I’m surprised I remember any of that sh**, but thanks to the efforts of many, but especially classmates like our current Class President and Scribe, Dan Beatty and the likes of General Jack and General “CSAF” Mark, who was my Willie BOQ ‘kitchen mate’ back in the fall of 1976, and many others, that memory remains crystal clear. Isn’t it a distinct blessing to have a collective history with these classmates and others, those who have developed faith, character, principle, and ferocious tenacity, chiseled into terrazzo white and grey marble that grew in our veins for four years at USAFA? Yes. An unequivocal, YES. I am extremely proud to be a member of our very esteemed Class of ’76!
Bottom line of this brief note is to encourage all of our Class of ‘76 classmates to be near the Rampart Range the first weekend in October 2026. I strongly suggest that, unlike me, having only attended our 10th Reunion in the past 50 years, everybody commits to attending, even if our spouse or significant other says he or she doesn’t want to go to the reunion because it will be extremely boring. To that I say, leave her or him at home and come alone. You would likely have a lot more fun without her or him attending!
Signed respectfully,
Jon “Oak” Tree, CS-10
P.S. I was first in the Viper at Hill and first in the 422 TES at Nellis, working for Major Joe Bob Phillips, the best flying job I ever had – three times a day (one day, four sorties, oops), mostly air to air, 15 Red Flags, 14 as a ‘Red Bandit,’ Constant Peg numerous times against MiG-21s and MiG-23s, live missiles, live bombs, and live IIR Maverick launches at Russian tanks over high terrain at night at Hill; Southwest Airlines for 24 years, 10 in the office with Rodney Leroy Jones , USAFA ‘71; Boeing as Director of International Relations and primary Flight Operations advisor to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) Chief Engineer for the 787, and the face and voice of BCA after the first MCAS 737 MAX debacle. There is so much more to that story, most of which nobody except a few will ever know. My point is, don’t miss our 50th Reunion and the chance to hear about what has transpired in the lives of your classmates. Thanks be to Him for USAFA and The Spirit of ’76!
Howdy Classmates. Like each of you, I value a lot of things in my life. Faith and family are at the top of my list, with friends running a very close third. At the top of that friends list are the ones I made at USAFA. Whether you loved your time at the Academy, or hated it, I know you feel the same way I do about the brothers who shared the experience with you. I’m actually starting to dread every new issue of Checkpoints and the updates from our dedicated class scribe, Dan Beatty, letting us know that another ‘76er has “flown west.” It always surprises me. I guess it shouldn’t; fifty years is a long time, and life is a bumpy road. But while every one of us has had a unique journey, we all came out of the same starting gate. I don’t remember you as wise and experienced 70-somethings … I still see you as fired-up, hard-charging 22-year-olds roaring out the North Gate to save the world. I still remember how you inspired, challenged, and propped me up during military training, tolerated my stupid questions in academic classes, and set a standard I tried hard, and unsuccessfully, to meet on the athletic fields. Despite how corny it sounds, you were my heroes then … you’re still my heroes now.
In 2026, we celebrate our 50-year journey after USAFA. We’ll also celebrate our brothers who didn’t complete that journey and I pray that we don’t add any names to that list before then. I hope all of you can be there for the reunion. I know it’s tough to make the trip, but it just won’t be the same for the rest of us, without you.
“Spirit of …”
Mark Welsh, ‘76
In 2026, we celebrate our 50-year journey after USAFA. We’ll also celebrate our brothers who didn’t complete that journey and I pray that we don’t add any names to that list before then. I hope all of you can be there for the reunion. I know it’s tough to make the trip, but it just won’t be the same for the rest of us, without you.
“Spirit of …”
Mark Welsh, ‘76
Classmates,
Many of you may remember the attached video "What Makes a Man" narrated by Lorne Greene, filmed in the late 1960's that was widely distributed to high schools and Air Force Academy Liaison Officers during the time the Class of 1976 was going through its application and appointment process. I volunteered at the Academy Visitor Center on weekends during our Doolie year and remember hearing this play so frequently that I can still recite parts from memory. While it clearly reflects a world that bears little resemblance to the present day, it does tell the story of the Academy we joined in its depiction of the facilities, uniforms, curricula and culture. More than anything else it reminds me once more of the people I first met on 3 July 1972 who dramatically changed my expectations, my prospects, and my life. While my goal during our four years at USAFA was focused on all that was to follow, I have always treasured the lessons and friendships I acquired there. With a huge thanks to Jack Catton and his reunion committee, I'm looking forward to affirming those friendships once more at our 50th reunion. It's a different place operating in different times but the Spirit of '76 is still what it was on 3 July 1972 - us.
Chris Inglis
Many of you may remember the attached video "What Makes a Man" narrated by Lorne Greene, filmed in the late 1960's that was widely distributed to high schools and Air Force Academy Liaison Officers during the time the Class of 1976 was going through its application and appointment process. I volunteered at the Academy Visitor Center on weekends during our Doolie year and remember hearing this play so frequently that I can still recite parts from memory. While it clearly reflects a world that bears little resemblance to the present day, it does tell the story of the Academy we joined in its depiction of the facilities, uniforms, curricula and culture. More than anything else it reminds me once more of the people I first met on 3 July 1972 who dramatically changed my expectations, my prospects, and my life. While my goal during our four years at USAFA was focused on all that was to follow, I have always treasured the lessons and friendships I acquired there. With a huge thanks to Jack Catton and his reunion committee, I'm looking forward to affirming those friendships once more at our 50th reunion. It's a different place operating in different times but the Spirit of '76 is still what it was on 3 July 1972 - us.
Chris Inglis
Classmates,
On Friday 3 October, Larry Weaver and I hosted a ‘76er AF-Navy pregame party. It was 1 year to the day before our 50th reunion dinner, to be followed by AF-Navy the next day. In other words, it was like a practice 50th reunion. We had a fantastic time reconnecting and telling stories. Please take a look at this 5 minute video to hopefully reinforce your decision to attend.
Jack
On Friday 3 October, Larry Weaver and I hosted a ‘76er AF-Navy pregame party. It was 1 year to the day before our 50th reunion dinner, to be followed by AF-Navy the next day. In other words, it was like a practice 50th reunion. We had a fantastic time reconnecting and telling stories. Please take a look at this 5 minute video to hopefully reinforce your decision to attend.
Jack
Class Gift Update
Wes Stowers provides the update below on our class gift project.
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The Spirit of '76 Echelon.........A Tribute To The Long Blue Line
Excavation and grading on our class project, The Spirit of ’76 Echelon, is now well underway, and we are on track to cut the ribbon during our 1-4 October 2026 reunion!
This gift will be one of the most symbolic and iconic class projects in Academy history, honoring every graduating class from the inaugural Class of 1959 through our Legacy Class of 2026, and for future graduating classes through the Class of 2079. For a preview of the Echelon project, click the link to our reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion. Then click on the “Class Gift” tab and scroll down to the YouTube video, which provides a 5-minute virtual tour of this exciting project.
It is highly unusual for a reunion class to deliver their completed project to the Academy at their reunion, since 75% of the project cost must first be pledged before contracting and construction can begin. Thanks to the generous support from many of our classmates late last year, we raised enough pledges for the Foundation to approve our project, put it out for bid, and get it under contract this spring. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Larry Weaver’s gift committee and the Air Force Academy Foundation staff for their advance planning and execution over the past year.
The cost for the “Echelon” is now projected to be $4.0 million. We will use all funds raised above the actual project cost to create the “Gone But Not Forgotten Endowment”, established to support the families of deceased graduates. We plan to raise at least an additional $1.0 million for this project, making our total 50th Reunion fundraising goal $5.0 million. You can access additional information on the “Gone But Not Forgotten Endowment” on our reunion website’s “Class Gift” tab, immediately, below the Echelon project video.
To date, we have raised $2,719,494, which includes $46,456 from a $500,000 matching grant. This matching grant still has $453,544 remaining, so the next $453,544 in classmates’ pledges will be matched dollar for dollar, which will double the value to $907,088. We are off to a great start, but we need to keep up the pace over the next fourteen months to meet our goal. We have had great participation by some squadrons, with CS-31 leading the way with 86% participation to date. You can see the participation results to date by squadron by scrolling to the bottom of the “Class Gift” tab on our reunion website.
We urge everyone to make a pledge for our class gift, which can be paid over five years. Payment can be made by check, gifts of stock or other securities, or by credit card. You can download a pledge form on the “Class Gift” tab on our reunion website and complete it online. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the Foundation staff (email: [email protected]; or phone: 719-247-8770).
Our deep thanks to those who have already pledged, and we hope everyone who has not yet pledged will join us to help make our 50th Reunion Class Gift the very best in Academy history. Even more important, put 1-4 October 2026 on your calendar, for our #1 goal is for every able classmate to attend!
Wes Stowers
Fundraising Committee Chairman
Wes Stowers provides the update below on our class gift project.
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The Spirit of '76 Echelon.........A Tribute To The Long Blue Line
Excavation and grading on our class project, The Spirit of ’76 Echelon, is now well underway, and we are on track to cut the ribbon during our 1-4 October 2026 reunion!
This gift will be one of the most symbolic and iconic class projects in Academy history, honoring every graduating class from the inaugural Class of 1959 through our Legacy Class of 2026, and for future graduating classes through the Class of 2079. For a preview of the Echelon project, click the link to our reunion website, usafa.org/76-reunion. Then click on the “Class Gift” tab and scroll down to the YouTube video, which provides a 5-minute virtual tour of this exciting project.
It is highly unusual for a reunion class to deliver their completed project to the Academy at their reunion, since 75% of the project cost must first be pledged before contracting and construction can begin. Thanks to the generous support from many of our classmates late last year, we raised enough pledges for the Foundation to approve our project, put it out for bid, and get it under contract this spring. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Larry Weaver’s gift committee and the Air Force Academy Foundation staff for their advance planning and execution over the past year.
The cost for the “Echelon” is now projected to be $4.0 million. We will use all funds raised above the actual project cost to create the “Gone But Not Forgotten Endowment”, established to support the families of deceased graduates. We plan to raise at least an additional $1.0 million for this project, making our total 50th Reunion fundraising goal $5.0 million. You can access additional information on the “Gone But Not Forgotten Endowment” on our reunion website’s “Class Gift” tab, immediately, below the Echelon project video.
To date, we have raised $2,719,494, which includes $46,456 from a $500,000 matching grant. This matching grant still has $453,544 remaining, so the next $453,544 in classmates’ pledges will be matched dollar for dollar, which will double the value to $907,088. We are off to a great start, but we need to keep up the pace over the next fourteen months to meet our goal. We have had great participation by some squadrons, with CS-31 leading the way with 86% participation to date. You can see the participation results to date by squadron by scrolling to the bottom of the “Class Gift” tab on our reunion website.
We urge everyone to make a pledge for our class gift, which can be paid over five years. Payment can be made by check, gifts of stock or other securities, or by credit card. You can download a pledge form on the “Class Gift” tab on our reunion website and complete it online. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the Foundation staff (email: [email protected]; or phone: 719-247-8770).
Our deep thanks to those who have already pledged, and we hope everyone who has not yet pledged will join us to help make our 50th Reunion Class Gift the very best in Academy history. Even more important, put 1-4 October 2026 on your calendar, for our #1 goal is for every able classmate to attend!
Wes Stowers
Fundraising Committee Chairman
Dear Classmates, 6 May 2025
Fifty-three years ago, in July 1972, a group of 1,507 anxious young men stood together for the first time in their initial cadet formation. We were shrouded in a dense fog that obscured the mighty Rampart Range from our view. For three long days, the fog held its grip, keeping the light from illuminating our Basic Cadet Training. As the fog finally lifted, the majesty of our surroundings became an inspiration that would last for four years and beyond.
We quickly learned that individual effort, while important, was insufficient on its own to overcome the challenges we faced. It was through unity and mutual support that we began to thrive. Thus, the Spirit of '76 was born—a testament to the strength found in camaraderie and collective effort. The friendships and bonds formed during this rigorous training would continue to grow throughout the four long years we spent together.
In June 1976, on a bright sunny day, the Academy saw 928 of us, who had persevered through trials and tribulations, proudly threw our hats into the air. We set off for the skies in pursuit of our destinies. As the words of our version of the poem "Bring Me Men" so eloquently states, we would "chart the starry empire and make celestial claims."
The Spirit of '76 endures to this day. Many of the friendships forged in the crucible of training have endured and grown, providing a foundation of support and shared memories. However, time has not been kind to all, and many of our friends are no longer with us. As we reflect on our journey, the class of '76 honors those who have passed and we cherish the bonds that continue to unite us who remain.
As our fiftieth reunion approaches, it is time to once again call on our sense of class unity and come together in celebration. I am not sure how I was chosen to be on the reunion committee, but it has been a privilege. The committee has developed a class gift which will be nothing short of inspirational for past and future classes as well as those who visit the Academy. This class gift will be animated on the reunion web site for all to see and will be completed for dedication during the reunion. Our gift also includes support of an Academy endowment to aid families of deceased graduates. Our most important wish as a committee is that as many classmates as possible come to celebrate together and that, if possible, all pledge something toward our class gift.
Please go to our reunion website and get the information you need so you can mark your calendars for the first weekend in October of 2026 to join your friends in celebration.
The Spirit of '76 lives on in each of us, and as we learned so many years ago, when we stand together it is a beacon of our class’s enduring legacy.
Dave Arbutina
Fifty-three years ago, in July 1972, a group of 1,507 anxious young men stood together for the first time in their initial cadet formation. We were shrouded in a dense fog that obscured the mighty Rampart Range from our view. For three long days, the fog held its grip, keeping the light from illuminating our Basic Cadet Training. As the fog finally lifted, the majesty of our surroundings became an inspiration that would last for four years and beyond.
We quickly learned that individual effort, while important, was insufficient on its own to overcome the challenges we faced. It was through unity and mutual support that we began to thrive. Thus, the Spirit of '76 was born—a testament to the strength found in camaraderie and collective effort. The friendships and bonds formed during this rigorous training would continue to grow throughout the four long years we spent together.
In June 1976, on a bright sunny day, the Academy saw 928 of us, who had persevered through trials and tribulations, proudly threw our hats into the air. We set off for the skies in pursuit of our destinies. As the words of our version of the poem "Bring Me Men" so eloquently states, we would "chart the starry empire and make celestial claims."
The Spirit of '76 endures to this day. Many of the friendships forged in the crucible of training have endured and grown, providing a foundation of support and shared memories. However, time has not been kind to all, and many of our friends are no longer with us. As we reflect on our journey, the class of '76 honors those who have passed and we cherish the bonds that continue to unite us who remain.
As our fiftieth reunion approaches, it is time to once again call on our sense of class unity and come together in celebration. I am not sure how I was chosen to be on the reunion committee, but it has been a privilege. The committee has developed a class gift which will be nothing short of inspirational for past and future classes as well as those who visit the Academy. This class gift will be animated on the reunion web site for all to see and will be completed for dedication during the reunion. Our gift also includes support of an Academy endowment to aid families of deceased graduates. Our most important wish as a committee is that as many classmates as possible come to celebrate together and that, if possible, all pledge something toward our class gift.
Please go to our reunion website and get the information you need so you can mark your calendars for the first weekend in October of 2026 to join your friends in celebration.
The Spirit of '76 lives on in each of us, and as we learned so many years ago, when we stand together it is a beacon of our class’s enduring legacy.
Dave Arbutina
Classmates,
I just read Kevin Chilton's message in Dan Betty's email of of 21 March and took the opportunity to visit the Class of 76 50th reunion website - located here. Jack Catton and his team have developed a terrific plan for the reunion and, even more impressively, a class project that will shore up the special bond that all members of the Long Blue Line have to USAFA, and the Nation it has served so well since ... well... the year that most of us were born. I've followed Jack and Chili's lead and made my own contribution to the Class Gift and hope that you'll find it a worthwhile investment as well (The reunion website allows donations from 76 cents to $1 billion. In complete candor, mine was on the lower end but every donation gets us closer to the goal of 76% or more participation). And I've penned the dates 1-4 October 2026 into my calendar and look forward to reconnecting with classmates- a group that has been the source of inspiration, wisdom, and joy for most of my adult life (and if you were to talk to my kids, the source of most of the war stories I claim as my own :-). If you haven't had the chance to see the Remember When section of the Class Website, it's a great window into a time when snail-mail, typewriters, and telephones were the principal means of connecting us to the larger world (I was pleased to see that there were no pictures of slide rules or CRC math tables but there's still time ... if you have something to add to the collective Class of 76 archives, you can send pictures, videos, and documents to [email protected]). I hope to see you in October 2026, but in any event, offer my thanks for the privilege of being associated with you ... then, now and for all time.
With every best wish,
Chris Inglis, Niner
Spirit of ’76
I just read Kevin Chilton's message in Dan Betty's email of of 21 March and took the opportunity to visit the Class of 76 50th reunion website - located here. Jack Catton and his team have developed a terrific plan for the reunion and, even more impressively, a class project that will shore up the special bond that all members of the Long Blue Line have to USAFA, and the Nation it has served so well since ... well... the year that most of us were born. I've followed Jack and Chili's lead and made my own contribution to the Class Gift and hope that you'll find it a worthwhile investment as well (The reunion website allows donations from 76 cents to $1 billion. In complete candor, mine was on the lower end but every donation gets us closer to the goal of 76% or more participation). And I've penned the dates 1-4 October 2026 into my calendar and look forward to reconnecting with classmates- a group that has been the source of inspiration, wisdom, and joy for most of my adult life (and if you were to talk to my kids, the source of most of the war stories I claim as my own :-). If you haven't had the chance to see the Remember When section of the Class Website, it's a great window into a time when snail-mail, typewriters, and telephones were the principal means of connecting us to the larger world (I was pleased to see that there were no pictures of slide rules or CRC math tables but there's still time ... if you have something to add to the collective Class of 76 archives, you can send pictures, videos, and documents to [email protected]). I hope to see you in October 2026, but in any event, offer my thanks for the privilege of being associated with you ... then, now and for all time.
With every best wish,
Chris Inglis, Niner
Spirit of ’76
Classmates,
I was looking ahead at my 2026 calendar and noted that I hadn’t blocked out 1-4 October 2026 yet! That is the 4-day celebration of the 50 years since our graduation!!! Jack Catton and the planning team have created an iconic and meaningful class gift and are working hard to make this a great reunion. But it won’t be much of a party if we don’t all participate at some level towards our class gift and then show up! I’m sure, like me, there are some great old friends that you have only been able to stay in touch with over the years by snail/email that you would like to see again. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime to re-connect. Heck, why not block off the entire week! There never seems to be enough time to see everyone and share stories of yore. So, join in and support our Spirit of ’76 gift and chisel in stone on your calendar our re-union celebration for 1-4 October, 2026…. I have!
Cheers,
Kevin Chilton, Frat Five,
Spirit of ’76.
I was looking ahead at my 2026 calendar and noted that I hadn’t blocked out 1-4 October 2026 yet! That is the 4-day celebration of the 50 years since our graduation!!! Jack Catton and the planning team have created an iconic and meaningful class gift and are working hard to make this a great reunion. But it won’t be much of a party if we don’t all participate at some level towards our class gift and then show up! I’m sure, like me, there are some great old friends that you have only been able to stay in touch with over the years by snail/email that you would like to see again. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime to re-connect. Heck, why not block off the entire week! There never seems to be enough time to see everyone and share stories of yore. So, join in and support our Spirit of ’76 gift and chisel in stone on your calendar our re-union celebration for 1-4 October, 2026…. I have!
Cheers,
Kevin Chilton, Frat Five,
Spirit of ’76.
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Spirit of '76 Classmates,
As many of you know, our classmate, Wade McRoberts, has been battling ALS for over 6 years. He is nearing the end of life on this earth and will not make it to our 50th Reunion. However, Wade has set an incredible example for all of us on how to finish well, by creating a faith-based blog to encourage others. When i visited him last, I told him about our Reunion planning and asked him if there was anything he wanted to post on our Reunion website to speak to our classmates, and he asked to post his blog entry from 24 Feb 2022 entitled, "Brothers." Here is "Brothers" from Wade to the Spirit of '76.... Jack |
June 2024 Letter |
