Reunion recalls academy’s first class

It was a meeting of old guys, your old columnist included. Last week, my son Don drove me to visit the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Actually, it was for a mini-reunion of the graduating class of 1959. About thirty of us classmates were present. We were the first ever class to graduate from the brand-new Academy, and only 207 of us made it through those tough (for me) four years. Now, only about a third of us are fortunate to still be enjoying life.

The reason for the gathering was to open a brand-new Cadet Visitation Center. It is formally named the Hosmer Cadet Visitation Center and is named in honor of the very first ever graduate of the Academy. Brad Hosmer earned a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at Oxford. Then pilot training to become a fighter pilot, flying in Vietnam, and over the years advancing to the rank of General. He then became a Commandant of Cadets and later became Superintendent of the Academy. Brad and his wife, Zita, were both present and had the honor of cutting the ribbon for the first public showing of the modern-architecture structure.

The Academy, like our peers at West Point and Annapolis, has had a Visitation Center for years, but the old one is located “inside the gates of the military installation.” Since the terrorist attack on the U.S. on 911, entry onto our military installations is pretty much restricted to current and retired Department of Defense personnel. Young men and women who might have an interest in attending the schools had a hard time making entry onto the bases, and recruiting suffered as a result. The new Cadet Visitation Center is located between the interstate highway and just before the North Gate of the Academy, so all interested in what the life of a cadet is like are welcome.

Our Cadet Visitation Center was built with Federal, State, Colorado Springs City and Private money donations. Each was proudly represented at the dedication of the awesome modern building. Inside displays of what the life of both Air Force and Space Command cadets is like in their academics, athletics and other activities. On display at the highest part is a full-sized modern sailplane (glider) hanging inverted. To brag a bit, but this writer from McCook was the first cadet to ever solo a glider at the Academy, and yes, I did roll it inverted.

Some interesting characters among us, 90 or almost 90-year-olds, attended. Most, like me, were accompanied by relatives/care providers to ensure safe travel. Hank and his wife flew his private airplane from Arizona, and he is probably the last of us pilots to still be actively flying and teaching others to fly. Bobby, the first Academy grad to shoot down a MIG in combat during Vietnam, was there. Most of those present had careers as fighter pilots, and several expressed how they appreciated the old guy who flew tankers and gave lifesaving fuel when they desperately needed it.

The math shows that graduation day was only 67 years ago. Much has happened in our lives, and the number of widows who attended points to the fact that it all might not have been happy. I am so fortunate to have Grannie Annie alongside for that many years. We have lived all over this wonderful country of ours, but are now happy to be back in our beloved Southwest Nebraska. Probably every one of my classmates could relate to a similar life story. Grannie Annie elected not to make the trip due to the amount of walking involved. She, too, would have had a good time seeing old friends.

Part of the reason for the trip was for Don to explore the beautiful cemetery at the Academy. It is Grannie Annie and my wish that we be interred there. No hurry though! The mortuary officer was gracious as she explained the steps necessary for our survivors to fulfill our wishes. It will be an everlasting honor.

Interesting weather here of late. The rain was welcome, although more would have been welcome. Just remember, we chose to live in this area.

Memorial Day is fast approaching. Please join in honoring those who have gone before us. Check your local publications and radio for those honorable events. The old Stone Church, built by my ancestors 12 miles south of Culbertson, is hosting its annual open house and service at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, the 24th. Refreshments to follow. See you there.

That is how I saw it.