USAFA - Spirit of 76 - Legacy Project - REPORT! Interviews with the Long Blue Line.

Chris MacAulay - 1998 - Col (Ret) USAFA Lacrosse star, 3 Master’s Degrees, Maintenance CDR, Pentagon Strategy and Brooking Institute, Husband and Fath...

Chris grew up an AF brat mostly in the No Va area and was recruited for AFA lacrosse (among other schools). He lettered all four years at AFA but also found himself with an interesting story of 80-80-6 (that's tours, demerits, and months restriction) with an additional 20 tours earned during his 3 degree year. Whew! After his 2 degree year started he lost his pilot qual, which has happened to many of us... He started at AFA upon graduation working for the lacrosse program and fighting to get his pilot slot back- and ended up entering the world of USAF maintenance. That turned out ok since his wife, Jannell - also a 98 grad and on another episode in the series- got her pilot wings and they were able to get stationed close enough to each other over the years to stay together and raise kids through thick and thin. Chris had assignments in Germany and NC as he climbed the maintenance career ladder reaching commander status in 2009. Then it was off to the Pentagon where he excelled in strategy roles on the Israel/Palestine, then Levant, then Iran desks leading to a stint at the Brookings Institute. From there it was Group Commander in New Mexico followed by V-Com of Logistics in Utah. As of this interview Chris is an undefeated HS lacrosse coach, father of two, and outstanding and supportive husband.

Bob Gold - Spirit of 76 - CS-38 All Star - Lt Col(ret) - F-4 and A-10 pilot, 22-year USAF career followed by UPS cargo pilot till retirement

Bob Gold grew up in So Cal and got the flying bug at a young age. So he went off to USAFA to become a pilot not knowing what was awaiting him (I had a similar initiation so totally know whereof he speaks!). Bob shares a doolie year story about another cadet my Pink Panther classmates will recognize. From Ac Pro to Dean's list and upon graduation from UPT to F-4's to A-10's to staff assignments Bob traveled the world and now, after a long post-USAF career as a pilot for UPS, has retired to Alaska.

Joseph ”Paveway” Bledsoe III - 2011 - 8/8 Dean’ and Commandant’s Lists - Active Duty F-15 Pilot, AOG Board Member, Class of 11 President, Father of 3

"Paveway" shares the origin of his call sign, how he grew up in Amish country in PA, his time as a VERY successful cadet (8/8 Dean's and Commandant's Lists and 2/8 Sup's, Top grad in Biology, Class of 11 President, Marshall Scholar Finalist, etc.), grad school at Univ of Maryland, UPT top stick, Seymour Johnson F-15's with deployment to the Middle East with combat time, and now his activities flying F-15E out of Mountain Home. Joe is on the AOG Board and is a father of 3 to boot!

Jannell MacAulay - 1998 - Lt Col (RET), Phd, TED speaker, combat pilot, founder of Warrior Edge, AFA cheerleader, rugger,& soaring IP AND mom of 2

This episode you meet Jannell MacAulay, Class of 98, and hear about her upbringing, academy life (2 year as a Pink Panther!), academic and flying career on active duty with additional roles as special operations consultant and international diplomat. Upon retirement from the USAF she successfully transitioned into her successful career as speaker and professional instructor in "Ancient Warrior" mindfulness. On a personal note, since I am a long time season ticket holder and original 12, we discuss her role with the Seattle Seahawks and how she helps them prepare mentally for each day. She is quite an impressive graduate and also a mom of two. I now you will enjoy hearing her story.

Dave Ross - Spirit of 76 - LT Col (RET) Yell Leader, AWACS Mission Commander, Toastmaster World Champion

Dave grew up in Sacramento and was HS class President, debate, and band member who was the 1st ever Calif State HS intern. At USAFA Dave got on conduct and aptitude probation AND was on the Commandant' s List, Yell Leader of the cheer squad, and member of the AFA Color Guard. Upon graduation he stayed at AFA as a minority affairs advisor/recruiter. After a short stint in pilot training Dave became an Air Weapons Officer eventually rising to Flight Commander in AWACS. While on active duty he joined Toastmasters and won the world championship with a motivational speech in 1991. Upon retirement from the USAF Dave became a life coach and field trainer for Training Solutions out of Leesburg, VA. Dave recently ended a role as an Internet radio station manager in OK. I've known Dave since our cadet days and know you will enjoy this episode.

Tom Lange - Spirit of 76 - AFA Punter -USAF Pilot : KC-135, T-37, and C-5 - Delta Pilot - Boeing Test Pilot - currently active athlete in 60+ league

(Ret) MAJ Tom Lange grew up in Arizona in an active family of four boys. After achieving his college goal of playing D-1 football (as the USAFA punter for all four years, three as the primary) Tom

Chad Hennings - 1988 - A-10 Pilot, AFA Hall-of-Fame, College Football HOF, Dallas Cowboy, 3-time Super Bowl Champ

This episode you meet Chad Hennings, 88 grad who never lost to Navy. Chad grew up in Iowa and shares his interesting story of being "recruited" by AFA for football. He discusses it all from Doolie summer and pugel sticks in Jack's Valley to Wing staff and SAMI's to graduation.  Chad offers several wise life lessons along the way.  While he was an active duty A-10 pilot overseas during Provide Comfort out of Turkey the USAF rules changed and enabled him to try out at 27 for the Dallas Cowboys who owned his draft rights.  Three Super Bowl wins later he retired and now runs a successful real estate business.  You will also hear about his trips to the White House with his winning teams. 

Jack Catton - Spirit of 76 - Major General - Wing Commander - USAF fighter pilot

This episode you get to meet Jack Catton, USAF Major General, Cadet Wing Commander, fighter pilot, and son of a 4-star.  We discuss it all, including Jack's departure form active duty, in depth.  I hope everyone who listens to this can gain a better understanding of how our USAFA Class used spirit and positive attitudes to change the world for the better in no small part through leaders like Jack.

Mike Eyolfson - Spirit of 76 - USAF Col - Flight Surgeon -Urologist

Mike Eyolfson grew up an AF brat and came to USAFA from Wiesbaden. Initially headed to missiles at FE Warren upon graduation Mike got accepted into U Colorado Med school soon after USAFA graduation. From there he spent 20 years on active duty as a Flight Surgeon and Chief of Urology at Kirtland and Travis AFB's with time the desert too. Mike is now referring soccer on the weekends and a "dog treat" golf Marshall.

Roger Yauchzy - Spirit of 76 - Lt Col (RET) Fighter pilot - Desert Storm, Cold War Bear hunter, & Iceland trap veteran - Army Liaison - CS-28 Honor Sq...

Roger is a humble guy with a solid attitude about teamwork and his flying experiences. He overcame much in his career, from initially not being pilot or nav qualified as a cadet to piloting F-4's in Iceland and Germany during the Cold War where he intercepted Soviet Bears and other aircraft. From those assignments he served as a Liaison with the US Army which led to his being transitioned to F-16's where he fought in Desert Storm (with a bad back!). Roger eventually retired from the USAF and spent the remainder of his flying carrier as a pilot for United Airlines.