Best Heritageminute Podcasts (2024)

1
An Ancient Diary In Stone: USAFA's Cathedral Rock 2:16

11h ago2:16

2:16

Best known for the “Run to the Rock,” a key rite-of-passage milestone in Doolie-year training, Cathedral Rock, has an interesting history. ----more---- The imposing 120-foot high formation is made of volcanic clay and sandstone. The geologic wonder at the west end of Jacks Valley has had, and continues to have, importance to Native American tribes.…

1
The Sabre Society Celebrating 30 Years Hard at Work 15:25

11h ago15:25

15:25

The Sabre Society came into existence 30 years ago when the Air Force Academy joined with the Association of Graduates in 1995 to sign a MOU. ----more---- Thus the Sabre Society was established. Since then, a great many programs have been funded benefiting USAFA and its cadets. Join founder, Col. (Ret.) John Kelly ’65 and Heritage Minute Special ho…

1
The F-100 Super Sabre 2:26

2h ago2:26

2:26

One of the Academy’s best, and mostly unknown, historical artifacts is located on the campus of the Air Force Academy Preparatory School. The North American F-100 Super Sabre aircraft on static display here has an amazing history. ----more---- First, some background: On May twenty-first, 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh landed his aircraft, the Spir…

1
Blodgett Peak's 1943 C-49-J Crash Site 2:10

14d ago2:10

2:10

The Academy is home to a large number of impressive static display aircraft. In addition to those in populated areas, there is one aircraft well off the beaten path, just to the west of the Academy, that predates the others by decades. ----more---- It is a static display of sorts, though decidedly not on purpose. And it is way up there, on the side…

1
KAFA: The Academy's Radio Station 14:01

17d ago14:01

14:01

KAFA, the Academy's cadet-run radio station began broadcasting at 6:57 p.m., under the direction of Cadet John Severski ’71. ----more---- In early 1971, singer-songwriter Don McLean wrote and recorded one of the most iconic songs in history, “American Pie.” The song addressed the Feb. 3, 1959, death of singer Buddy Holly, describing it as “The Day …

1
KAFA 97.7 FM: USAFA'S Radio Station 2:38

19d ago2:38

2:38

Lots of colleges and universities have radio stations, but there is only one KAFA! ----more---- The station was the brainchild of then-Cadet John Severski, Class of ’71, and came into being only due to the perseverance and ingenuity of John, several other like-minded cadets, and a few supportive USAFA staff members. It was a classic Do-It-Yourself …

1
A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship - Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz ’73 26:15

11d ago26:15

26:15

Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz (R) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and went on to participate in some of the most impactful moments in our nation’s history. Hear a few of his stories in this edition of the Heritage Minute Special podcast with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 (L). GEN. LORENZ' BIO GEN. (RET.) STEPHEN R. LORENZ ’73 LEARN M…

1
The Biggest Permanent Mural in the World 1:56

11d ago1:56

1:56

The Air Force Academy houses one of the largest permanently hung murals in the world. ----more---- The work of art is located on the north wall of the Cadet Field House multipurpose area. Forty feet high and 320 feet wide, it consists of four panels. Each quarter panel is set in a different season and depicts one year in the life of an Air Force Ac…

1
The Home of Falcons Hockey 2:00

18d ago2:00

2:00

One of the three sporting venues in the Cadet Field House is the 2,600-seat Cadet Ice Rink. ----more---- Like the other facilities in the huge building, it saw its first use in 1968 -- May fourth, to be precise -- when Olympic gold medal winner Peggy Fleming skated at the dedication. The primary tenant of the rink, as you might imagine, is the Falc…

1
USAFA'S Clune Arena - Home Falcon Basketball 1:49

1M ago1:49

1:49

Covering nearly five acres of terrain and encompassing three distinct sporting areas, the Cadet Field House plays host to a number of events, not all athletic in nature. The largest of the three venues, in terms of seating capacity, is Clune Arena. ----more---- This 6,200-seat venue is best known as the home of Falcon basketball, but also hosts vol…

1
The Cavernous Cadet Field House 1:57

1M ago1:57

1:57

The Air Force Academy’s cavernous Cadet Field House contains facilities for intercollegiate basketball, hockey, and track & field, among other sports and events. Sometimes IT'S mistakenly called Clune Arena.----more---- The Field House has not yet been named for any individual. The building, which contains more than 217,000-square feet of usable sp…

1
How the Wings of Blue got its Start - A Heritage Minute Special 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

It all started in the spring of 1962 when a band of bootleg jumpers made their first parachute jumps as cadets. ----more---- Using condemned SERE rigs and local aviation pilots, these cadets made several jumps in the Colorado area. During that spring, a few cadets by the names of Aronoff, Davis, Kelley, McCurdy and Sijan – at their own risk and exp…

1
Remembering the T-38 Talon 1:44

2M ago1:44

1:44

Just to the west of the Academy airfield is the Thunderbird Overlook. It contains two interesting static display aircraft: the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt and the Northrop T-38 Talon. ----more---- The Thunderbird Overlook was dedicated on June first, 1982, with Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr in attendance. According to the plaque at t…

1
Behemoth B-52: 1 - MIG: 0 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Can you believe this behemoth shot down a MiG? Well, it did!----more---- Located at the intersection of North Gate and Stadium Boulevards is a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, tail number 50083. On December twenty-fourth, 1972, the bomber known as “Diamond Lil” became one of two B-52Ds credited with a confirmed MiG kill in the Vietnam conflict. During t…

1
A-10 Warthog - The Chopper Popper 1:54

2M ago1:54

1:54

The Thunderbird Overlook near the south end of the Academy is home to two static display aircraft: the Northrop T-38 Talon and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt (aka the Warthog). ----more---- This particular A-10 is amazing. It is known as “The Chopper Popper.” Flying this plane on February sixth, 1991, Captain Robert Swain, Class of ’79, sc…

1
On Silver Wings - The Tuskegee Airmen 1:54

3M ago1:54

1:54

A bronze statue in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen is on display outside Harmon Hall on the Academy’s Honor Court. The plaque affixed to the statue’s base reads: Quote: “They rose from adversity through competence, courage, commitment and capacity to serve America on silver wings and to set a standard few will transcend.” Unquote. The statue, complete…

1
The Harmon Memorial 2:07

3M ago2:07

2:07

Just to the west of the Cadet Chapel, concealed by a stand of pine trees, is a bronze statue honoring Lieutenant General Hubert Harmon, the first superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy. ----more---- The first graduating class — the Class of 1959 — dedicated the statue in 2009 during its 40-year reunion. Character, education and leade…

1
The Capt. Lance P. Sijan Memorial Statue 2:07

3M ago2:07

2:07

The United States Air Force Academy has one graduate Medal of Honor recipient. His name is Lance Peter Sijan, Class of 1965. ----more---- To honor him, a bronze sculpture of Sijan is on display at the Southeast Asia Plaza of Heroes. Situated on the Heritage Trail adjacent to the Association of Graduates’ Doolittle Hall, the work of art was dedicate…

1
"Honor Bound" A Portrait in Courage - A Heritage Minute Special 18:24

3M ago18:24

18:24

Heritage Minute host, Steve Simon recently welcomed Jim Nance, USAFA Class of ’71, and Major Joe Flescher, Class of ’14 to the studio. Jim is a renowned sculptor and created the 2,000 lb. "Honor Bound - A Portrait in Courage" plaque now mounted on the east exterior wall of USAFA's Southeast Asia Pavilion. Maj. Flescher served as his model. ----more…

1
The Belk Falcon Statue 1:30

3M ago1:30

1:30

Just outside of Falcon Stadium, on the east side, soars the largest falcon statue in the United States. ----more---- The bronze sculpture, valued at $400,000, has a wingspan of 24 feet and weighs 10,000 pounds. Jon Hair, the “Official Sculptor to the United States Olympic Team,” created it. Dedicated on August 29th, 2008, the sculpture was given to…

1
The Commander in Chief's Trophy 1:28

4M ago1:28

1:28

In the “old” days, (the fifties, sixties and early seventies), Army and Navy were afraid to play the Falcons in Colorado – something about the altitude. ----more---- Games were played in New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C, and Baltimore, among other places, but not until 1966 did Navy venture out here, followed by Army the following year. Neith…

1
Game Day 1962 - Falcon Stadium Events 2:08

4M ago2:08

2:08

The Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium has played host to countless significant events since its opening in 1962. The first event was, appropriately, a football game. ----more---- Cadet and later four-star general John Lorber, Class of ’64, scored the first touchdown in the 34-0 win over in-state rival Colorado State. Navy first played here in 1966…

1
Things you Might not Know About Jimmy Doolittle - A Heritage Minute Special 19:45

4M ago19:45

19:45

In this Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) John Abbatiello, PhD., author and historian, talks with host, Steve Simon ’77 about his work deep researching and studying the life and times of WWII pilot, Jim Doolittle. ----more---- Most commonly known for leading his “Raiders” into battle during WWII, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle’s life and work extended far…

1
Falcon Stadium - Home of the Fighting Falcons 2:09

4M ago2:09

2:09

Falcon Stadium, home of the Air Force Fighting Falcons, has a rich history. Plans for the facility date back to 1955, the year the first cadets reported to the Academy’s temporary home at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. ----more---- Rather than build the stadium near the Cadet Area, designers chose a natural bowl approximately two miles southeast o…

1
USAFA's Spaces for Buddhists and Other Faiths 2:01

4M ago2:01

2:01

The Cadet Chapel and surrounding areas provide worship spaces to accommodate virtually every cadet interest. ----more---- The Buddhist Chapel, known as the Vast Refuge Dharma Hall, was dedicated on 29 October 2007. It is located in the downstairs area, just to the north of the Jewish Chapel. The chapel was the gift of the Frederick P. Lenz Foundati…

1
USAFA's Jewish Chapel 2:12

5M ago2:12

2:12

The Jewish Chapel shares the downstairs area of the Cadet Chapel with the Catholic and Buddhist worship spaces. ----more---- The architecture is a circle within a square, symbolizing a tent, and paying tribute to the global mission of the Air Force and the everlasting presence of God. Mr. Ludwig Wolpert of the New York Jewish Museum designed the ch…

1
USAFA's Catholic Chapel 3:05

5M ago3:05

3:05

Occupying the bulk of the Cadet Chapel’s lower level is the Catholic Chapel. Called Our Lady of the Skies, the space was designed to give the impression of being a grotto. ----more---- The walls are made of panels of amber glass, giving the effect of dust and dirt. The glass is set between aluminum strips that amplify the sound of the wind. The Cha…

1
Chief Master SGT. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez - A Heritage Minute Special 20:47

5M ago20:47

20:47

Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez has a deep history serving the Long Blue Line, including at the Air Force Academy. ----more---- In this edition of the Heritage Minute Special with host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ‘77, the two longtime friends and colleagues sit down to talk about leadership, Vasquez’s military career and his recent recognition…

1
USAFA's Protestant Chapel 3:10

5M ago3:10

3:10

The Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel stands alone as the only chapel at a service academy that accommodates all faith groups under one roof. ----more---- Upstairs, under the pinnacled ceiling that soars 99 feet overhead, you will find the Protestant Chapel. The stunning sanctuary featured walls – actually it is all ceiling – made of tetrahedron-shape…

1
USAFA's Iconic Cadet Chapel 3:02

5M ago3:02

3:02

The Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel soars 150 feet into the thin Colorado air. Its 17 spires evoke the mountains that form its backdrop, jets flying in formation, and raised sabres. ----more---- After winning a spirited national competition to earn the right to design the Air Force Academy, the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill put 34…

1
The POW Memorial - Remembering USAFA's Prisoners of War 2:43

5M ago2:43

2:43

The Association of Graduates’ Heritage Trail includes the POW Memorial Sculpture. Located at the entrance of the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion, it contains the names of the 33 Academy graduates who were prisoners of war in Vietnam. ----more---- It also lists the dates of their captivity and, if applicable, release. Unfortunately, two graduates d…

1
The Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion - A Most Commanding Edifice 2:45

6M ago2:45

2:45

The largest and most commanding structure on the Heritage Trail is the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion. A gift of the Class of ‘70, it was dedicated on October first, 2010, during the class’s 40-year reunion. ----more---- The facility pays homage to Air Force Academy graduates who served and sacrificed during the Southeast Asia conflict. Plaques l…

1
The Pegasus Statue - The Story Behind this Special Gift 2:29

6M ago2:29

2:29

In the traffic circle outside Doolittle Hall, the Air Force Academy alumni headquarters, is a remarkable sculpture of Pegasus. ----more---- This winged horse, a gift from the Italian government, has been on the Academy grounds since before our first class graduated. The Pegasus statue is a replica of one displayed at the Italian Air War College in …

1
Distinguished Graduate Pedestals - Commemorating USAFA Grads of Distinction 2:24

6M ago2:24

2:24

An important part of the Association of Graduates’ commitment to heritage is recognizing and honoring the Academy’s most outstanding graduates. ----more---- While every graduate contributes in his or her own way, some are worthy of special recognition. The AOG’s Heritage Trail contains pedestals dedicated to the Distinguished Graduate Award recipie…

1
45 Years Serving the Long Blue Line - A Heritage Minute Special 23:52

6M ago23:52

23:52

In the waning days of his 45-year career serving and supporting the Long Blue Line, Maj. (Ret.) Tom Kroboth was inducted as an honorary member of the Association of Graduates during a Dec. 5, 2023 ceremony.----more---- Reprinted from the March 2024 issue of Checkpoints Magazine Written by Jeff Holmquist “This is certainly long overdue,” Brig. Gen. …

1
The Challenge Bridge - "To Each Incoming Cadet..." 2:41

6M ago2:41

2:41

A key feature of the Heritage Trail at Doolittle Hall is the Challenge Bridge. The bridge was commissioned by the Academy’s first graduating class, the Class of ’59, and their surrogate upperclassmen, the Air Training Officers. ----more---- It was dedicated on June 17th, 2004, when members of the class were at the Academy for their 45-year reunion.…

1
The Heritage Trail - Celebrating Graduate Accomplishments 2:46

7M ago2:46

2:46

One of the three missions of the Association of Graduates is to promote the heritage of the Academy and the accomplishments of its graduates. One very visible representation of this undertaking is the Heritage Trail, located adjacent to Doolittle Hall, the AOG’s headquarters building. ----more---- It is part memorial, part inspirational park, part …

1
How Doolittle Hall Got its Name - Heritage Minute 2:37

7M ago2:37

2:37

Season 2 of Heritage Minute with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 is under way! In this episode, a walk-through of the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation headquarters named for Gen. James "Jimmy" Doolittle.----more---- Located on 24 acres of land on the Air Force Academy, just southeast of the Cadet Area, is Doolittle Hall, th…

1
Eyewitness to Operation Homecoming - A Story Untold for 50 Years 29:38

7M ago29:38

29:38

Penny Grossman served 21 years of active duty as an Air Force nurse. In 1973, She was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines during Operation Homecoming, when nearly 600 American Prisoners of War were freed. The first leg of their journey home took them from Hanoi to Clark Air Base, where Penny witnessed their first steps of freedom. She ha…

1
Honoring the Greatest of the Greats - Heritage Minute 6:22

7M ago6:22

6:22

The primary goal of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character for the nation. ----more----One great way to do this is by exposing cadets to individuals who embody the selflessness, grit, and other characteristics we work to instill in them. No group of leaders has demonstrated…

1
We ARE Meant to Fly! - Heritage Minute 3:09

7M ago3:09

3:09

Dive into the story behind the Col. Richard Gimbel Aeronautical Library, located at the top floor of USAFA's McDermott Library!----more---- On the sixth floor of the Academy’s McDermott Library is a temperature — and humidity-controlled room that houses one of the institution’s most historic collections. The Colonel Richard Gimbel Aeronautical Hist…

1
First in Flight! - The Wright Brothers Display - Heritage Minute 2:39

8M ago2:39

2:39

One of the most interesting areas in the McDermott Library is the stunning circular staircase pinnacled by a replica of the Wright Brothers' airplane. ----more---- The aviation pioneers, appropriately enough, occupy the uppermost region of the facility, at the top of the striking three-story spiral staircase. The geometrical staircase was designed …

1
A Collection that Inspired The Great Escape - Heritage Minute 2:40

8M ago2:40

2:40

Displayed along the spiral staircase of USAFA’s McDermott Library is an impressive collection of rifles used by U.S. troops throughout the ages. ----more---- The collection of 31 military shoulder arms dates from 1763 to the 1970s. Donated by Lieutenant General Albert P. Clark, sixth superintendent of the Academy and a prisoner of war during World …

1
Mystery, History and Stories - A Heritage Minute Special 19:02

8M ago19:02

19:02

Have you met the “USAFA Before USAFA History Guy?”----more---- Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ‘78 (R) is the Academy’s recognized authority on our “pre-history,” which has earned him the handle, “USAFA Before USAFA History Guy.” Join Jack and Heritage Minute host, Steve Simon '77 (L), as they share stories about a of few of Jack's favorite historical sit…

1
The USAFA Graduate War Memorial - Heritage Minute 2:38

8M ago2:38

2:38

Situated at the north end of the Air Garden on the Academy Cadet area’s Terrazzo, just under the flagpole proudly displaying the American flag, is the Academy’s Graduate War Memorial. ----more---- The idea for the memorial was conceived by Captain Richard T. Mathews, from the Class of 1960, who served as the first alumni secretary. The $24,000 cost…

1
USAFA's 70th Birthday - Heritage Minute In the News 5:09

8M ago5:09

5:09

WATCH! HERITAGE MINUTE IN THE NEWS It’s the Air Force Academy’s 70th year bringing up great leaders who go on to serve the nation in uniform!----more---- You might be surprised at what you don't know about the institution or its founding. Heritage Minute podcast host, Steve Simon, a 1977 USAFA grad, recently joined Fox 21’s, Krista Witiak, for a fu…

1
F-15A & F-16A — Heritage Minute 2:53

8M ago2:53

2:53

A pair of fighter jets on display at the Academy played key roles in our national defense! Steve Simon ’77 has their story!‌----more---- In this episode of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77, the stories behind the F-15A and F-16A fighters on display at the west end of the Terrazzo in the cadet area. These aircraft represent planes that have been…

1
Flashing Back to the F-105D Thunderchief 2:25

8M ago2:25

2:25

In this episode of the Heritage Minute podcast, host Steve Simon '77, flashes back to May 1968 when the F-105D Thunderchief static display on the USAFA Terrazzo was dedicated.----more---- What happened next resulted in 300 broken windows, more than $50,000 in damage and a grounded pilot. How did it happen? And did the pilot ever fly again? Get the …

1
USAFA's F-4D Phantom II 3:02

9M ago3:02

3:02

The grassy center of the Academy Cadet Area’s Terrazzo open space features a static display aircraft on each of its four corners. ----more---- The most historically significant is the McDonnell-Douglas F-4D Phantom II located on the southeast corner near Mitchell Hall and the Air Garden. It is the only aircraft since the Korean War to be credited w…

1
USAFA's 9/11 Memorial - Heritage Minute 3:07

9M ago3:07

3:07

The 9/11 Memorial was dedicated on September 9, 2011, as part of the Class of 1976's 35th reunion class giving project. The memorial incorporates an actual girder from the World Trade Center. ----more---- The memorial features two granite slabs, representing the Twin Towers, atop a five-sided foundation that represents the Pentagon. The words, "Wor…

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