History of Air Force Football

I am sure there are members of this page who have a connection to those Warriors who participated in Operation Overlord on D-Day. I am unashamedly bias in stating that the second Athletic Director at your USAFA and the founder of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy flew into history that "Longest Day" as the CO of the 451st Bomber Squadron (Medium B-26 Marauder).

I salute those you know who participated in this incredible day in world history, no matter their role, it was important, and should never be forgotten...

BOLTS!

Mike "Thud" Simler

Another week and another highlight! ⚡️

One of the All-Time Greats to wear the BOLTS, make sure you read, some irony to the debate of going pro for Falcons now!

BOLTS and First There Terry Maki!

MAKI IS AIR FORCE`S TOP GUN ON DEFENSE If Air Force Academy linebacker Terry Maki were playing baseball, he would have hit four home runs and a game-winning double in the bottom of the ninth inning. If he were playing basketball, he wou…

Starting off the week with another highlight ⚡️

Congratulations Bo! Good luck in Minnesota!

Heading to Minnesota!

Bo is a Viking ⚡️

Congratulations Trey Taylor on being the first defensive back drafted into the NFL in Air Force Academy History! Going to the … Raiders… being picked in the 7th round 223 overall.

Chad Hennings announcing the Dallas Cowboys pick at the 2024 NFL draft!

Great story telling about Army Football, take note that the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is the backdrop seen in much of video...

BOLTS SINK NAVY BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY!

Army Football: Kanye Udoh & Brady Small Feature

Bowl wins are nice but so is winning the Commander in Chief Trophy our #1 goal! In this time frame Air Force only had 3 CIC’s. Priorities need to change! SINK Navy, BEAT Army!

-Inscoe’s insight

It's 70 years of the USAFA being in existence, I suggest taking a few minutes to look at this page and note the very last statement...

"The Academy’s football team has earned the Command in Chief’s trophy 21 times"

It is way past time to return to publicly and regularly acknowledging the well established goals of the AF Fightin' Falcon Football program:

1. Earn the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy
2. Earn a Conference Championship
3. Earn a Bowl Appearance

Knock off the proclamations about how "overhyping" the importance of the games against Navy and Army negatively impacts their outcomes or somehow changes the course of the season, it's pure BS! You can't say out of one side of your mouth that you're building future leaders of the world's deadliest air force, and then say your future warrior players can't handle the stress of acknowledging the importance of your two biggest rivalry games. FYI go tell that nonsense to players at Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State and oh yeah...Army and Navy!

Yeah Coach, don't circle Michigan vs Ohio State on the calendar, your guys just don't have the fortitude to hold up under that type of pressure! Friggin spare me that kind of flaccid response to what should be a, "Go crush the skulls of your enemies" mindset. That is exactly how Jeff Monken has gotten the upper hand in his record against a clearly hated AF. His guys 100% want to humiliate the Falcons every time they step on the field with them. That game is not just circled in red on the calendar, their urinals have the AF logo in them as a targeted reminder of how important it is to beat "Chair Force".

I don't know how good this Falcon team is going to be this year, very young, but there are a bunch of very talented players who if given a mindset of "have your Navy and Army opponents searching for their teeth after their morning crap playing you", the CINC Trophy will return to its beautiful new home on the Hill this November.

Too much rah rah hype for you, oh well, go stand in front the empty trophy case in the field house and contemplate that drivel...

BOLTS SINK NAVY BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY!

Mike "Thud" Simler

Academy celebrates 70 years since founding U.S. Air Force Academy's 70th Founders’ Day honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing legislation to establish the university.

The History of AF Football, has and will always be tied to the mission of the Academy to produce the finest Warrior-Airmen in the world. I believe it is important to remember that the Fightin Falcon Football Program is tasked with honoring the legacy of the the amazing heroes the Long Blue Line has produced. Many weren't part of the "Bolt Brotherhood", but the bond of being associated with with them as fellow grads, and especially classmates, provides great pride in their superlative actions that distinguished them in a shared commitment in placing Service Before Self.

The USAFA Class of 1980 produced Colonel William Francis Andrews, Air Force Cross recipient:

Air Force Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Gulf War
Service: Air Force
Battalion: 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Division: Hahn Air Base, Germany
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain William Francis Andrews, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the armed forces of the Republic of Iraq, while serving as a Pilot with the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Hahn Air Base, Germany, in action approximately 30 miles northwest of Basra, Iraq, on 27 February 1991, during Operation DESERT STORM. On that date, while leading an F-16 flight against heavily defended armor and mechanized forces, Captain Andrews' F-16 suffered major damage from enemy air defenses forcing him to eject in enemy territory. While in the parachute descent, he made contact with his flight using his survival radio and, despite being fired upon by enemy forces while in the parachute descent, provided an area description and direction to his flight. After landing, at which point he broke his leg, Captain Andrews made numerous threat calls and directed members of his flight to execute a break turn and to initiate decoy flares in response to surface-to-air missile launches. Shortly thereafter, he was in radio contact with NAIL 51, an OA-10 in the area, and twice directed the pilot to break and expend decoy flares when he saw missile launches. In both cases, the pilots indicated that they would have suffered direct hits from enemy infrared seeking missiles had Captain Andrews not made the threat calls from the ground. Captain Andrews provided the support despite the fact that he had just suffered a broken leg and could not move, was exposed in the open, and was being fired upon by enemy forces. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Andrews reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

On June 8th, 2015, Colonel Andrews, fought his final battle, succumbing to an enemy known to many as cancer":

"Bill "BA" Andrews epitomized the Gunfighter legacy and what it means to be an Airman over a long and distinguished career," said Col. Dave Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "He is a permanent part of our wing history and will not be forgotten."

Air Force Football struggled mightily during the years the Colonel was at the Academy, but those Fightin Falcons gave everything thing they had to honor the program and what it represented. I would venture to say that beyond their shared pride in wearing the BOLTS, those Fightin Falcons are grateful to be associated with fellow grad Bill Andrews!

GO AF SINK NAVY BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY!

Mike "Thud" Simler

Shot Down Pilot Bravely Radioed Wingman about a SAM While Taking Fire Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsColonel William F. An...

A toast to the host….

Never forget.

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”
George S. Patton

John Chapman, known to his friends as ‘Chappy’ joined the Air Force in 1985 and was trained as an Information Systems Operator. Chappy later retrained as an Air Force Special Tactics Combat Controller in 1990. On March 4, 2002, Combat Controller Tech Sergeant John Chapman was involved in a grueling 17-hour firefight during the Battle of Takur Ghar supporting Operation Anaconda. The heroic actions Chappy decided to make that day, would end his life but would save the lives of 23 team members. John was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and dedication to the service of his country.

In March 2018, Chapman's family was notified that his Air Force Cross was to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant and his name was added to the Medal of Honor wall at the Air Force Memorial. He is the first Airman to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, and the only combat controller to receive the award.

Learn more about MSgt John A. Chapman: https://buff.ly/3Tl9BDC

The Thudgate Mission is to Never Forget...

BOLTS WARRIOR-AIRMAN!

Mike "Thud" Simler

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yysPLJ1jZM72crYS/?mibextid=JRoKGi

John Chapman, known to his friends as ‘Chappy’ joined the Air Force in 1985 and was trained as an Information Systems Operator. Chappy later retrained as an Air Force Special Tactics Combat Controller in 1990. On March 4, 2002, Combat Controller Tech Sergeant John Chapman was involved in a grueling 17-hour firefight during the Battle of Takur Ghar supporting Operation Anaconda. The heroic actions Chappy decided to make that day, would end his life but would save the lives of 23 team members. John was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and dedication to the service of his country.

In March 2018, Chapman's family was notified that his Air Force Cross was to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant and his name was added to the Medal of Honor wall at the Air Force Memorial. He is the first Airman to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, and the only combat controller to receive the award.

Learn more about MSgt John A. Chapman: https://buff.ly/3Tl9BDC

The 2024 schedule has finally been released!!!

Rick does one heck of a job keeping up with our Falcons! Check out his page here!

Not football related but rivalry related for sure… Prayers to the Wyoming Family tonight as 3 of their swimmers were lost in a car accident.

Report: Three University of Wyoming Swimmers Killed in Car Accident By Jeff Bugher [email protected] Multiple news organizations including the Casper Star-Tribune and swimming news organization SwimSwam are reporting that three members of the University of Wyoming swim team have tragically passed away in a car accident on U.S. 287 in Larimer County in Colorado. The...

Okay, I am putting out a BIAS-SELF SERVING WARNING, regarding this post!

Spring football has started for the Falcons and it is 100% time to start thinking about earning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and bringing it back from West Point, to it's place of residence at the Field House.

A couple of years ago CBS Sports teamed up with USAFA's outstanding historian, to produce this knowledge piece on how the Trophy came into existence, I hope you enjoy it and...

BOLTS GO AF SINK NAVY - BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY

Mike "Thud" Simler

twitter.com

A great honor for a great player!

If you don't remember Fightin Falcons Coach Sammy Steinmark, you missed out on one of great personalities and outstanding position coaches of the Fisher DeBerry era.

The story of Coach Steinmark's brother and legendary Colorado Wheat Ridge high school and University of Texas football player Freddie Steinmark is told well in the movie "My All American":

https://wtop.com/entertainment/2015/11/tackling-cancer-inspiring-story-behind-my-all-american-movie/

I hope you will take the time to watch this video and read the article that give some insight on the outstanding Steinmark brothers, and their impact the game of college football we all love.

Coach Steinmark, I'll always remember your kindness to me, thank you and Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon...

BOLTS SINK NAVY BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY!

Mike "Thud" Simler

https://youtu.be/UQmajnzBntY?si=eyrMrn6B5aseLNq_

Coach Sammy Steinmark

Congratulations Trey Taylor!

While the focus of this page is the history of the USAFA's football program, I believe it is important to remember those Fightin Falcons ultimately represent all their Brothers and Sisters of the Long Blue Line.

Today is the anniversary of an event that highlighted the ultimate sacrifice made by USAF Warrior-Airmen in placing Service Before Self. USAFA Class of 1979 Maj. Paul J. “Dream Weaver” Weaver and his AC-130H crew of Spirit 03 knew their collective decision to support a U.S. Marine Recon unit in a very bad situation during combat operations against Iraqi forces, was to say the least, highly risky.

Making that choice to not let their Marine Brothers down, and stay on station long after it was time to beat feet, had to be excruciating for all involved. Ultimately, that decision would lead to their shoot down by a SAM, resulting in the largest single loss suffered by an Air Force unit in Operation Desert Storm.

The BOLTS on an AF Football players helmet honor those who Airmen who showed great courage in their dedication to the Profession of Arms. So here's a BIG BOLTS and a toast in remembrance of the entire Spirit 03...

Never Forget!

Mike "Thud" Simler

Spirit 03 Memorial honors sacrifice Commemorating selfless service and gallantry in battle.

Back at it this week 👀

Wishing .trey10 luck as he prepares to play in the on Thursday! ⚡️

Had the opportunity to get together at Falcon Stadium yesterday with some of Thudgate Family to finalize our moving prep to our permanent tailgate site.

Had help from two outstanding AF Football Fightin Falcons, MLB Patrick Healy who had the unique opportunity to play with his brother Connor and their bro from the BOLT Brotherhood, Garrett Griffin.

Many of you will remember that Garrett was able to enter the NFL draft and make the practice squad for the New Orleans Saints and being activated to their roster to play in several games. His last team was the Detroit Lions, now he's retired from his Pro career, has a great new career serving his community and continues to meet his USAF reserve obligation.

Both Patrick and Garrett are outstanding examples of the success of former Fightin Falcons and members of the Long Blue Line...

BOLTS PROUD OF YOU BOTH!

SINK NAVY BEAT ARMY EARN THE TROPHY!

We will see Ken back at Falcon Stadium this fall coaching for a new team.