Park Record Media Center

Workmen Survey $76,700 Runway Paving Project At Air Force Academy, here, near completion It falls short of $21 million "dream" of 11,000-foot instrumented runway with hangars and support facilities. 1967. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000165A )

View of Steel Structure For Chapel As Seen From South End. Concrete structure in foreground will be chapel entrance. Ceiling of the chapel will be 112 feet above ground. 1960. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000075A )

1400 doolies entered the Air Force Academy Tues as the class of '91. Among them were around 200 women. 1987. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000056A )

Academy Proponent --Joseph A. Reich sits among awards and memorabilia from the Air Force Academy at his home in Colorado Springs Thursday morning. Reich spear headed the effort to bring the Academy to the city in the late forties and early fifties. 1986. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05292012-20001789A )

"You're standing there just braced as hard as you can and they (upper classmen) come within an inch of your face yelling at you. You know you are putting out, but they still yell at the top of their lungs. It's hard for anyone to admit they aren't scared." Jim Koenigsknecht U.S. - Air Force - Academy. 1973. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0491A )

U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel under construction, 1961. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000071A )

Air Force Academy Cadet William B. Foulois compares a model of Wright Brothers plane flown by his great uncle, Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois, this country's first military pilot, with the F-105 Thunderchief, on display at the academy. 1968. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0000365A )

Bob Hope turns jet pilot in this scene from his next special, filmed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. 1960. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0563A )

President Kennedy's last visit to Colorado was on June 5, 1963 when he delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation at the service school's stadium. In photo above he waves to the crowd as he enters the stadium. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0098A )

Youngsters Scramble Over F106 Delta Supersonic Interceptor During Operation Easter Sunday at the Air Force Academy in 1967. More than 800 underprivileged and handicapped children from Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and La Junta attended the annual party. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0413A )

Crane lifts roofing material to the top of the $5.8 million field house. The in door athletic complex will have a 2,600-seat ice hockey arena, a 6,600-seat basketball arena, and a one-sixth mile track, practice field. 1967. The Denver Post Library ArchiveCredit: Denver Post ( 9-05152012-20000343A )

These cadets are crossing a "moat" filled with man-eating tiger fish." All they can use is a wooden plank, an oil drum and a foot-square piece of wood to place on "radioactive" logs beyond water. Some cadets fall into water. 1967. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0429A )

U.S. Air Force Academy, 1958. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000158A )

Chapel Shapes Up -- This aerial view of the new Air Force Academy Chapel under construction, shows the striking architecture to a good advantage. It has 17 aluminum spires with colored glass between them. Protestant services will be held on an upper level and Catholic and Jewish services on the ground level, present plans call for completion of the structure in the summer of 1962. 1961. Credit: AP Wirephoto. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000052A )

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets, 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0094B )

John Casey , 18, of Braintree, Mass., is one of 1,525 "doolies" (first-year men) who reported for processing this week at the academy near Colorado Springs. It is largest class in 19-year history of the academy. Casey's hair was "trimmed " to quarter-inch length. 1973. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0495A )

Air Force Academy Takes Shape North Of Colorado Springs, 1958. Looking southwest toward Pikes Peak (top center), here is the site of the Air Force Academy being built 10 miles north of Colorado Springs. Major installations now under construction are located, along with others just getting started or still in the planning stage. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000160A )

This is Known as Push Ball Action such as this will be featured Saturday at the Air Force Academy when the "doolies" (freshmen) conduct their annual Field Day, beginning at 8 a.m. on the Academy athletic fields located north of the cadet gymnasium. Over 1,400 "doolies" will take part in physical contest, and this ends four weeks of physical and military training. 1970. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0457A )

Heavy Equipment Moves Dirt To Location For Second Cadet Quarters Increment At The Air Force Academy. Construction was keynote at the academy during 1966 as work on three expansion programs got under way. 1967. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000338A )

AFA Cadet 3.C. Donald D. Gresham Receives Flight Training at Peterson Field. Lt. Col. Richard L. Kuiber instructs Gresham during T33 jet training introduction course. 1973. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0488A )

Ground Breaking for Falcon Stadium The Air Force Academy broke ground Friday for their new $3.5 million, 40,000-seat football stadium with Colorado Gov. Steve McNichols (right), WAF Airman Third Class Elizabeth Worcsester of Amarillo AFB, Tex., and Academy civilian employe Allen J. Umstattd lending a hand with the shovel. Watching the ceremonies are Cadet Col. William T. Williams (left), commander of the Cadet Wing, and Senior Master Sgt. James 0. Simpson. Air Force airmen and civilian employes raised more than $2.1 million toward the cost of the stadium. The remainder is being subscribed through a public drive and has passed the halfway mark. 1960. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000187A )

A rigorous reprimand is given two fledgling cadets fresh from civilian life during basic cadet training session aimed at teaching them to function under pressure. After five weeks of assault-course work, they're expected to be ready for the start of Air Force Academy schooling. 1973. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0489A )

It really gets physical at times . . . I came here at 206 pounds and I'm down to 180. That shows how rough the valley (Jacks Valley, where BCT is held) is." Jim Koenigsknecht, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1973. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0490A )

This male peregrine falcon is destined to be the new mascot at the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Unnamed falcon is a gift from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at Tucson. Cadet mascots entertain sports spectators. 1970. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000148A )

The chinup bar is right outside the lunch tent, and Michael Patterson of Erie, pa., has to work very hard for his next meal.1975. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0513A )

Doolies were on Parade at the Air Force Academy During Ceremonies in 1974. The doolies, freshmen cadets, received their shoulder boards at the ceremony. The boards denote rank of cadet fourth class. This freshman class was the largest in Academy history to date, numbering 1,535. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0517A )

When the Sarge says hit the dirt, Basic Peter B. Milin really takes it to heart. 1975. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0514A )

Susan Park, Bossier Louisiana, Kneels down after getting dizzy during swearing in ceremonies. 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0541A )

Wilcock and another female basic do pull-ups before they can go to lunch. Because they have less upper-arm strength than the men, some of the female basics did an arm hang for time. We are here to build ourselves up, said one woman. 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0533A )

Columns of Doolies are Marched into Jack's Valley The five-mile march took the doolies to where they got camping supplies and learned how to pitch a tent. 1977. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0583A )

Basic Excavation Completed for 40,000-Seat AFA Stadium Contracts for construction are expected to be let soon for actual construction work on the Air Force Academy's Stadium near Colorado Springs at an estimated cost of $3 million. The stadium will occupy bowl shaped excavation in center of photo and most of the rest of the leveled area will be used for parking facilities. To get some idea of the magnitude of the project, the arrow points to a giant earthmover. 1961. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000190A )

Construction worker Frank Macias of Denver repairs the cracks in a tennis court with bitumen cement. Like any "city," the Air Force Academy has recreation facilities and park areas for the enjoyment of its 10,522 residents. 1965. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000126A )

Cadet candidates climb to the top of a confidence course obstacle as part of Basic Cadet Training in Jack's Valley at the Air Force Academy Friday morning. 1986. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0623A )

Air Force Academy officials announced this week that nearly 70 percent. of their 40,000- seat Falcon Stadium is completed. Warren Goodrich, AFA sports publicity director, surveys progress. The stadium is expected to be completely finished prior to the AFA's opening game of the 1962 season against Colorado State University. 1962. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000208A )

Col. James Lannon, Air Force Academy chief of staff, fires a Saturn 5 scale model rocket to signal start of the 11th annual National model rocketry competition being held this week at AFA. The model is 1-100th the size of real one. 1969. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 8-05082012-20000045A )

Governors' Wives learn About Architecture of chapel at united states air force Academy Detailing symbolism of structure is Maj. Gilbert Amelio, the academy's director of protocol. The three women in the front row, from left, are Mrs. Thomas Moorman, wife of the academy superintendent; Mrs. John Love, Colorado's first lady and Mrs. Spiro Agnew, wife of the vice president. The two men are presidential aides. 1969. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 1-05142012-40000749A )

U.S.Air Force Academy Cadet, 1973 ( img0016B )

Bob Marpe works in the new Air Force Academy Visitors Center that will show visitors a day in the life of a Cadet. The new $3.8 million center was scheduled to open in mid-June, 1986. Last year the old center hosted 323,000 people and Air Force officials say they expect even more visitors to the new center, which is about a third of a mile west of the academy's word-famous Cadet Chapel. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000061A )

Captain Bill Nolls lectures his class on future energy development and use. He's an academy chemistry instructor and one of the developers of the "doomsday machine." 1977. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000063A )

United States Air Force Academy, 1979. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000081A )

Striking contemporary architecture in a beautiful setting makes the Air Force Academy a popular attraction. The Academy is less than an hour's drive from Denver. Credit: Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau ( 9-05152012-20000022A )

United States Air Force Academy , Solar Energy Project 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000101A )

The Air Force Academy, Colorado's No. 1 Tourist Attraction in 1972. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000104A )

Rick Jensen, a junior from Grand Rapids, Mich., may be dreaming of next June, when he will graduate, as he relaxes before Rockefeller's talk. Class of 76 was largest in AFA history to date. 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0055B )

U.S. Air Force Academy, football stadium, 1962. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000119A )

Captain Bob Groom, 4600th Air Base Wing Information Officer inspects a crash site. Two Air Force Academy officers lost their lives when T-33 jet trainer crashed during landing at Peterson Field. 1969. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000135A )

Latest to join the growing family of wild birds living on the 18,000 acres of the Air Force Academy are 20 sharp tail grouse. Preparing to release one of the birds is, second from left. Col. Ralph C. Embrey, chief of staff and chairman of the Academy Conservation and Beauti­fication Committee. Also standing is Col. James C. Mc­Intyre, chief of veterinary services. At left is John Stevenson, state wildlife conservation officer from Colorado Springs, and right is Larry Green, wildlife conservation officer, who brought the grouse from the state's bird farm at Rocky Ford. The new residents were released on 50 acres of land plowed and sowed with barley, wheat and clover by the Academy's Rampart Range Sportsman's Club to provide cover. Pheasants, quail, turkeys also are there. 1968. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000139A )

Fifteen military men and civilians were injured when cut by flying glass at the Air Force Academy Friday as low-flying F-105 Thunderchief jet fighters cracked the sound barrier and shattered about 300 windows in the AFA complex. The flyover was in conclusion of the opening of June Week ceremonies. Caps of several officers and cadets were knocked off by falling glass, as shown here in front of Vandenberg Hall, one of the dormitories. 1968. Credit: AP Wirephoto ( 9-05152012-20000145A )

Designed by the firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, it sits at the base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet. The soaring aluminum tetrahedrons that form the outer shell of the chapel evoke both the shape of the mountains and a person's hands pressed together in prayer. 1982. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000024A )

U.S. - Air Force Academy (Under Construction) The planned six-story dormitory for cadets will have a three-story section near its center point to permit an unobstructed view of academy chapel from other parts of the reservation. 1966. The Denver Post Library Archive Credit: Denver Post ( 9-05152012-20000367A )

Air Force ROTC Cadets receive training in water survival in the Air Force Academy swimming pool where some 200 cadets from around the state are spending a month acquiring skills they will need as air crewmen and officer. 1969. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05102012-30001764A )

Cadets walk through the snow in front of the Air Force Academy Chapel in 1966. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000029A )

Interior of the Air Force Academy chapel in 1964. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000043A )

In its nook against the Ramoart Range of the Rockies in 1960, the academy has the polished appearance it likes to see in its students. Numbers in the photo above locate these points: 1) Mitchell Hall (cadet dining room); 2) Fairchild Hall (academic-library build­ing); 3) Vandenberg Hall (dormitory; 4) Harmon Hall (administration building); 5) Arnold Hall, (social center); and 6) the physical education building. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000099A )

Air Force Academy Hospital, 1965. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000134A )

Air Force Academy Football Coach Ben Martin on the business end of the shovel, assists electrical technician Tom Nichols in covering wire, which serves to heat the grass in Falcon Stadium in 1966. By keeping the soil heated, the season for growing grass on he field will be extended. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000189A )

2nd Lt. Paula A. Gathright laughs after her ride. All of the women wanted parachute lessons to follow. 1976. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05162012-10000229A )

President Kennedy at the Air Force Academy Graduation in 1963. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0134A )

Solace Follows an Exhausting Battle with Pugil Sticks Minutes earlier, Goil Benjamin, back to camera, and Kathy Utley faced one another with pugil sticks. Friendships are strengthened, not threatened. David Cupp Staff Photographer, The Denver Post. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0526A )

For first time in Air Force Academy history, skirts were in line with trousers a swearing-in ceremony. Class of 1980, registering Monday, numbered 155 women among the approximately 1,600 new cadets in 1976. Ernie Leyba Staff Photographer, The Denver Post. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0532A )

THE FIRST GRADUATION — At right, Secretary of the Air Force James H. Douglas presents his diploma to a graduating cadet of the Class of 1959, the first class to graduate from the Air Force Academy. At left, another cadet receives his commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force from Air Force Chief of Staff General Thomas D. White. The ceremonies took place in Harmon Hall at the Academy's permanent site near Colorado Springs. The Denver Post Library Archive ( 9-05152012-20000085A )

A cadet (center) looks around at the sea of hats during graduation ceremonies at the Air Force Academy in 1986. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0672A )

The Air Force Thunderbirds, precision flying team from Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev., fly over stands at the close of Wednesday's graduation ceremonies at the Air Force Academy in 1967. Group is led by Maj. Neil Eddins of Las Vegas. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0664A )

Cadet James P. Dutton, of Eugene, Ore., is congratulated by President Bush Wednesday at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremonies. Dutton maintained a 3.99 academic grade point average to graduate top in his class. (AP LaserPhoto) (str/David Zalubowski) 1991. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0765A )

U.S. Air Force Academy graduation in 1977. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0715A )

Acrobatic Pilot Draws Attention at AFA Graduation Cadets watch while one of the Thunderbirds, an Air Force precision aerial acrobatic team, flies past the east stands in Falcon Stadium during the commencement exercises at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Wednesday. The four Thunderbirds performed despite an accident a week earlier which killed fifth member of the team. More than 15,000 people watched as 749 cadets were graduated from the academy. Robert C. Seamans Jr., Air Force secretary, delivered the commencement address to the 14th graduating class at academy, 1972. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0704A )

U. S. Air Force Academy commencement, 1986. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0737A )

The End and the Beginning for Air Force Cadets The white cadet cops of graduating seniors at the Air Force Academy fill the air, above, over Falcon Stadium at the conclusion of commencement exercises in 1975. The Denver Post Library Archive ( img0690A )

The Thunderbirds fly overhead as United States Air Force Academy, Wednesday, May 31, 2006, during graduation at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs. RJ SANGOSTI/ The Denver Post ( GARD )

Air Force Cadets "Dismissed" as the Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the United States Air Force Academy 53rd Graduation, Wednesday May 25th, 2011 at Falcon Stadium. Andy Cross/The Denver Post ( AIRFORCEGRAD )

President Barack Obama waves to a cadet's supporters during the commencement ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post ( CD24OBAMA_ADO2615 )

Graduates toss their caps in the air as World War II aircrafts fly over head during the Untited States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO May 29, 2013. Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Michael B. Donley presented diplomas to the, over 1000, newly commissioned Second Lieutenants. (Photo By Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post) ( CDAIRFORCEGRAD_CDAIRFORCEGRAD_17212 )