Col. Hank Sterling

Off the Court

Air Force alumni, as Col. Hank Sterling tells it on the shows. Each story was checked against its source.

• Charles V. Bushfirst Black Academy graduate

  Charles Bush, class of 1963. First African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy. Somebody has to go first, and he did. Noted, with respect.

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• Nicole Malachowskifirst woman Thunderbirds pilot

  Nicole Malachowski, class of 1996, was the first woman to serve as a pilot with the Air Force Thunderbirds. Precision flying, in formation, at speed. That is a standard, people.

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• Harry Chapinsinger and anti-hunger campaigner

  Harry Chapin attended the Academy only briefly. Then he became a singer, co-founded World Hunger Year, and played more than half his concerts as benefits. Congress gave him its Gold Medal in 1987. Short enlistment. Long service.

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• Karol J. BobkoSpace Shuttle astronaut

  Karol Bobko, class of 1959, is the only astronaut to have flown on the maiden flight of two Space Shuttle orbiters. Two brand new spacecraft, two first rides. Somebody trusted that man.

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