HERITAGE MINUTE

In this edition of Heritage Minute Podcast, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Garrett “Sack” Harencak ’83 reflects on a career that spanned the Cold War, life on nuclear alert and the enduring importance of deterrence. He also shares how the U.S. Air Force adapted after the Cold War, transforming bombers from nuclear penetrators into highly effective conventional combat aircraft and reshaping training, operations and mindset along the way.

The process of sharing information has quickly evolved, and Air Force Public Affairs has not been immune to change.

How did military space evolve from behind-the-scenes to its own military service?

In this edition of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nina Armagno ’88 shares her firsthand perspective on the rise of military space, the creation of the U.S. Space Force and why space remains critical to national security.

The Cold War ends. Desert Storm begins. Stealth technology changes the battlefield.

In this episode of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tony Monetti ’87 reflects on a decade that reshaped the U.S. Air Force and transformed the way America projects airpower around the world.

What sticks around after nearly three decades at the U.S. Air Force  Academy? For Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tom Mabry ’80, it’s the cadets. His greatest reward wasn’t the roles or recognition — it was calling names and watching cadets cross the stage at graduation. Col. Mabry shares some of his story with Heritage Minute host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77.

In this edition of Heritage Minute Podcast, a behind-the-scenes look at how the U.S. Air Force Academy tells its story. Host Lt Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 is joined by Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Dean Miller, a former USAFA public affairs specialist and strategic communications leader, who explains why relationships and trust matter most. Miller reflects on what he carried forward from the Academy — integrity, service and excellence — and how those values matter in every role.

This April in Colorado Springs, more than 600 members of the Long Blue Line will come together to mark 50 years of women at the U.S. Air Force Academy

For five decades, thousands of women have helped define the mission and legacy of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Today, leaders like Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tanya Hurwitz ’95 are bringing those stories full circle — connecting past impact with future generations.

In this edition of Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ’78 discusses the pioneers who lived on the land before the founding of the U.S. Air Force Academy — including the McAlroy family.

Col. David McAlroy ’03 joins the conversation to reflect on discovering his family’s connection.

The Heritage Minute Channel is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network and presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

Groundbreaking began in October 2023. By September 2024, employees signed the final beam at the topping out ceremony. Staff moved in May 2025 — bringing the Association & Foundation and the Falcon Foundation together under one roof.

Designed in the Academy’s modernist style, Wecker Hall features collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms and a dedicated podcast studio. Its geothermal field, rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient design support a net-zero vision — maximizing stewardship.

Named in honor of Dr. Bill Wecker ’63 and his late wife, Mary Linn, the facility reflects a commitment to growth, sustainability and the future of the Long Blue Line.

In this edition of the Heritage Minute Special, Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck ’12 returns to the U.S. Air Force Academy to reflect on the enduring legacy of the late Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, the U.S. Air Force’s first chief of staff and a foundational figure in American airpower.

This episode examines Civil Air Patrol’s origins and the significance of the Spaatz Award. Julian shares how early exposure to military traditions shaped his own path to USAFA and why preserving heritage remains essential to developing future leaders.

The Heritage Minute Channel is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network and presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation