USAFA - Spirit of 76 - Legacy Project - REPORT! Interviews with the Long Blue Line.

Marc Felman grew up an AF brat and shares his wisdom about how such a childhood carries into adulthood. At USAFA Marc was on Ac Pro 7/8 semesters, survived 4 academic boards, was on the Comm's list 8/8 times, and that combo meant he graduated far from the bottom of the barrel. After R flight he got to become an honorary non-com as well as SERE instructor. On active duty received both the MacKay and Jabara awards as a tanker pilot with an incredible story concerning weather and quick thinking in the Azores. Also spent a tour at USAFA as commander of 34th flight ops. USAF base assignments included: Columbus, Kadena, Seymour-Johnson, Maxwell, Pentagon, USAFA, and Naples, IT. Three post grad degrees included one as a Harvard Fellow. Became a squadron and wing commander and finished out his AF career at the Pentagon in ops and plans. Booz-Allen and MITRE followed active duty and he still contributes on national strategy and policy for MITRE. Marc only tried to seriously quit once and the USAF and nation are grateful he didn't.

Emma is the daughter of a classmate from the Pink Panthers and is full of enthusiasm and experience. From AF brat to the zoo, after 4 high schools, to eventual CS-19 Squadron Commander to foreign travels during cadet summers she shares her pre-active duty life. Upon graduation the path continued -- USAF intel in Honduras (counter crime) to Eglin & Hurlburt in FL (AFSOC) to joint ops in Iraq (counter ISIS) = Receipient of the Bronze Star from Seal team 7. She is currently the co-founder of Strike Solutions after leaving active duty and figuring out her best path. Finally, she is nearing the end of her 8 year term on the USAFA Board of Directors.

Rachelle grew up a hotel managers "brat" and lived in the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and Bahamas before graduating HS in Boise. At USAFA she landed on both Honor and Academic probations doolie year and wanted to quit, but only daily, so her dad made her gut it out. He gave her a great gift upon graduation. She became an Air Battle Manager in AWACS while on active duty, overcome airsickness, and eventually managed over 300 people during major system upgrades while undermanned. Tindall, Tinker, and Mountain Home were her primary location assignments and she deployed several times to other places. She transitioned to civilian life and after moving to the Springs during COVID and helping with the USAFA web and video content is now the typical grad juggling multiple roles: mom of two, wife, management consultant, canine foster parent, and cross fit level 1 instructor.

Chris grew up an AF brat mostly in the No Va area and was recruited for AFA lacrosse (among other schools). He lettered all four years at AFA but also found himself with an interesting story of 80-80-6 (that's tours, demerits, and months restriction) with an additional 20 tours earned during his 3 degree year. Whew! After his 2 degree year started he lost his pilot qual, which has happened to many of us... He started at AFA upon graduation working for the lacrosse program and fighting to get his pilot slot back- and ended up entering the world of USAF maintenance. That turned out ok since his wife, Jannell - also a 98 grad and on another episode in the series- got her pilot wings and they were able to get stationed close enough to each other over the years to stay together and raise kids through thick and thin. Chris had assignments in Germany and NC as he climbed the maintenance career ladder reaching commander status in 2009. Then it was off to the Pentagon where he excelled in strategy roles on the Israel/Palestine, then Levant, then Iran desks leading to a stint at the Brookings Institute. From there it was Group Commander in New Mexico followed by V-Com of Logistics in Utah. As of this interview Chris is an undefeated HS lacrosse coach, father of two, and outstanding and supportive husband.

Bob Gold grew up in So Cal and got the flying bug at a young age. So he went off to USAFA to become a pilot not knowing what was awaiting him (I had a similar initiation so totally know whereof he speaks!). Bob shares a doolie year story about another cadet my Pink Panther classmates will recognize. From Ac Pro to Dean's list and upon graduation from UPT to F-4's to A-10's to staff assignments Bob traveled the world and now, after a long post-USAF career as a pilot for UPS, has retired to Alaska.

This episode you meet Jannell MacAulay, Class of 98, and hear about her upbringing, academy life (2 year as a Pink Panther!), academic and flying career on active duty with additional roles as special operations consultant and international diplomat. Upon retirement from the USAF she successfully transitioned into her successful career as speaker and professional instructor in "Ancient Warrior" mindfulness. On a personal note, since I am a long time season ticket holder and original 12, we discuss her role with the Seattle Seahawks and how she helps them prepare mentally for each day. She is quite an impressive graduate and also a mom of two. I now you will enjoy hearing her story.

Dave grew up in Sacramento and was HS class President, debate, and band member who was the 1st ever Calif State HS intern. At USAFA Dave got on conduct and aptitude probation AND was on the Commandant' s List, Yell Leader of the cheer squad, and member of the AFA Color Guard. Upon graduation he stayed at AFA as a minority affairs advisor/recruiter. After a short stint in pilot training Dave became an Air Weapons Officer eventually rising to Flight Commander in AWACS. While on active duty he joined Toastmasters and won the world championship with a motivational speech in 1991. Upon retirement from the USAF Dave became a life coach and field trainer for Training Solutions out of Leesburg, VA. Dave recently ended a role as an Internet radio station manager in OK. I've known Dave since our cadet days and know you will enjoy this episode.

(Ret) MAJ Tom Lange grew up in Arizona in an active family of four boys. After achieving his college goal of playing D-1 football (as the USAFA punter for all four years, three as the primary) Tom