Distinguished Graduate Award

The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and the standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.

Award Winners

2001
Gen. Ronald Fogleman, '63	Mr. Harry J. Pearce, '64
2002
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski, '64	Gen. Robert C. Oaks, '59
2003
Lt. Gen. Bradley C. Hosmer, '59	Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg, '65
2004
Col. Frederick Gregory, '64	Gen. Ronald W. Yates, '60
2005
Gen. H.T. Johnson, '59	Gen. Michael E. Ryan, '65
2006
Lt. Gen. Robert D. Beckel, '59	Maj. Gen. Edward J. Mechenbier, '64
2007
Lieutenant General Ervin Rokke, '62	Gregg Popovich, '70
2008
Maj. Gen. Donald Shepperd, '62	Mr. John Martinson, '70
2009
Gen. John Michael Loh, '60	Honorable Heather A. Wilson, '82
2010
Mr. Max F. James, '64	General Ralph E.Eberhart, '68
2011
Brigadier General Ruben A. Cubero, '61	Mr. Richard D. McConn, '66
2012
Lt. Gen. Marcus A. Anderson, '61	Mr. Edward E. "Ted" Legasey, '67
2013
Mr. A. Bart Holaday, '65	Gen. (Ret) William R. "Bill" Looney III, '72
2014
Dr. Thomas J. Eller, '61	Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, '76
2015
Gen. (Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin, '70	Paul Madera, '78
2016
Gen. (Ret.) George Lee Butler, '61	Gen. (Ret.) Charles R. Holland, '68
Mr. R. David Yost, '69	Col. (Ret.) Gary E. Payton, '71

Nomination Process

While the selection criteria for this award are extremely demanding and the competition is keen, we need the assistance of every graduate to identify deserving candidates for evaluation. Non-graduates are also encouraged to submit nominations. This is our opportunity to recognize our own while identifying those who can serve as an inspiration to future generations of America's leaders.

Click here for required elements of the nomination package.

Send nomination information to:
Association of Graduates
Distinguished Graduate Award Committee
3116 Academy Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475
or e-mail gary.howe@aogusafa.org