U.S. Air Force Academy pays tribute to beloved 10th Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Scott

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. Winfield W. “Skip” Scott Jr., the 10th superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, was laid to rest with military honors at the Academy Cemetery March 29 after a funeral mass at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument and a committal service at the school’s memorial pavilion.

Scott served as the Academy’s superintendent from 1983-1987, while current superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark was a cadet. Clark eulogized Scott, saying his former superintendent will be remembered for his love of country, love of cadets and love for the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“It is truly a miracle what his life produced for me and so many others,” Clark said. “His mind was sharp and amazing. He impressed me so much, as he always did, even as a 19-year-old when I first met him.”

Clark, a former Falcons football athlete, said he and other Falcon athletes were always delighted when Scott appeared at the team’s practice.

“We were in awe of how he supported our team and showed up at practice, but he just seemed to be everywhere, all the time, supporting us,” he said.

When Clark received notice of Scott’s March 19 death, he said Scott has been and will remain a “personal inspiration.”

“I can’t say enough about the character and humility of General Scott,” he said. “He was my superintendent and when an injury put pilot training in doubt for me, he intervened to ensure that I could continue to follow my dream.”

Scott, a Class of 1950 West Point graduate, served as a pilot during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

A formation of cadets, honor guard firing party, taps, presentation of the U.S. flag and missing man formation of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets soared over the burial site, honoring Scott’s nearly four decades of military service.