Congress honors AFA's 1st graduating class

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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution Nov. 4 honoring the Air Force Academy's first graduating class. 

U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado introduced the resolution to congratulate the class of 1959 on their 50th graduation anniversary and recognize their contributions to the United States. 

On July 11, 1955, 306 men entered the new U.S. Air Force Academy. Four years later, on June 3rd, 1959, 207 cadets graduated. One received a commission in the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, and one graduate was medically disqualified from being commissioned. The other 205 became second lieutenants in the Air Force upon graduation.

The class included one football Academic All-American, Brock Strom. Retired Lt. Gen. Bradley Hosmer, the top graduate of the class, went on to study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Hosmer was the first of 35 USAFA Rhodes Scholars. 

"The graduates for the class of 1959 have served this country with distinction and honor," Congressman Lamborn said. "That class included a future astronaut, farmers, CEOs, entrepreneurs and generals. It is with gratitude and deep respect that I recognize these men and thank them for their service. The Air Force Academy is a national treasure as well as a landmark in Colorado Springs.

"The Class of '59 created lasting traditions and set high standards for the 41,000 cadets who have followed in their steps," the congressman added. "I look forward to another half century of extraordinary achievements from our cadets."