News>Academy assistant professor killed in Afghanistan
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Maj. Philip D. Ambard gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States when he was killed April 27 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Maj. Ambard arrived at the Air Force Academy Department of Foreign Languages in December 2003. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Maj. Philip D. Ambard gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States when he was killed April 27 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Maj. Ambard arrived at the Air Force Academy Department of Foreign Languages in December 2003. (U.S. Air Force photo)
by Staff Report
U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
4/28/2011 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- An Air Force Academy Assistant Professor was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 27.
Maj. Philip D. Ambard gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Maj. Ambard arrived at the Air Force Academy, Department of Foreign Languages in December 2003.
"The U.S. Air Force Academy family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own, Maj. Phil Ambard, and our heart-felt condolences go out to his family and friends," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. "While we grieve this loss, we are committed to helping Maj. Ambard's family through this extremely difficult time. Phil's ultimate sacrifice is special in that he touched the lives of so many people - cadets, Airmen, friends and family - and he will have a lasting effect on all."
As a fluent speaker of both French and Spanish, Maj. Ambard served as an instructor in both languages and was consistently rated as one of the top faculty members at the Academy. His superb performance in and out of the classroom led to his selection as the Department of Foreign Languages executive officer and subsequently served in that same role for the Dean of the Faculty.
Major Ambard's sustained excellence was recognized in 2006 when he earned the distinction of Company Grade Officer of the Year for the Dean of Faculty and the entire Academy. In 2007, he was sponsored by the Department of Foreign Languages for a Ph.D. program at Denver University, which he completed in 2010 and was scheduled to return to the Department of Foreign Languages after a 365-day deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan.
"Major Ambard embodied the ideals of Integrity, Service and Excellence and this legacy carries on with his family," said Brig. Gen. Dana Born, Dean of the Faculty. "He leaves a deep void at the Air Force Academy and will be missed by all of his family, friends, colleagues and the many cadets and officers whose lives he has touched."
Comments
4/28/2011 11:40:38 PM ET God bless you Major Ambard. You are a GREAT American.
Diane Word, New Mexico
4/28/2011 9:57:51 PM ET Phil worked as a sub in my school district and was extremely kind and professional. He was a good man and very supportive and gave guidance to my own daughter when she entered the USAFA. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was a good man.
