Academy’s AOG names 2015 distinguished graduate honorees Published Jan. 19, 2016 By U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy's Association of Graduates named retired Gen. Gregory Martin, a 1970 Academy graduate, and Paul Madera, a 1978 Academy graduate, as this year's distinguished graduate honorees. The men will be honored at the Academy's annual Founders Day Banquet April 1. Martin, the 1969 national collegiate parachuting champion, was a command pilot who received numerous awards during his career, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Martin commanded the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron; the 479th Tactical Fighter Training Wing; the 33rd Fighter Wing; the 1st Fighter Wing; U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Allied Air Forces Northern Europe; and Air Force Materiel Command. He also served as the vice director of the Joint Staff’s Force Structure and Resources Directorate; director of Operational Requirements for the Air Force and deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Madera, an F-4 and F-16 pilot and instructor in South Korea, Spain and Utah, became a congressional liaison. Each year since 2001, the Academy and the AOG recognize two distinguished graduates for their contributions to the U.S. and their communities. Visit www.usafa.org to reserve tickets for the Founders Day celebration.