Legends from World War II, Vietnam, 9/11, and NASA Convene at AFA Event

June 9, 2025

AFA’s Montgomery Chapter in Alabama hosted an exceptional luncheon honoring nine distinguished aviation and space trailblazers—from a 103-year-old combat pilot in World War II, to the deadliest American ace in the Vietnam War, to the first African American to command a space shuttle.

The annual “Gathering of Eagles” event welcomed more than 120 guests from the Montgomery Chapter, their River Region community partners, and other Montgomery friends in a celebration of heritage, leadership, and inspiration.

This year’s slate of “Eagles” (as the legends are called) were selected by Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) students as part of their year-long research work. ACSC leads the “Gathering of Eagles” program, with students selecting, researching, and hosting each Eagle at various academic and community events. The legends included:

Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF (Ret.)
A Vietnam War veteran and the 15th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Fogleman flew 390 combat missions and later led the first NATO deployment of the F-15. He was the first pilot to combat qualify in both the F-15 and F-16.  His career spanned decades of leadership in both combat and strategic commands.

Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville, USAF (Ret.)
A 39-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Sasseville retired in 2024 as Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau. On 9/11, he scrambled an unarmed jet to intercept Flight 93, the airliner that passengers forced into a crash in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania. As 9/11 events unfolded, he escorted Air Force One back to Washington, D.C. His heroic actions on that historic day remain a defining moment in his storied career.

Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr., USAF (Ret.)
A U.S. Marine pilot and NASA astronaut, Bolden flew four space shuttle missions and logged over 680 hours in space. He was the first African American Marine to pilot and command a shuttle, and he flew over 100 combat missions as an A-6A Intruder pilot during the Vietnam War.

Col. Charles B. “Chuck” DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.)
America’s top ace of the Vietnam War with six aerial victories, DeBellevue was the first Weapons Systems Officer to achieve ace status. After Vietnam, he earned pilot wings and held numerous leadership roles, including multiple command positions.

Maj. John “Lucky” Luckadoo, USAF (Ret.)
At 103 years old, Luckadoo is one of the last surviving World War II B-17 pilots. A veteran of the “Bloody Hundredth” 100th Bomb Group, he flew 25 combat missions over Europe, demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the face of extreme danger.

SEAC Ramón Colón-López, USAF (Ret.)
The fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colón-López served 33 years in the Air Force, primarily in Special Operations. He advised top U.S. defense leaders during times of major transition, shaping policies on modernization, recruitment, and readiness.

Flight Lt. Garry G. Cooper, RAAF (Ret.)
With over 25,000 flight hours in 41 aircraft types, this Australian pilot is the only foreign recipient of the U.S. Air Force Cross, awarded for his service as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam. He later saved 116 lives by safely landing a Boeing 707 with only one operational engine.

André Borschberg
Co-founder and pilot of the Solar Impulse project, Borschberg completed the first solar-powered flight around the world in 2016. His 117-hour solo flight from Japan to Hawaii set world records and was a test bed for clean aviation technologies.

John and Martha King
Co-founders of King Schools, the Kings revolutionized pilot education with their engaging and accessible training programs. They are the first and only married couple to earn every FAA civilian category and class of pilot and instructor certificates.

AFA’s Montgomery Chapter extends its gratitude to the various Community Partners who made this year’s “Gathering of Eagles” possible, especially PowerSouth, the presenting sponsor.

Platinum Sponsors:

  • First Command
  • Servis 1st Bank
  • The City of Montgomery

Gold Sponsors:

  • MAX Credit Union
  • Goodwyn Mills Cawood
  • Montgomery Chamber of Commerce
  • Southeast Cherokee Construction Inc.
  • Troy University
  • Industrial Partners, LLC