“For me our class gift is all about why we have an Air Force Academy in the first place...to develop leaders with a keen sense of integrity, commitment, sacrifice and dedication not just for our military but for all walks of life. Lance symbolizes such a leader. Our gift serves as a reminder of the wonderful job the Academy does helping to grow young men and women into highly productive members of society. I'm proud of what we've accomplished as a class to help make this world a better place. Clearly we accepted the challenge. I hope every one of our classmates can find a way to participate in this most meaningful gift to the Academy.” - Howell Estes '65

"We now approach our fiftieth reunion. It is a time to consider all we received from the Academy and how we give back. Our gift honors the courage, determination and sacrifice of the POWs by highlighting the story of Capt. Lance Sijan, our classmate and the Academy's only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. I feel our project embodies the values we share and gives to the Academy a lasting tribute to our class as we represented those values." - Bart Holaday '65

“As I look back over the 54 years since we entered the academy, I recognize how much my life has been changed for the better because of my Academy experience. I also fondly look back on all of the friendships with my classmates and all of the advice, counsel, and support that they have provided me over the years. I am saddened by each death in our class, those in Vietnam and those since-particularly two of my squadron mates who were also my roommates. When asked to give, I didn't hesitate and I feel that this monument will be a lasting tribute our class. I have also felt compelled to additionally give in the name of my two squadron roommates who have passed. I encourage every member of the very best USAFA class to give. "We accept the challenge!” - Terry Drabant '65