The Legacy Saber Project
“Legacy – Something received from or transmitted by an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.”
Several years ago a USAFA 1970 grad, Steve Hoagland, contacted us with an idea. He wanted to honor the legacy of the Academy and instruct present and future cadets about this legacy with something physical that they could see and touch. 1970 grads would donate sabers and USAFA would display one in each cadet squadron so that when the torch of cadet squadron commander was passed in the Spring and Fall, they would use the legacy saber as the centerpiece for change of command ceremonies, which were not happening.
How to store or display these swords when not in use? That is where we came in as R & R Woodcrafts has been making saber cases since 1985. Fifty saber cases (40 squadron, 4 group, 1 wing and 5 extra). We were honored and energized to be part of this legacy project.
We hashed things back and forth with Steve, a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with, and came up with a prototype that used our traditional saber case designed when Rich was a C2C (USAFA Class of 86) with some special touches. We sent this prototype to the Academy (CS-37), and they used it during a Graduation ceremony. It got rave reviews.
Steve also began talking with his classmates and getting a list of saber donors. He also put blurbs about it into Checkpoints magazine to gain interest. The idea was proposed to the Academy and had to go up the chain of command.
Things were moving ahead slowly but surely, and then COVID-19 happened. This threw a wrench in the works, as leadership was consumed with sorting through the pandemic and taking care of the cadets.
Leadership also changed, as superintendents came and left. Finally, we saw the sunshine through the gloom and the project was approved by Lt Gen Richard Clark (Rich’s ’86 classmate).
We wanted to stick with our original design, so that when viewers saw the cases, they knew that they were made by R & R. We made some small but important alterations, since we realized these would be handled several times a year, as sabers were removed and used for ceremonies.
1. Tempered Glass – stronger than our regular glass (you know how rambunctious those cadets can be!). We had to source this and went through several companies until we found the right one.
2. Corners – in our regular product, we use a brass corner that is attached to the four corners of the glass and screwed into the wood. We wanted something stronger which again, would withstand frequent removing and replacing as cadets removed the sabers. We found chrome corners which give it a silver look. We had difficulty finding something that would work so actually had to alter the corners by cutting them on a metal bandsaw and polishing so that they would look “made for” this application. We also used a square drive screw to make it much easier to remove and replace.
3. Engraved Plate – we have two sizes of plate for our standard case: 2 x 4.5”, and 2 x 9”. These engravings were quite different from what we normally do, as we were going to put all the names of the 1970 grads from each squadron, along with the class crest and squadron patch. This was 16 – 20 names as opposed to one or two! We went through several iterations of the design until we determined that a longer plate would work best, so we decided on a 2 x 12” size.
We started making these, in between running our farm and Rich leaving on regular business trips with his other job (hint…it involves flying!).
I helped with staining pieces and parts, but my primary job was the engraving.
Once I got into the groove of inserting the two graphics, typing in the names and lining them up in columns, it took me 20 – 25 minutes per plate. There were 40 squadron, 4 group and 1 wing plates.
Since these were going to be handled by many people, it was decided that a container was needed to hold tools, instructions and other items needed for installation of the saber and glass handling. At first, we were thinking of a cloth bag, but finally a small wooden box was chosen. We would stain and lacquer it and then laser the class crest and USAFA crest along with wording directly into the wooden top.
Rich and I drove to the Academy to personally deliver the cases to the USAFA Association of Graduates. We were humbled when a photographer showed up to get pictures of us, the delivery and the cases for the Checkpoints Magazine.
Thank you, Steve, for giving us this opportunity and encouraging us in this endeavor, as well as all your hard work in putting this together. Special thanks also go to Marty Marcolongo, USAFA ’88 and then AOG Pres/COO, and Major Ben Chapman, then CS-37 AOC for their leadership and direction of this project.
We were honored to be a part of this amazing project and hope that the cadets will understand and appreciate the part they play in the incredible legacy of the United States Air Force Academy.
Addendum: It was decided that when cadets see the saber hanging in their squadron, they need to understand the story behind it and the significance of it. Steve Hoagland wrote a magnificent speech that has come to lovingly be known as “The Saber Was There.” He delivered it on Acceptance Day 2021 for the Class 2025, and a saber and our case were taken onto the parade ground during the Acceptance Day Parade as he spoke.
We were asked to laser the speech onto our metal plate material and design a wooden plaque to match the saber case. These were then installed next to all the saber and case displays in each squadron.
Steve Hoagland’s famous speech about the importance of the saber sums up the reason that “Every Grad Should Have One” Testimonials/Photo Library. Parents, after you read this, you will immediately be compelled to go online to Doolittle Outfitters and get on the saber waiting list! Breaking News: As of 2024, there is a brand new local supplier for the Air Force Academy sabers New Air Force Academy Saber Supplier, Facebook, www.excaliburoutdoorsusa.com, www.kilroysworkshop.com ). Order a Legacy Saber Case here: Legacy Saber Case
Steve Hoagland’s Acceptance Day 2021 Speech:
THE STORY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY LEGACY SABER
As doolies, we didn’t give sabers much thought. We just knew that we were better off avoiding all upperclassmen — particularly those who were carrying a saber!
As Firsties, we carried sabers. Remember the first time you put on a saber? You stood in front of a mirror, and did you look sharp or what?! Then it hit you – “I’m supposed to be a leader, I better get my act together!”
At graduation, many of us received sabers as gifts, and many of us gave sabers to parents and mentors to say “thanks” for their encouragement and love. Those sabers were displayed proudly in homes and offices around the world. We didn’t know it then, but we were soon to learn, that even when we were thousands of miles away from our sabers, they were always with us.
- On our wedding day, many of us walked with our spouses under an arch of sabers held by cheering classmates and friends, but whether we did that or not, THE SABER WAS THERE — reminding us of the true meaning of commitment.
- When we proudly pinned bars, oak leaves, eagles, and stars on our shoulders, THE SABER WAS THERE — reminding us that true leaders genuinely care about those they lead, and that they never demand more of others than they do of themselves.
- At family birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and vacations, THE SABER WAS THERE – reminding us of why we chose to serve; of the millions of families we serve; and of the importance of balance in our lives.
- When we mourned fallen comrades in arms, sharing the intense grief of spouses and family members, THE SABER WAS THERE – reminding us that freedom, truly, is not free.
- When we faced the terrible depravations and torture of captivity, THE SABER WAS THERE – reminding us that if we could not return with honor, we would not return at all.
- When we failed because our best simply wasn’t good enough, THE SABER WAS THERE – reminding us to take responsibility for our actions, and to recognize that quitting isn’t an option.
- When we left family and friends for “harm’s way,” knowing full well we might never return, THE SABER WAS THERE – reminding us of our solemn promise to do our duty.
When the Class of 1970 graduated, fewer than 5,000 people called themselves Air Force Academy graduates. Yet, even in those very early years, THE SABER WAS THERE. It was there in Vietnam when the first Air Force Academy graduate earned the Medal of Honor, and it was there with each of the 141 graduates, including nine members of the Class of 1970, who gave their “last full measure” in that conflict.
Today there are almost 60,000 Air Force Academy graduates. THE SABER IS THERE at the highest levels of the Air Force and in every Air Force career specialty. THE SABER IS THERE in all three branches of our government. THE SABER IS THERE at the top of our nation’s largest companies and financial institutions. THE SABER IS THERE with successful doctors, dentists, lawyers, pilots, innovators, and entrepreneurs. THE SABER IS THERE pushing back the frontiers of space, and on the front lines of cyber warfare. And, when an Air Force Academy graduate sits behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office – count on it – the SABER WILL BE THERE!
Every United States Air Force Academy Legacy Saber was owned by a member of the Class of 1970, and each has a unique 50-year history. When these sabers are used in a Cadet Change of Command Ceremony, they serve as a solemn reminder of the responsibilities that an Air Force leader has to their subordinates, to their Unit, to the Air Force, and to our country. They also serve as a reminder of the truly unique legacy inherited by every Academy graduate.
Now, these sabers belong to you. Their legacy belongs to you. From the jungles of Vietnam; to the tragedy of 9/11; from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, and to countless other places we may never learn about, Air Force Academy graduates have served with honor and excellence. The saber binds us all together.
You will write the next chapter in this story – remember your legacy, and…, MAKE US PROUD!