Three generations of Air Force aviators -- a family tradition of service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Angela Moore
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Separated by decades of individual experiences, three men stand united in celebration, connected by family ties and a shared legacy of military service. 
 
Graduation day for 2nd Lt. William Hunter Bless, a winged student pilot assigned to the 71st Student Squadron, marks the continuation of another world-class pilot to the Bless family line, flying high in defense of the country for over half a century.

Gathered at Vance to celebrate Aug. 23, 2024, was retired Lt. Col. William "Billy" Bless and his son, retired Lt. Col. Ronald William Bless who stood ready to pin a new set of wings on the family's latest Air Force graduate, Willam Hunter. 

The graduate, the youngest of the three, clad in a crisp green flight suit, stood with arms crossed over his chest, recalling moments from his training for family. 

Billy gazes over the runway and reflects on his graduation at Vance Air Force Base almost 70 years prior. His face is lined with the memories of 11,000 flight hours as he now looks forward to the legacy unfolding before him. 

Beside Billy stands his son, Ronald, having served his country under very different circumstances; he stands quietly with a gentle smile, shoulders square, hands tucked lightly into his pockets.
 
The three men share a simple truth—service to the country as U.S. Air Force pilots. 

Billy's eyes drift over the landscape as he points out landmarks with a familiarity born of his own training days. Though decades have gone by, he still recognizes this place. 

"See that white thing over that way," Billy stretched his arm out as he gestured with a commanding presence, straightening a little taller, "That's what they call a V-O-R; it's a navigational aid. They were just putting it up during my class's time here. Amazing, it's still around." 

The conversation inevitably turns to the changes the past decades have brought to aviation and how William will use more instruments than his grandfather did in his flying days. 

"Even with all the changes, I'd jump back in the cockpit in a heartbeat if they needed me," Billy said. "All us boys did it for the love of America. If they were to call up today and say they need good pilots, I'd say, 'Count me in. Chalk one ready, Sir,' and my boys would be right by my side. I'd be number one, and I'm sure they would fly out in formation with me. Ready for anything."

Softened by age, Billy's eyes still hold the fierce spark of a man who once flew missions above the jungles of Vietnam. He had assignments on multiple continents, serving in Vietnam, over the Greenland Ice Cap, at Columbus, Vance, Ardmore, Seward, Dyess, Elmendorf and Kelly Air Force Bases. 

Serving as a pilot, simulator instructor, chief duty controller and chief of Standards and Evaluations, Billy flew whatever he was given the opportunity to pilot. 

Billy’s airframes included the T-6 Texan, B-25, T-28 Trojan, C-119 and just about every model of the C-130 available, including one with skis attached to the landing gear. 

Bless demonstrated his versatility and leadership in operational and instructional capacities, fulfilling whatever the mission demanded.
  
Billy’s son, Ronald, shares a knowing smile with those around him. "There's always a chance your children will follow in your footsteps, but to be here today with my son and dad, too, it's really something special." 

Billy’s grandson, William, takes it all in, listening to stories he has heard before and details he may never have known, now able to consider them from the perspective of a graduated pilot. 

He has done it, and reflecting on what it took to get here, the young lieutenant is proud. 

Another Bless pilot has joined the ranks, and they share the same sentiment with so many who have gone before them.

Discipline. Resolve. Pride. 

"Flying is hard, but I think that everyone should consider joining the military and serving their country,” William said. “We all did, and it's the best thing I've ever done."

All three men know what it takes to earn your wings in the U.S. Air Force, and now they look forward to the next chapter in this shared legacy.