“Colonel Cushenberry’s introduction to the Air Force ROTC program in 1953 during his college years and his first pilot experience led to a 27- year career which included 125 combat missions in Vietnam; an assignment at the Air Force Academy as an Air Officer Commander and his return to the University of Georgia as Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander of the Air Force ROTC program in 1983.”
“Being a fighter pilot is an attitude,” said the colonel. By today’s standards, many of our “pioneers in military aviation would not have been senior leaders. They would have been weeded out as captains.” (Colonel Cushenberry was reflecting on today’s standards of being politically correct in contrast to the early pioneer fighter pilots.)”
“Colonel Cushenberry was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame April 26, 2003.” (1)
Source: (1) https://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/171290/retired-georgia-fighter-pilot-shares-experiences/
Anthony S. Cushenberry, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on November 29, 2022.
Anthony S. “Crusher” Cushenberry, 87, of Watkinsville Georgia flew west on November 29, 2022. He was the son of the late Sydnor and Sarah Elizabeth Cushenberry of Clute, Texas. Tony is survived by his loving wife, Marie and his children, Tony Jr. and Mindy (Fisher), Chris and Suzy (Deneke), Tracy and Sam Olson, and Jerry and Mandy (Fischbach). He was honored and revered by his 10 grandchildren Sydney, Kaleigh, Jessica, Chase, Carin, Bentley, Zachary, Jackie, Jake, and Sarah.
Tony considered himself blessed to have been born an American and served his country as well as his community throughout his life. He earned a scholarship to University of Georgia as a football player with all SEC and team MVP honors. He was drafted to play for the Green Bay Packers but instead joined the Air Force to serve his country. He earned his pilot wings and became a fighter pilot flying the F-100, F-105 and the F-4 where and honorably served 29 years, including a combat tour of duty in Vietnam flying 125 missions.
Upon retirement he was hired by Vince Dooley in the University of Georgia Athletic Department as an Assistant Athletic Director for all Sports Facilities. He oversaw the massive expansion of UGA Athletics and played the pivotal role in hosting the 1996 Olympic Games for the events that were held in Athens. He was a past President of the Athens Rotary Club. After his second retirement, he enjoyed tending to his vineyard and making wine in his beloved Oconee County.
He passed peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on the farm. He was buried at the historic Oconee Hill Cemetery in the shadow of the UGA football stadium with full military honors. An A-10 4-ship from Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia performed a flyby and missing man formation as a tribute to a warrior that served his country faithfully for his entire life.
Funeral services conducted by Bernstein Funeral Home. Church Services held at The Catholic Center at UGA and graveside service with full military honors at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens on December 2, 2022.
