Count The Helmets

About the Book

Count the Helmets is the completion of a thirty-year goal to write a highly accurate story about the people that made up the 1985 AFA Falcon football team, its coaches and players, their journey through an extraordinary 12-1 season, and how their shared experiences at the academy resulted in the development of leaders of character, in a culture of commitment, and a climate of respect, ready to serve their country. The success of this book, however, will be measured by how well it helps potential cadets, from every possible culture and background, better understand the culture and values of the Air Force Academy, allowing them to make a better, more informed choice about whether the AFA is the right place for them—or not.

About the Author

The author, Neal Starkey, is a 1968 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a cofounder of the AFA’s first Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter, a two-time Football All-American (1966–’67), and a former football coach at the AFA. Neal has over thirty-five years’ experience in the computer, defense, and aerospace industries and started/owned four commercial businesses. Neal and his wife of forty-seven years, Sharon, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.