This statue of Brig. Gen. James Robinson “Robbie” Risner on the Academy TZO is 9 feet tall. It is tied to a quote from Risner. While held in captivity for seven years by the North Vietnamese, he often led informal religious services for the other POWs. These services were banned. While being taken away for punishment for this practice, the other POWs sang The Star Spangled Banner, which he said made him feel as though he was “nine feet tall.”
Risner is the Class Exemplar for the Class of 2021. He served in three wars and received the Air Force Cross twice. The Air Force Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. #YourAcademy