ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — Brig. Gen. Christian Funk has traversed a remarkable journey since his days as a standout defensive end on the Air Force Academy football team in the early 1980s.
Transitioning from fighter pilot to wing commander and presently serving as the deputy director of strategy, concepts, and assessments for the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon, Funk has charted a distinguished career in the Air Force.
Whenever feasible, he endeavors to return to his alma mater to demonstrate his support for the Academy football team and its cadets.
During the latter stages of the 2018 football season, Funk graced the field once again with his beloved Falcon football team. On this particular occasion, he served as the honorary captain during the coin toss at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he was recognized for his contributions as a member of the AFA team and his illustrious Air Force career.
“It’s a tremendous honor to represent the Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and the U.S. Air Force Academy,” the general remarked. “Being in the Air Force has defined my entire adult life and that of my family. Witnessing the Falcons play, especially having the privilege to stand alongside the team on the sidelines, is always a humbling experience. Those young athletes remind me of myself and my teammates 35 years ago. It’s a timeless experience shared by many alumni on the sidelines Friday night at UNLV.”
Observing the first half from the AFA sideline, it was evident that being in close proximity to his former team reignited Funk’s competitive spirit. During moments when the defense faced challenges early in the game, he positioned himself behind the bench, absorbing the coaches’ strategies and the players’ responses following a UNLV touchdown drive.
“Watching the game is still nerve-racking; I often wish I could contribute more than just cheering or concern,” he confessed. “I wanted to hear the coaches’ adjustments, observe the interactions with the players, and witness their reactions.”
Despite his extensive global military assignments, Funk maintains a close connection to the academic institution and football program that laid the foundation for his career.
“The Academy cultivates exceptional teams and individuals,” he emphasized. “Being a student-athlete there entails meeting the rigorous demands of academics and competing at the Division 1 level — managing a full class schedule alongside a demanding athletic regimen and cadet responsibilities.”
Reflecting on his formative years in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Funk attended Pine Forest High School under the guidance of Coach Gary Weller. Recruited by service academies and several East Coast football teams, he ultimately chose to enroll at the Air Force Academy, following in the footsteps of his older brother. As a four-year letterman, Funk achieved distinction as the Western Athletic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season of 1984, also earning recognition as AFA Male Athlete of the Year in 1985. His collegiate career included 248 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two caused fumbles, and four blocked kicks.
Following his graduation, Funk served as a graduate assistant under Coach Fisher DeBerry during the Academy’s record-setting 1985 football season, which culminated with a 12-1 record and a top-five national ranking after a victory over the University of Texas in the Bluebonnet Bowl.
Throughout his military tenure, Funk has maintained enduring ties with the football program, staying in touch with both Coach DeBerry and current Coach Troy Calhoun.
“Coach Calhoun, a fellow ’89 graduate, was a freshman when I served as a graduate assistant,” Funk recalled. “I remain actively involved with the Blue and Silver Club and the Bolt Brotherhood, holding season tickets, making donations, and offering support whenever needed in my base and community.”
Beyond his dedication to the Academy, Funk passionately supports Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service.
“As a former player and coach, recruiting excites me,” he admitted. “It’s rewarding to engage with individuals eager to join the military, witnessing their enthusiasm and realization of future possibilities. Recruiting ensures we bring in capable individuals who safeguard our nation’s freedoms, ensuring a secure future for generations to come.”
During his tenure as installation commander at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida, Funk received accolades as Wing Commander of the Year from AFRC Recruiting Service, acknowledging his steadfast support for recruiting initiatives.
“While I held the wing and installation commander roles, the credit truly belongs to the recruiting experts,” Funk emphasized. “I supported their vision by ensuring resources were available, from training opportunities to logistical support, simplifying processes such as in-processing recruits within the Force Support Squadron. Every detail mattered in facilitating their success.”
In addition to professional commitments, Funk has also contributed to recruiting efforts personally, utilizing the Get One Now peer referral program to facilitate his son Hugh’s enlistment in the Reserve. This program allows Reservists and civilian employees to recommend family members or friends for Reserve service, recognizing successful referrals with various awards. Funk proudly administered his son’s enlistment oath at Homestead, a deeply meaningful moment despite a momentary lapse during the oath recitation.
Currently serving as Senior Airman and a member of the USAFA jump team, Wings of Blue, assigned to the 70th Flying Training Squadron in Colorado Springs, Funk shares a passion for skydiving with his son. Both continue a cherished family tradition rooted in their love for aviation and adventure.
“As typical Air Force father and son, we share a deep bond through our shared experiences,” Funk reflected. “From his childhood to my deployments and our skydiving adventures, my wife Lori has been a steadfast pillar of support, managing our home and family through numerous moves and deployments. Her resilience and commitment have been indispensable to my career.”
Looking back on his accomplished career, Funk expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities and experiences afforded to him.
“I’ve been fortunate to fly aircraft I deeply admired, including the F-16 and A-10, accumulating over 4,000 flying hours in roles ranging from test pilot to instructor and evaluator,” he recounted. “From numerous deployments to a special operations tour as a fire support officer and serving as a group deputy commander, my operational career has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Throughout his journey, Funk acknowledged that his family’s unwavering support has been pivotal to his achievements.
“Lori and I have been together since high school, navigating the challenges of Academy life, military service, and raising our children,” he acknowledged. “We’ve forged enduring friendships and treasured memories. Our journey has been a shared one, defined by our commitment to each other and the sacrifices of military life. I owe much of my success to her strength and resilience.”
For more information about the Get1Now peer referral program, visit https://www.get1now.us/ or download the app.
