Tribute to Colonel André FLEURY, First Director of the Air and Space Academy

It is with great sadness and sorrow that the Academy learned of the death of Colonel André FLEURY, first Director of the Air and Space Academy.

He joined the Air Force in 1953 and was a fighter pilot in 1955 in Canada. Active officer in 1965 he rose to positions of responsibility such as, successively, in charge of a firing range, flight safety officer of an air base, second officer of a combat squadron overseas, to finish his military career as Chief of Operational Assets of an air base.

He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in 1980 and awarded a Knight of the Legion of Honour.

In 1984, former Air Force pilot André FLEURY, then on leave from the aircrew, wanted to apply for a job at the Academy. He had discovered the Academy the previous year by watching the 1 p.m. newscast presented by Yves Mourousi, broadcast from the Capitol City Hall, on the occasion of the creation of the Academy.

His qualities as a reserved, rigorous man and his modesty seduced André Turcat who recruited him in 1984 as Director of the Academy. He contributed greatly to the development of the latter and had been able to create a place of welcome and friendly exchanges that he loved to share with the members.

He found himself at the crucial period of the computerization of the Academy and devoted himself fully to it with his keen sense of responsibility.

After his retirement in 1997, André FLEURY has always maintained a link with the Academy, notably by going to conferences at the Toulouse Media Library and attending the solemn session every year.

It is an emotional farewell that all members and staff give to the one who marked the beginnings of the Academy.