The creation of The Colonel Richard Ernest Evans Memorial Fund

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Captain Evans and his father, William E. Evans, principal of Knoxville High School

At the time of Veterans Day 2019, Colonel Richard “Eager” Evans would have been 100 years old. That day, as our family reflected on his momentous life and extraordinary character, we were in firm agreement: Richard’s return from WWII was a gift to our family, his poignant stories are a gift to many more, and any profits that should come from the sharing of the latter should be gifted back to the brave men and women of the U.S. Air Force.

As of Veteran’s Day 2021, our family is incredibly proud to announce the creation of The Colonel Richard Ernest Evans Memorial Fund, established through the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) earlier this year. The Fund has been established through the generous donations of family, friends and so many more who would like to find a way to give back to our brave Airmen and Guardians. Additionally, all revenue from the sale of the “Richard Eager” book is donated to this fund.

AFAS provides support in many ways, but we decided that this permanent fund should specifically support the Society’s education efforts. The value of education is ingrained in our family. Richard’s father, a beloved principal and educator in Knoxville, TN, raised four sons who all fought in and survived WWII. We credit their education in the classroom, as USAAC cadets, and as U.S. Air Force Airmen for their lifetimes of success.

Through the establishment of The Colonel Richard Ernest Evans Memorial Fund, we are proud to support the AFAS mission of “Airmen Helping Airmen” by providing scholarships and grants to help future generations of Airmen and Guardians continue their education. It is a wonderful cause and one which we know Colonel Evans would be honored to support through his words and legacy.

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