Lt. Colonel Cecil A. Lynn Jr.: A Legacy of Service, Sportsmanship, and Scholarship
Lt. Colonel Cecil Augustus Lynn Jr. (1941–2021) was a distinguished figure whose life encompassed military service, community involvement, and a deep commitment to youth development through sports and education.
🇺🇸 Military Service and Leadership
Born on September 21, 1941, in Highbank, Texas, Cecil Lynn embarked on a notable military career after earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. He served over 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service included various assignments both domestically and internationally, and he played a pivotal role in constructing armories for the New Mexico Army National Guard. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
🏀 Champion of Sports and Youth Empowerment
Beyond his military accomplishments, Col. Lynn was deeply invested in sports and youth mentorship. Over nearly 45 years, he officiated high school, collegiate, and USA-level competitions in basketball, football, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Through his company, Weekender, Inc., he organized officiating trainings and athletic tournaments across New Mexico. His dedication to sports officiating was recognized in 2018 when he was inducted into the New Mexico Officials Association Hall of Fame.
Col. Lynn was a staunch advocate for education-based athletics, emphasizing the importance of academics alongside sports. He mentored numerous officials and student-athletes, instilling values of discipline, integrity, and continuous learning.
🎓 Legacy Through Scholarship
In honor of his enduring impact, the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) Foundation, in collaboration with Col. Lynn’s family, established the Lt. Col. Cecil A. Lynn Jr. Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports graduating high school student-athletes pursuing higher education, reflecting Col. Lynn’s belief in the transformative power of education.
The inaugural scholarship recipients in 2022 were RyLee Crandall of Artesia High School and Maleki Jones of Española Valley High School, both of whom exemplify the values Col. Lynn championed.
🪙 Commemorative Coin: A Symbol of Service
To further honor his legacy, a two-inch bronze coin featuring Col. Lynn’s image and the NMAA logo was commissioned. Distributed to over 1,500 sports officials across New Mexico, the coin serves as a tangible reminder of his contributions to sports and community service.
🌳 A Living Tribute
In a gesture reflecting his love for nature and community, a tree was planted in Montgomery Park in Albuquerque, a place where Col. Lynn often walked and ran. This living memorial stands as a testament to his enduring presence in the community he served so diligently.
Lt. Colonel Cecil A. Lynn Jr.’s life was a tapestry of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to uplifting others. His legacy continues to inspire through the scholarship bearing his name, the officials who carry his commemorative coin, and the countless lives he touched through his multifaceted contributions.
Support the Legacy
To honor Col. Lynn’s enduring impact and support future student-athletes, consider making a donation to the Lt. Col. Cecil A. Lynn Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Your contribution will help continue his mission of empowering youth through education and sports. You can visit our donations page here:
Donate to the Lt. Col. Cecil A. Lynn Jr. Memorial Scholarship.