Gone But Not Forgotten

Honoring fallen comrades is an important part of the AOG mission and we ask to be notified as soon as possible of the death of any graduate, Air Training Officer or cadet so that we can take appropriate actions. The AOG has learned of the following deaths within the past 90 days.

For best results, try searching by Last Name (e.g. Smith), Class Year (e.g. 1959), or Cadet Squadron (e.g. CS-01). More complex searches may not return desired results.

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Mr. David Jackson - Class of 1963 , CS-15

Deceased on January 6, 2021 - Informed on February 10, 2021

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service will be held on 21 June 2021 at 1300 hours a the USAFA Cemetery Memorial Pavilion. Placement of his urn in the Columbarium will immediately follow the service.

Col (Ret) John Jacobcik - Class of 1963 , CS-18

Deceased on April 13, 2003

Mr. Joseph Johnson - Class of 1963 , CS-04

Deceased on October 24, 2009 - Informed on October 29, 2009

Please contact the AOG for condolence information. Memorial Service: 29 October 2009 at 1700 hrs at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Palm Desert CA. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Klem Kalberer , Jr. - Class of 1963 , CS-14

Deceased on January 20, 2016 - Informed on March 20, 2017

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A graveside service will be held on 14 April 2017 at 1200 hours at the USAFA Cemetery. He will be inurned along with his daughter Kim who passed away on 17 Mar 1972.

Mr. Frank Karasienski - Class of 1963 , CS-20

Deceased on December 11, 2002

Maj (Ret) Ronald Kautz - Class of 1963 , CS-06

Deceased on March 26, 2021 - Informed on September 20, 2021

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service was held at the time of his passing in Austin, TX. His family has suggested that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Christ Lutheran Church; 300 E Monroe St; Austin, TX 78704. His obituary can be found at https://www.harrellfuneralhomes.com/obituary/579632/Ronald-Kautz/

Lt Col (Ret) William Keenan , Jr. - Class of 1963 , CS-05

Deceased on April 18, 2017 - Informed on May 15, 2017

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Services were held in Sumter, SC at the time of his passing. Burial was in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Sumter, SC.

Mr. James Kennedy - Class of 1963 , CS-09

Deceased on November 4, 2022 - Informed on December 9, 2022

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/murfreesboro-tn/james-kennedy-11002539 Memorial Service: 10 Dec 2022 at 1400 hours Trinity United Methodist Church, 2303 Jones Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Funeral service: 16 Jun 2023 at 1300 hours at the USAFA Cemetery. This will be a combined service and burial for both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy passed away on 5 Apr 1999

CDR (Ret) James Kerley - Class of 1963 , CS-02

Deceased on January 12, 2000

Mr. George Kern - Class of 1963 , CS-02

Deceased on October 26, 2004

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Next of Kin

For Next of Kin support resources please visit: https://www.usafanextofkin.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten annual publication

The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation has introduced a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.

Gone But Not Forgotten, which appeared in Checkpoints magazine for decades, has transitioned to a dedicated, annual publication. The inaugural edition of Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten published in March 2025.

A: As the Academy’s graduate population ages, Checkpoints has become increasingly insufficient in accommodating the growing number of submitted memorial articles.
A: The new Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten publication honors the Long Blue Line by sharing the personal stories of graduates, cadets, Air Training Officers and AOG Honorary Members. It reflects our mission to support the Academy, serve graduates and preserve the heritage of the institution and Long Blue Line.
A: We considered several cost-effective, impactful options and consulted with our peers at the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. West Point’s TAPS publication provided an excellent model for this new publication.
A: One complimentary copy is provided to a loved one of the deceased memorialized in the publication. Additional printed copies are available for a nominal fee of $25 each. The digital version is available at no cost to all AOG members.
A: AOG members can access the digital issue at usafa.org. If you are not a member but wish to join and access this benefit and others, membership is available at no cost to all USAFA graduates here.
A: Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten is available for $25 here or by calling 719-472-0300. The fee supports providing one complimentary copy to families of those memorialized.
A: See below:
A: Past memorial articles printed in Checkpoints are available as a commemorative keepsake for $15 each. These keepsakes include the photo that ran with the tribute and are printed on sturdy paper, suitable for framing. Articles come enclosed in a blue linen folder and can be ordered here or by calling 719-472-0300. Commemorative keepsake orders will ship or be available for pickup within two weeks of the order date.
A: See below:
A: A major benefit of transitioning to an annual publication is that 2025 memorial articles may run up to 800 words — double the current limit. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Email a recent favorite photo of the deceased. The photo (head and shoulders, color preferred) should be emailed as a high-resolution .jpg. Low-resolution image submissions may be declined in favor of a cadet yearbook photo.
A: Submit a memorial article and photo through a form at usafanextofkin.org or email deceasednotifications@usafa.org.
A: One of the major benefits of transitioning to a dedicated, annual publication is that memorial articles can now be up to 800 words. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 should be emailed when ready to ensure the Association and Foundation can post the tribute on usafa.org/heritage/gbnf.
A: The last issue memorial articles appeared in Checkpoints was in December 2024, but death notices will continue to be published in Checkpoints.
A: Death notices will be printed in each issue of Checkpoints.
A: See below:
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 will be printed around March 2026.
A: Call 719-472-0300 or email Terri Davis, next-of-kin support specialist, at deceasednotifications@usafa.org.

Gone But Not Forgotten